How Does an Enrolled Nurse Differ from a Registered Nurse?
Understanding the distinction between an Enrolled Nurse and a Registered Nurse is crucial if you are considering a career in nursing. The fundamental distinction between the two is the level of education each has attained, though there are other elements that set them apart as well. In order to get a better understanding of the difference between both terms, let us go over a few key points in this blog.
Despite the fact that the duties of an Enrolled Nurse (EN) and a Registered Nurse (RN) frequently overlap when it comes to delivering clinical care to patients, the fundamental distinction between these two professions is that an Enrolled Nurse manages patients while a Registered Nurse supervises them.
Understand the Terms
| Who is an Enrolled Nurse? | Who is a Registered Nurse? |
|---|---|
| Completed Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Nursing | Completed their full degree qualification |
| From registered training organisation (RTO), Such as IHNA | Registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) |
| Enrolled Nurses are integral part of a medical team | Registrations managed by (AHPRA) |
| They oversee patient care & work under supervision RN | RN’s specialise in specific areas of nursing or even become a clinical nurse specialist |
| Falls under second-level nurses, i.e both direct and indirect supervision | They are first-level nurses |
Educational Requirements
To qualify for such a post, enrolled nurses normally finish a two-year vocational education training (VET) programme, whereas registered nurses must complete a three-year university course as part of the Bachelor of Nursing degree. Therefore, becoming an enrolled nurse can act as a prerequisite for being hired as a registered nurse. Although both professions function as a team, supporting one another in appropriately meeting patients’ or clients’ healthcare needs, the enrolled nurse’s significance in the healthcare setting is equal to that of the registered nurse.
Responsibilities of an Enrolled Nurse vs Registered Nurse
An enrolled nurse’s normal chores range from giving physical and emotional support to more difficult ones like dispensing drugs. Registered nurses, specialised nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, doctors, social workers, and pharmacists are just a few of the healthcare professionals that enrolled nurses collaborate with on a daily basis. You must successfully complete either a Diploma of Nursing programme or an Advanced Diploma of Nursing in order to become an Enrolled Nurse. You will need to discuss an advanced standing for you from your university of choice, given your current credentials, if you should wish to enhance your nursing profession in the future. You can obtain more information and experience from the profession by working as an enrolled nurse, which will substantially speed up your path to becoming qualified for a registered nursing position.
Though an RN can easily take on EN roles as well, the responsibilities of a Registered Nurse frequently require more problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities than those of an Enrolled Nurse. The enrolled nurse offers the help an RN needs to complete all of the latter’s duties. The RN is in charge of supervising and assigning an EN’s tasks. An RN’s routine duties include the following:
- Administering medication and keeping an eye out for any reactions or negative effects in patients
- Recording and updating patient medical data, as well as delivering thorough and precise reports
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop, carry out, and assess patient care plans
- Providing information about treatment and care plans to patients and their families
Difference in Salary
There is a difference in the salaries of both categories of nurses. The typical income of a Registered nurse is higher than that of an Enrolled Nurse since an RN is tasked with a greater amount of responsibility within the healthcare setting.
Industry Scope of Both the Fields
Both registered and enrolled nurse roles are equally important and in high demand in the healthcare industry, regardless of which one you decide to pursue. However, you could decide to develop a career as an enrolled nurse first to get a feel for the industry before pursuing registered nurse certification when you are ready to advance in your career. You will be able to approach the ladder in an ordered manner as a result of this. Regardless of your decision to continue your education to become an Enrolled Nurse or Registered Nurse, you are choosing to work in a noble and fulfilling field. In nursing, there are countless options for advancement, and no matter what path you take, you will be a significant contributor to the healthcare industry. If you are interested and want to know more about the courses or any other program in detail, you can go here. You can talk to our councillor today to enquire more about Diploma of Nursing course.
Related Blog: 5 Career Pathways for an Enrolled Nurse
