Enrolled Nurse vs Registered Nurse: Understanding the Difference in Australia

If you're new to nursing, you may have come across two common job titles: Enrolled Nurse (EN) and Registered Nurse (RN).

Both are regulated nursing professions in Australia, but they have different educational pathways, responsibilities and scopes of practice.

Understanding the difference can help you decide which qualification suits your plans.

What Is an Enrolled Nurse?

An Enrolled Nurse provides nursing care as part of a healthcare team under the direct or indirect supervision of a Registered Nurse.

Enrolled Nurses may be involved in monitoring patients, recording vital signs, assisting with care, communicating changes in patient conditions and contributing to care plans.

The work they perform depends on their competence, education, experience, workplace policies and professional scope of practice.

The usual educational pathway towards enrolled nursing is an approved Diploma of Nursing.

What Is a Registered Nurse?

A Registered Nurse has a broader scope of nursing practice and greater responsibilities in assessing health needs, planning and coordinating care, making clinical decisions and evaluating patient outcomes.

Registered Nurses may also supervise Enrolled Nurses and other members of the healthcare team.

The usual Australian educational pathway towards RN registration is an approved Bachelor of Nursing degree.

Can an Enrolled Nurse Become a Registered Nurse?

Yes. Enrolled Nurses who want to progress their careers may apply to study a Bachelor of Nursing.

Some universities offer credit or advanced standing for relevant previous qualifications. The amount of credit, entry requirements and study duration vary between institutions.

Completing a Diploma of Nursing does not automatically grant admission to a Bachelor of Nursing or registration as an RN.

Which Pathway Should You Choose?

That depends on your circumstances.

Some students prefer to begin with vocational nursing education, while others decide to study at a university from the outset.

Consider how long you want to study, the cost of training, admission requirements and your longer-term professional goals.

IHNA offers the HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing, which prepares graduates to apply for Enrolled Nurse registration, subject to the NMBA's requirements.

For anyone considering nursing, understanding the difference between EN and RN qualifications is a good place to start.

Explore: Diploma of Nursing at IHNA