Most of us have a general idea of what nurses do – looking after patients, of course.
As some of the most important people in our community, nurses impact the lives of people every day. But the nitty gritty of the different levels of nursing can be a bit of an unknown outside the health sector.
You may have heard the terms Registered Nurse (RN), Enrolled Nurse (EN), Division 1 or Division 2 and wondered about the difference between them. Or, you might have wondered which pathway to nursing would suit you best as you begin your own career.
We spoke to Chisholm Bachelor of Nursing coordinator Philippa Ashworth about the differences between the two nursing roles. She also shed light on the study and career pathways to choose from.
What is an enrolled nurse?
An EN is a nurse who has completed a diploma-level qualification, like our Diploma of Nursing.
The qualification allows you to work as an EN in a range of settings, including hospitals, aged care services and medical clinics. As an EN, you must always be supervised by an RN.
ENs are sometimes called Division 2 nurses. Their jobs involve implementing and monitoring patient care. They also administer medicines, comply with infection control, perform clinical assessments and contribute to planning care processes.
Once you've completed your relevant diploma, you can register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as an Endorsed Enrolled Nurse.
What is a registered nurse?
An RN is a nurse with an undergraduate qualification, such as the Bachelor of Nursing.
RNs are able to work more independently and with more seniority than ENs. They can plan, implement and evaluate nursing care for patients, provide treatments and therapies such as medications, and monitor responses to treatment and care plans. Sometimes called Division 1 nurses, RNs can supervise the work of ENs and oversee other health care workers.
Philippa says the big difference between an EN and an RN is the scope of practice, and that RNs have the option to consider postgraduate study.
"As an EN, you're limited in some of the things you can do, whereas an RN can look at the management stream, education stream, and you can advance to postgraduate specialist studies."
Nursing courses and study pathways
The VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM)
VCE VM is a two-year program for year 11 and 12 students who prefer hands-on learning and don't need an ATAR. It helps to build real-world skills and prepares you for further study.
The VCE VM is a great way to get a feel for the nursing industry. It can also allow you to gain access to the Diploma of Nursing and qualify as an EN. From there, you can get industry experience and/or further your skills and qualifications.
The diploma of nursing is a comprehensive 18-month course developed to prepare ENs for the workforce.
Chisholm's Diploma of Nursing is delivered at our Frankston and Berwick campuses by clinically current educators. You'll learn in facilities that replicate real hospital environments for the latest job-ready skills. As a diploma graduate, you'll be qualified to register with AHPRA as an EN.
The diploma is also a Free TAFE course, meaning if you're eligible, you won't have to pay the tuition fees.*
* There may still be some costs, such as student services fees or materials fees, under Free TAFE.
An EN can apply to undertake a further two years of study to become an RN through a Bachelor of Nursing.
At Chisholm, our Bachelor of Nursing (Enrolled Nurse Pathway) is delivered in partnership with Latrobe University. This unique program allows you to gain a Latrobe University degree but continue your education on campus with us.
If you’re already registered with AHPRA as an EN, you can apply for the Bachelor of Nursing through Chisholm or directly with Latrobe University
Enrolled and registered nurse salaries
Enrolled nurse: The median income for ENs in Australia is $1,618 per week.
Registered nurse: The median income for RNs in Australia is $2,156 per week.
Philippa says nurses' wages depend on years of experience, level of responsibility and the shifts they work:
"Somebody on night duty will get a much bigger shift penalty loading," she says. "You also get allowances for working late in the day, weekends and public holidays."
Nursing career pathways
Both ENs and RNs can find themselves working in a variety of settings, including providing acute care in hospitals, working in aged care or mental health.
For ENs who want to increase the scope of what they can do, Philippa says becoming an RN can lead to a diverse career without ever leaving nursing. She has worn many hats throughout her own nursing career.
"I've taught at universities and I'm now coordinating an undergraduate course in nurse education," she says. "My career pathway has seen me work for Victoria Police as a nurse looking after prisoners at police stations. I've been a school nurse, done stints in intensive care, emergency departments, coronary care and theatres. I've even worked in a nursing agency allocating staff."
"The minute you have your Bachelor of Nursing under your belt, the world becomes an even bigger oyster and you find nurses aren't just restricted to hospitals," Philippa says. "You can chop and change, and there is the opportunity to move around in the field and try before you buy."
Ready to start your nursing journey and make an impact – for the better? Explore nursing courses at Chisholm.
