“The role of an Enrolled Nurse (EN) in Australia is essential within the healthcare system, providing direct patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). This is not only a stable career with strong development opportunities but also part of Australia’s priority skilled migration list, making it an attractive choice for many international students. Let’s explore this profession with NextGem.”
1. What is an Enrolled Nurse (EN) in Australia?
An Enrolled Nurse (EN) in Australia is a nurse registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), working at a level below the Registered Nurse (RN – Bachelor of Nursing).
ENs typically complete a Diploma of Nursing and work under the supervision of RNs or doctors. They are classified as essential healthcare workers, playing a vital role across hospitals, aged care facilities, and community health services.
Typical duties of an Enrolled Nurse include:
Personal and Nursing Care
- Assisting patients with eating, mobility, and personal hygiene
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Supporting patients post-surgery or during rehabilitation
Monitoring and Recording Health Status
- Checking blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and respiration
- Observing and reporting any abnormal signs
Medication Management
- Preparing and administering medication (for ENs with medication endorsement)
- Monitoring patient responses to medication
Clinical Support
- Collecting samples (blood, urine, etc.)
- Operating basic medical equipment
Patient and Team Support
- Collaborating with RNs, doctors, and allied health professionals
- Providing information and emotional support to patients and families
In short, ENs are responsible for direct patient care, health monitoring, treatment support, and bridging communication between patients and the healthcare team.
2. Qualifications and Key Skills
Minimum qualification:
- Diploma of Nursing (18–24 months) from a TAFE or recognised institution
- Registration with AHPRA upon graduation
Additional requirements may include:
- First Aid & CPR Certificate
- Medication Endorsement (to administer medication, not required for all ENs)
- Police Check and Working with Children Check (if working with vulnerable groups)
Essential skills:
- Nursing skills: daily patient care, wound dressing, vital signs monitoring
- Communication and empathy: working with patients, families, and medical teams
- Teamwork: collaborating under RN supervision
- Time management & problem-solving: caring for multiple patients and handling unexpected situations
Practical experience:
During the Diploma of Nursing, students must complete at least 400 hours of clinical placement in hospitals, aged care facilities, or community health centres. This is a mandatory requirement for AHPRA registration.
3. Career Opportunities and Progression
3.1 Career opportunities
ENs are in high demand across Australia due to an ageing population and increasing healthcare needs.
- EN is listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), opening migration pathways under skilled visas.
- ENs are also prioritised in regional visas (Subclass 491, 494), creating further opportunities for permanent residency if working in regional areas.
Work settings include:
- Public and private hospitals
- Aged care facilities
- Primary health care clinics
- Mental health services
- Community health and disability services
This is a stable profession with strong job security and resilience against economic downturns.
3.2 Career progression
ENs can advance their careers in several ways:
Specialising as an EN
- Gaining a Medication Endorsement
- Moving into senior EN positions with experience
Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN)
- Completing a Bachelor of Nursing in 2 years (instead of 3) with credit from the Diploma
- Registering with AHPRA as an RN, gaining higher pay, broader scope, and stronger migration prospects
Postgraduate pathways (after RN)
- Nurse Practitioner
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Nurse Unit Manager or leadership roles
4. Salary and Challenges
According to Seek (2025), the average salary for an EN in Australia is:
- AUD $70,000 – $75,000 per year, depending on experience and workplace
- Higher pay is possible with medication endorsement, seniority, or working night/weekend shifts
Challenges in the role:
- High workload: long shifts (8–12 hours), multiple patients per shift
- Emotional pressure: working with elderly, critically ill, or end-of-life patients
- Limited scope of practice: ENs must work under RN supervision and cannot perform complex clinical procedures
- Ongoing learning requirements: AHPRA requires Continuing Professional Development (CPD) each year to maintain registration
Becoming an Enrolled Nurse in Australia offers excellent career prospects, stable income, and a clear progression pathway (with the option to transition to RN). However, the role comes with significant responsibility, emotional demands, and scope limitations.
It is an ideal choice for those seeking to enter the healthcare sector with a shorter training duration than RN, while still building a rewarding and long-term career.
>> Contact NextGem today for personalised advice on study options, career pathways, and migration opportunities in nursing.
