AHPRA Registration: Enrolled Nurse vs. Registered Nurse in Australia

The dedication and expertise of the nursing workforce are very important to the healthcare industry in Australia. In the nursing field, there are two key classifications of nurses who play crucial roles, they are the Enrolled Nurses (EN) and Registered Nurses (RN). Both ENs and RNs are essential parts of the healthcare system, but their training, work, and responsibilities are very different. In Australia, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) governs the registration of healthcare professionals, including nurses.

In this blog, we will provide a comprehensive comparison of the responsibilities and roles of ENs and RNs in Australia, as well as the distinct AHPRA registration pathways for each.

Who is an Enrolled Nurse (EN)?

Enrolled Nurses are an integral part of the nursing workforce in Australia. ENs are skilled professionals who provide essential nursing care under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse. Enrolled nurses play a crucial role in helping patients with their daily activities, monitoring their health, administering medications, and offering emotional support.

What are the essential qualifications and responsibilities of an Enrolled Nurse?

1. Education: To become an Enrolled Nurse, you should typically complete a Diploma of Nursing, which is a vocational education and training (VET) qualification. This diploma program usually spans between 18 to 24 months and includes both theoretical coursework and practical clinical placements.

2. AHPRA Registration: To practice as an Enrolled Nurse in Australia, you must be registered with AHPRA. You should apply for registration, provide a proof of your qualifications and undergo a criminal history check. ENs are granted endorsement as Enrolled Nurses on the national register upon meeting these requirements.

3. Scope of Practice: ENs have a defined scope of practice, which means they can perform specific nursing tasks but must work under the direct or indirect supervision of a Registered Nurse or other healthcare professionals. Ens are primarily responsible for delivering basic care, such as wound dressings, medication administration, and monitor patients.

Who is a Registered Nurse (RN)?

Registered Nurses are the foundation of healthcare in Australia, holding more advanced qualifications and responsibilities compared to Enrolled Nurses. RNs provide a wide range of healthcare services, which includes assessing patients, developing care plans, administering complex medications, and managing healthcare teams.

What are the qualifications and responsibilities of a Registered Nurse?

1. Education: To become a Registered Nurse in Australia, you need to complete a Bachelor of Nursing degree or an equivalent qualification. These programs normally take three to four years to complete and involves a comprehensive curriculum that covers nursing theory, clinical practice, and professional development.

2. AHPRA Registration: Like ENs, Registered Nurses must register with AHPRA to practice legally in Australia. You should apply for registration, demonstrating completion of an approved nursing program, and pass a criminal history check. RNs are registered on the national register under the title of Registered Nurse.

3. Scope of Practice: RNs have a broader scope of practice compared to ENs. They can independently assess patients, develop care plans, administer complex treatments, and make clinical decisions. RNs often work in more specialised roles, such as intensive care, emergency care, or as nurse practitioners, where they have advanced clinical responsibilities.

The distinct AHPRA Registration Pathways for Enrolled nurses and Registered Nurses

1. Enrolled Nurse Registration Pathway:

• You should complete an approved Diploma of Nursing program.
• You must apply for AHPRA registration as an Enrolled Nurse.
• You are required to provide evidence of qualifications and pass a criminal history check.
• Upon approval, you should be registered as an Enrolled Nurse on the national register.

2. RN Registration Pathway:

• You should complete an accredited Bachelor of Nursing degree or equivalent qualification.
• You should apply for AHPRA registration as a Registered Nurse.
• You are required to provide proof of qualifications and pass a criminal history check.
• Upon approval, you should be enlisted as a Registered Nurse on the national register.

What are the roles and responsibilities of Enrolled Nurse vs Registered Nurse?

1. Enrolled Nurse (EN):

• Provide basic nursing care.
• Assist with activities of daily living.
• Administer medications under supervision.
• Monitor vital signs.
• Report patient conditions to Registered Nurses.
• Assist with wound care and dressing changes.

2. Registered Nurse (RN):

• Assess and plan patient care.
• Administer complex medications and treatments.
• Develop and implement care plans.
• Perform advanced clinical assessments.
• Supervise ENs and other healthcare staff.
• Make critical clinical decisions.

Enrolled Nurses and Registered Nurses are both essential components of the healthcare system in Australia, each playing a crucial role in patient care. While ENs provide vital basic care under the supervision of RNs, RNs are responsible for comprehensive patient assessments and care planning. AHPRA ensures that both ENs and RNs meet the required qualifications and standards, registering them appropriately to safeguard the quality of healthcare services provided to the Australian population.

Conclusion

The distinct AHPRA registration pathways for ENs and RNs reflect the differences in their education, qualifications, and scope of practice. These pathways ensure that healthcare professionals are adequately prepared and regulated to provide safe and effective care to patients, contributing to the overall well-being of the Australian healthcare system.

Whether you're aspiring to become an Enrolled Nurse or a Registered Nurse, both roles are incredibly rewarding and vital to the Australian healthcare industry. Contact our experts at MWT Education Consultancy if you are interested in taking up a nursing career in Australia.