How to become an endorsed enrolled nurse: Australian careers in nursing

An endorsed enrolled nurse is responsible for providing high quality patient care and fulfilling the values set by the hospital or medical facility they work for. Often working with a team of medical professionals from different specialisations, endorsed enrolled nurses work towards positive patient health outcomes, and report to a registered nurse or nurse unit manager.

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Career in focus: What an endorsed enrolled nurse does
The primary role of an endorsed enrolled nurse is to look after patients, providing them with the best possible care while they face illness or injury. As they are often heavily involved with patients, endorsed enrolled nurses will also liaise with other medical staff to help them implement a treatment and care plan. Other essential duties include keeping accurate records, assisting patients with daily living (meals, hygiene, mobility), checking and reporting on health conditions and assisting with rehabilitation and wound care. It is important for endorsed enrolled nurses to be prepared to face emergency situations if they arise.
Tasks:
Following medical codes of practice when giving medical care
Advocate for the patient
Work with other health care professionals in a team
Supervise trainee nurses
Assist patients in daily living and monitor their condition
Core qualities: Skills to succeed as an endorsed enrolled nurse
Like any other type of nurse, an endorsed enrolled nurse must have high levels of compassion and a desire to help those suffering from an illness or injury. It is important to have excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate with people from all types of nationalities and socio-economic backgrounds. Nurses also spend a lot of time on their feet, so be prepared to be somewhat physically active during work hours.
Skills/attributes
Great communication skills
Responsible Compassionate
Respectful attitude towards patients and other team members
Ability to work in a team
The field: Specialisations within nursing
There is an abundance of specialisation opportunities available for endorsed enrolled nurses. To specialise in a particular area, you may have to adjust your study plan to include a particular course unit or post graduate degree.
Emergency Nurse
Emergency nurses are registered nurses who work in stressful, chaotic environments such as emergency or trauma units. The job requires quick decision making, prioritising and a calm response to pressure.
Paediatric Nurse
Paediatric nurses care for infants, children and teenagers with both chronic and acute health issues. It is important for a paediatric nurse to be able to assess and diagnose patients, as infants and young children have difficult expressing themselves and information about their condition. There is also even more room for specialisation in paediatrics as a nurse may choose to focus on one specific paediatric condition or age group.
Aged Care Nurse
As the large baby boomer generation ages, the need for aged care nurses is going to grow immensely. Nurses working in aged care need to have patience, respect and empathy.
Oncology Nurse
Oncology nurses are registered nurses who specialise in cancer. They are responsible for caring for, assessing and educating patients and their families, as well as potentially administering chemotherapy treatment. health outcomes and may administer chemotherapy drugs.
The right track: Find study options for becoming an endorsed enrolled nurse
The type of study you undertake with be dependant on the level and specialisation of nursing you wish to pursue. There are opportunities everywhere in nursing, but you still need to do your research before deciding how and what you will study.
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Starting Out
Many people interested in health care choose to undertake a vocational course first so that they can dip their feet into the industry and see if they like it. By doing a vocational course you can become an enrolled nurse.
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Building Skills
Anyone wishing to become a registered nurse must complete a bachelor degree in nursing before they can being working.
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Developing Your Resume
Undertaking further study, like a post graduate or masters degree, will allow you to work in higher level positions or specialise in a particular area, such as paediatrics, oncology or maternity wards.
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Industry Recognition
All practicing nurses must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia after completing their course. Find more information in our resources section below.
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Entering the Workforce
Have a great start to your career by putting together an impressive resume to give to potential employers. Check out our sample resume and cover letter and get some inspiration for your next application.
Job Prospects in Nursing: Working life as an endorsed enrolled nurse
Nursing is a huge industry and will continue to grow in the coming years. With Australia’s ageing population, more opportunities will arise for nurses specialising in aged care, however all types of nurses will continue to be in high demand.