If you’re a soon-to-be registered as an enrolled nurse (EN), you are likely wanting to know what your options are.
There are several career opportunities in a variety of workplaces and clinical areas. An online search of enrolled nurse job advertisements reveals a plethora of jobs available in both metropolitan and regional or rural areas.
What are my options to work as an enrolled nurse?
Transition to Practice programs – TTP
It is not a NMBA requirement to complete a transition-to-practice program (also referred to as a post-registration or graduate program), however, you may find that you’d thrive with a structured supported program.
The Victorian Department of Health has lists of public and private hospitals, where you can search their websites to see if they run a TTP program for ENs. Alternatively, you can try an internet search.
Applying directly to work as an enrolled nurse
There are no limitations to applying for enrolled nurse positions. It is the same process as with any other job. Enrolled nurses can work in clinical areas such as:
- specialist clinics
- general medical and surgical unit
- day surgery unit
- aged care
- forensic and correctional health
- mental health services
- emergency
- theatre nursing, and many more.
Try job search websites such as Seek or Careers.Vic.
Permanent pool
If you’re unable to obtain a transition-to-practice program or a permanent full- or part-time position, you could apply for work in the permanent pool of a health service. It would give you experience in different areas within that health service and an opportunity for future permanent work.
To apply, send your curriculum vitae (CV) and a cover letter outlining your interest to each hospital’s human resources department. Details will be listed on their websites. Don’t forget to follow up in the event you don’t hear back in a timely manner.
Once you have been accepted you may need to complete the general online competencies or attend in house study days on topics such as:
- hand hygiene
- fire and emergency procedures
- managing bloods
- medications
- practical competency of basic adult life support
- Wound management.
When you start your employment, support is sometimes available with supernumerary shifts (you will need to check with each workplace).
Always make sure you are fully oriented and familiar with the local policies and procedures for your workplace and ensure your knowledge is up-to-date.
Further study
You may also wish to undertake further a Bachelor of Nursing and/or Midwifery to become a registered nurse and/or midwife. In 2022, the Andrews Government announced scholarships for enrolled nurses to undertake a bachelor degree. You should check the Department of Health website to get further information on criteria and eligibility for these scholarships.
Need support?
The ANMF Graduate and Final Year Student Support Officer can assist you via gradofficer@anmfvic.asn.au.
