Are you almost at the end of your Diploma of Nursing education? If this is you, you’ll be thinking about applying to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia for registration as an enrolled nurse and wanting to know about your career options.
What are my options to work as an enrolled nurse?
Grad programs
It’s not a NMBA requirement to complete a graduate program (also referred to as a transition-to-practice program or post-registration).
Programs are generally a six to twelve months structured program that provide a supportive environment to consolidate your education into practice.
The Victorian Department of Health has lists of public and private hospitals, where you can search their websites for information about these programs. Additionally, internet searches are a helpful resource to see current opportunities and vacancies.
Where do enrolled nurses work?
‘When I was starting my job search, I knew I wanted to work in the hospital system so I didn’t look too much into other opportunities … the number of different jobs available for us is a lot more than it used to be I believe which is amazing!’
Britt Smith, endorsed enrolled nurse and ANMF Branch Councillor
Enrolled nurses work across the health care continuum, in healthcare settings like public and private hospitals, medical clinics, community and aged care services.
Many of our enrolled nurse members are employed in:
- general medical and surgical units
- theatre and day surgery units
- residential and community aged care settings
- home care
- forensic and correctional health
- mental health services
- emergency and urgent care centres
Applying directly to work as an enrolled nurse
You can apply for any enrolled nurse positions, just like you would with any other job. Try job search websites such as Seek or Careers.Vic.
Permanent pool
If you’re unsuccessful in obtaining a graduate program, or a permanent full- or part-time position, you can 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 ensure you’re 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. Usually, diploma graduates are offered an accelerated pathway into a bachelor course.
Need support?
The ANMF Graduate and Final Year Student Support Officer can assist you via member assistance.
