Enrolled nurses care for patients in health and community settings. They work under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses.
Find out what an enrolled nurse does and the related Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses and pathways you can take to secure a job.
What is an enrolled nurse?
Enrolled nurses care for patients in various health care settings. Sometimes they work in patients’ homes. As an enrolled nurse, you may administer therapies and medication. Sometimes, you may work with patients in distress. If you’re flexible, caring, and don’t mind physical work, this role could be for you.
Find out more about enrolled nurses(opens in a new window) and these related jobs on the Victorian Skills Gateway(opens in a new window):
- aged or disabled carer(opens in a new window)
- disabilities services officer(opens in a new window)
- hospital orderly(opens in a new window)
- nursing support worker(opens in a new window)
- operating theatre technician(opens in a new window)
- personal care assistant(opens in a new window)
- sterilisation technician(opens in a new window)
- therapy aide(opens in a new window).
Related training courses
Explore these related TAFE and training courses on the Victorian Skills Gateway(opens in a new window):
- ageing support(opens in a new window)
- allied health(opens in a new window)
- community services(opens in a new window)
- disability support(opens in a new window)
- nursing(opens in a new window).
You may be eligible for government funding to help pay for your course.
Average salary
The average weekly earnings for enrolled nurses in Australia is $966.
Source: Your Career(opens in a new window)
Note this salary is current as of May 2024 and is indicative only. A range of salaries apply to different roles across the industry.
Job demand in Victoria
Below are the employment forecasts for enrolled and maternal and child health nurse jobs in Victoria. Figures show the number of workers in 2023 and the new workers expected to enter the workforce by 2026.
‘New workers expected’ accounts for workers adding new jobs to the economy and replacing retirees over the next 3 years. These forecasts are estimates only. There will be additional jobs available as people move between jobs and industries.
| Region | Workers 2023 | Workforce growth 2023-2026 | New workers needed by 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria | 6,053 | 1.6% | 603 |
| Melbourne – inner metropolitan | 1,030 | 2.0% | 116 |
| Melbourne – inner south-east metropolitan | 524 | 1.0% | 42 |
| Melbourne – southern metropolitan | 798 | 1.7% | 81 |
| Melbourne – northern metropolitan | 707 | 1.8% | 74 |
| Melbourne – eastern metropolitan | 890 | 0.9% | 69 |
| Melbourne – western metropolitan | 530 | 2.4% | 65 |
| Ballarat and surrounds (Central Highlands) | 178 | 1.8% | 18 |
| Bendigo, Echuca and surrounds (Loddon Campaspe) | 241 | 1.4% | 22 |
| Geelong, Colac and surrounds (Barwon) | 339 | 2.3% | 41 |
| Gippsland | 257 | 1.7% | 26 |
| Horsham and surrounds (Wimmera Southern Mallee) | 54 | -0.3% | <10 |
| Mildura, Swan Hill and surrounds (Mallee) | 84 | 0.6% | <10 |
| Shepparton, Seymour and surrounds (Goulburn) | 159 | 2.1% | 18 |
| Wangaratta, Wodonga and surrounds (Ovens Murray) | 159 | 1.4% | 15 |
| Warrnambool, Hamilton and surrounds (Great South Coast) | 101 | 0.7% | <10 |
Source: Victorian Skills Authority employment forecast dashboard
Career story
The career that she was meant for: Helen’s health care pathway
“My diploma was a good test to see if I was cut out for a nursing career. With this profession, there’s only so much you can read in a book. I’m grateful for all the hands-on placement opportunities.”
Resources to plan your next steps
Visit our health care industry profile to find out about:
- what it’s like to work in health care, and some of the jobs you could do
- training and skills to work in the industry, and financial assistance to help pay for your course
- help getting a job in health care, and industry job forecasts for Victoria
- other free resources and advice to plan your training and career.
Explore growing industries in your region
Training and careers in your region
Explore training, skills and job opportunities in your area of Victoria. Find out where you could work, what kind of job you could do, and what training you’ll need.
Training and careers in growing industries
Learn about high demand industries in Victoria. Find out where you could work, what kind of jobs you could do, and what training you’ll need.
Updated