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).
What is the difference between an enrolled nurse (EN) and a registered nurse (RN)?
Enrolled nurses (EN) and registered nurses (RN) are both crucial roles in the health care system. The key differences between an EN and an RN are the type of education, workplace tasks and responsibilities.
Enrolled nurse
An enrolled nurse:
- completes a Diploma of Nursing(opens in a new window).
- works under the supervision of an RN.
- has a more limited scope of practice and is often involved in basic patient care.
Examples of tasks performed by enrolled nurses:
- administering medications
- wound care
- monitoring patient conditions.
Registered nurse
A registered nurse:
- requires a Bachelor of Nursing degree from a university.
- has a broader scope of practice and can work independently.
- is responsible for more complex patient care and decision-making.
Examples of tasks performed by a registered nurse:
- developing care plans
- performing diagnostic tests
- providing advanced clinical care
- supervising enrolled nurses.
Nursing career pathways
Nursing career pathways are possible by completing a TAFE course (Diploma of Nursing(opens in a new window)), followed by a university degree to become an RN.
As an EN you may get recognition for your study and experience when you apply to university. If you want to become an RN, you will need to complete a Bachelor’s degree.
The career that she was meant for: Helen’s health care pathway shows how it can be done.
Related training courses for enrolled nurses
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.
Median salary
The median weekly earnings for enrolled and mothercraft nurses in Australia is $1,618.
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia(opens in a new window)
Note this salary is current as of January 2025 and is indicative only. A range of salaries apply to different roles across the industry.
Job demand in Victoria
Below are the employment projections for enrolled and mothercraft nurse jobs in Victoria. Figures show the number of workers in 2024 and the new workers expected to enter the workforce by 2027 and 2034.
‘New workers expected’ accounts for workers adding new jobs to the economy and replacing retirees over the next 3 and 10 years. These projections are estimates only. There will be additional jobs available as people move between jobs and industries.
| Region | Workers 2024 | New workers expected by 2027 | New workers expected by 2034 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria | 4,606 | 418 | 1,661 |
| Melbourne – inner metropolitan | 438 | 45 | 182 |
| Melbourne – inner south-east metropolitan | 302 | 19 | 84 |
| Melbourne – southern metropolitan | 610 | 43 | 194 |
| Melbourne – northern metropolitan | 487 | 46 | 201 |
| Melbourne – eastern metropolitan | 659 | 47 | 213 |
| Melbourne – western metropolitan | 340 | 42 | 165 |
| Ballarat and surrounds (Central Highlands) | 218 | 28 | 83 |
| Bendigo, Echuca and surrounds (Loddon Campaspe) | 285 | 22 | 100 |
| Geelong, Colac and surrounds (Barwon) | 319 | 49 | 143 |
| Gippsland | 277 | 26 | 94 |
| Horsham and surrounds (Wimmera Southern Mallee) | 81 | 7 | 25 |
| Mildura, Swan Hill and surrounds (Mallee) | 105 | 8 | 29 |
| Shepparton, Seymour and surrounds (Goulburn) | 162 | 10 | 47 |
| Wangaratta, Wodonga and surrounds (Ovens Murray) | 176 | 15 | 53 |
| Warrnambool, Hamilton and surrounds (Great South Coast) | 149 | 12 | 47 |
Source: Victorian Skills Authority Employment Projections 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 projections 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
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Training and careers in growing industries
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