What’s the Difference Between an EN and an RN?

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There are so many fields of nursing you can go into. Two of the most common types of nursing are Enrolled Nurses (ENs) and Registered Nurses (RNs). Despite being similar in name, there are many differences between an EN and an RN.

From their initial training to their daily routine, let’s look into these differences and which one best suits your career path.

Training

Enrolled nurse

The major difference between an EN and an RN is the training required by each of them.

In Australia, an EN must – at a minimum – acquire a Diploma of Nursing at TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). This qualification generally takes between 12 months to 2 years to complete and includes a clinical placement to gain in-field experience. Once your diploma is complete, you must apply to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) to practice as an EN. This registration must be renewed annually.

In New Zealand, an aspiring EN must complete an 18-month Diploma of Enrolled Nursing (level 5 on the New Zealand Qualifications Authority Framework and accredited by the Nursing Council). They must also pass an assessment by an approved provider, as well as an examination for ENs.

Registered nurse

An RN follows a slightly different but a little more intense training process than an EN.

Aspiring Australian RNs must complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing, which is roughly three years of full-time study. There are a few options you can choose between. These include a Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Science (Nursing) or a Bachelor of Nursing Science. Those who have already completed an undergraduate degree in a different field may complete a 2-year master's degree in nursing. Like ENs, they must register with the NMBA annually to practice as an RN. RNs who have several years’ experience have the opportunity to move into more specialised roles. These include:

  • Aged care
  • Neonatology
  • Neurological care
  • A Nurse Unit Manager
  • A Nurse Practitioner

RNs in New Zealand must complete a 3-year Bachelor of Nursing degree – level 7 on the New Zealand Qualifications Authority Framework – or a 2-year graduate entry master’s degree – level 8 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework. They also must pass an assessment and exam set by specified providers.

Daily duties

Now that we’ve looked at the training required by each, we’ll look at how an EN and RN’s days differ, including their daily duties.

Enrolled nurse

ENs provide care to their patients and the community under the supervision of an RN. They cannot be left to work alone. Their daily tasks can include (but certainly aren’t limited to):

  • Observing, measuring, and recording patients’ vital statistics and reporting changes in patient conditions to RNs and doctors.
  • Providing physical and emotional support to patients and their families.
  • Assisting with personal hygiene tasks such as bathing, showering, and dressing.
  • Working to care plans set by RNs, doctors, and therapists.
  • Reporting any changes in a client’s condition to an RN or a doctor.
  • Assist with general first aid and emergencies.
  • Completing detailed patient notes.
  • Providing pre-and post-operative nursing care.
  • Providing wound care.

ENs who have completed the required medication administration training will be able to administer medications. There are, however, specific units of education that apply for administering intravenous (IV) medicines.

Registered nurse

An RN can deliver primary care to patients, predominantly in hospitals, aged care, community, or school settings. Some of their daily tasks include:

  • Record and observe patient healthcare problems and behaviour.
  • Give medication and operate medical equipment associated with the patient’s health.
  • Prepare patients for examinations, assist in operations, and provide post-operative care.
  • Give patients immunisations, medicine and intravenous (IV) drugs.
  • Work with patients on a plan to manage their own health.
  • Delegate work to ENs and health care assistants.
  • Undertake holistic care, including emotional, psychological, and spiritual support.
  • Work as a patient advocate, supervise and mentor ENs and junior RNs.

Comparing the pair

The training undertaken determines the roles and responsibilities of each nurse. ENs can assist with basic care tasks, provide wound care, and observe vital signs. However, they must report any urgent changes to their supervisor before acting. They can provide emotional support to families and patients and undertake extra training to extend their scope of practice.

Some extra qualifications ENs can undertake include:

  • Administering medication
  • Providing food to patients via stomach feeding tubes (PEG feeding tubes)
  • Intravenous (IV) administration

Despite working in similar environments to an EN, RNs have a larger scope of practice, as they hold more seniority and responsibility. Sometimes, they may even work with patients less than ENs. When it comes down to it, the main things to consider when choosing which is best for you are:

Salary: Due to their level of study, an RN has the potential to earn a higher salary than an EN. They may also be privy to better working conditions and a more flexible roster. In the future, RNs can potentially be offered work in overseas hospitals or clinics.

Responsibility: An RN is the way to go for those who like making decisions and leading a team. They have more seniority than ENs and work alongside other members of the workplace, such as doctors and other health care professionals.

Career advancement: While ENs can undertake extra qualifications to include medication administration and other things RNs can do, their career advancement is limited as to how far they can go. As RNs are one step below doctors, there are many more opportunities for career advancement available, such as working as a nurse practitioner or a critical care nurse.

Job prospects: As the role of an RN requires a higher level of education, there may be fewer jobs on offer for RNs than for ENs. Depending on how long you want to wait, you may also choose to work as an EN while studying as an RN if your workplace allows it.

While both RN and ENs are qualified nurses, they differ based on their completed training. Since the pandemic, these jobs have been in high demand and will only continue to grow. No matter which type of nurse you are, we’ve got the right scrubs to get you through a shift. Visit your closest Biz Care stockist today.