The endorsed enrolled nurse is Australia's equivalent of a licensed practical nurse or licensed vocational nurse in the United States. The scope of responsibility for this position is wider than that of an enrolled nurse, but the actual range of duties for each nurse depends on the work setting. You might be allowed to register as an endorsed enrolled nurse in Australia if you are already a licensed LPN or LVN in the United States.
Working as an Enrolled Nurse
Like an LPN or LVN, the enrolled nurse provides basic care to patients under the supervision of a registered nurse. The duties vary, depending on the health setting, but often include nursing care, assisting with patient care planning, evaluating the outcome of care for patients and their families, helping patients with daily living activities, administering medicines and supervising a team of healthcare assistants. Enrolled nurses work in various settings, including hospital settings and senior citizen care facilities.
Understanding Endorsement
The term "endorsed" means that an enrolled nurse has earned an additional designation that allows her to dispense certain oral medications to patients, as registered nurses do. Australia introduced the designation in 2004 to alleviate the effects of a nursing shortage. Endorsed enrolled nurses can also insert some intravenous medications, give some intramuscular injections, collect specimens and take electrocardiogram readings.
Becoming an Enrolled Nurse
A diploma course is the minimum training required to become an enrolled nurse in Australia. Completing the program takes 12 to 18 months, based on a full-time schedule. Students who successfully complete the initial diploma program can register with Australia's Nursing and Midwifery Board. Graduates can continue their studies in an advanced diploma course.
Earning Endorsed Designation
Programs for the enrolled nursing pathway include training for the endorsement designation. Enrolled nurses who completed their training before the endorsement existed must take a class to earn the designation. Enrolled nurses are motivated to do this because endorsed enrolled nurses earn more money, according to Claire Buckis in the book "Nursing."
