THE 32nd NZNO National
Enrolled Nurse Section Conference, "Influencing Change," began with a welcome from the National Chairperson, Robyn Hewlett, and a stirring rendition of 'How Great Thou Art" by all 227
Enrolled Nurse delegates present.
She thought she had cheated herself out of a career by choosing to become an
enrolled nurse rather than taking the longer course to become registered.
One potential advantage of EN national nursing competencies as proposed by the National
Enrolled Nurse Project (NSWNA 2005) is the standardisation of EN practice between States and hospitals, ameliorating these discrepancies.
With the introduction of obstetric, maternity and district nurses, and nursing aides, community and
enrolled nurses (ENs), reference to a nursing supervision role emerges.
NSW ENs who currently have their practising certificates endorsed to administer medication should transition into the scheme as appearing on the 'Register of Nurses in Division 2
Enrolled Nurses'.
In 2014, the NZNO
Enrolled Nurse Section wrote a document entitled
Enrolled Nurse Supported into Practice Programme (ENSIPP).
The Nurses Award 2010 applies to registered nurses, (including Division 1 nurses),
enrolled nurses (including Division 2 nurses) and nursing assistants.
With the changes in
Enrolled Nurse education and
Enrolled Nurses embracing opportunities to specialise, what is the future for
Enrolled Nurses and where is our place in the future of nursing?
"SO WHAT do we know about the
enrolled nurse (EN) workforce?" was the topic Nursing Council chief executive Carolyn Reed and education manager Maureen Kelly addressed at the February meeting of the national EN section.
Enrolled nurse numbers have also increased (by 2.7%) but average hours of work have decreased from 32.2 hours per week in 2008 to 31.7 hours per week in 2012.
The NSW Government announced public funding for
enrolled nurse education via the Department of Education in April.
'The Department made a revised offer with the same increases but with the
enrolled nurse pilot project removed.
