The importance of leadership as an Enrolled Nurse

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As Enrolled Nurses (ENs) in Australia, we work within a clearly defined AHPRA/NMBA standard of practice, under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs), and we remain accountable for the care we provide. These boundaries are not limitations; they create safety, clarity, and structure. They support our ability to lead confidently from where we are, especially during busy or high-pressure moments on the ward.

As ENs we should also understand that scope of practice is dynamic. It varies according to context, competence, setting, education, and the model of care. The NMBA EN Standards describe the minimum expectations for all ENs, both beginning and experienced, and are based on the Diploma of Nursing as our foundational qualification. Our scope expands with competence, experience, and further learning, and we have a professional responsibility to engage in lifelong development. Equally, leadership includes recognising when we do not yet have the skills or education for a task and ensuring we seek appropriate supervision or education to the safely perform the task.

An example of leadership through collaboration as an Enrolled Nurse

I recall a night shift when the ward was short-staffed and a newly graduated RN was managing a deteriorating patient for the first time. The patient suddenly became breathless and visibly distressed. Although the RN recognised the deterioration, she hesitated, overwhelmed and unsure about the escalation pathway.

As an EN with an expanded scope in Advanced Paediatric Life Support, I did not take over the RN’s responsibilities. Instead, I collaborated with the RN. While mentoring and directing the response with her, I began by focusing on stabilising the environment. I kept my body language grounded, my tone steady, and my communication clear, which helped regulate the room and create a sense of calm.

I mentored the RN to initiate the RRT pathway, offering steady guidance without taking over.

While she led the escalation, I coordinated simple tasks with the AINs, remained with the patient to gather observations, and provided reassurance to both the patient and family and the RN.

The leadership demonstrated in that moment did not come from exceeding scope, it came from composure, practical experience, and guiding others through example. The RN later shared that this supportive presence prevented her from “freezing.” The patient received timely intervention, the team remained cohesive, and the shift stabilised.

In nursing, this means showing calm and assertive energy, composure under pressure, genuine humility, and modelling the standards we expect within the team.

True leadership helps others feel safe, seen, and significant, and it often appears long before any formal title.
Investing in leadership allows ENs to become more effective, more confident, and more trusted. Strong leadership improves communication, enhances patient safety, and strengthens teamwork, qualities essential in any nursing environment.

The NMBA EN Standards highlight leadership through reflective practice, supporting students, contributing to care planning, advocating for patients, and engaging in quality improvement. Strengthening leadership skills helps us perform these expectations at a high standard.

Why is it important for Enrolled Nurses to think of themselves as leaders?

ENs are often the consistent presence patients and families rely on. We perform observations, recognise early deterioration, support education, and maintain continuity of care. When we see ourselves as leaders, we naturally take ownership of moments that matter, speaking up for safety, guiding others, and modelling professional behaviour.

Leadership is not defined by job rank. Our scope of practice does not restrict leadership; it supports it by providing clarity and structure. Without RN-only responsibilities like developing care plans or leading the entire shift, ENs can focus deeply on high-quality bedside leadership: presence, teamwork, advocacy, and efficiency.

When ENs see themselves as leaders, we contribute more strongly to patient safety, team morale, and ward culture. When we do not, opportunities for mentoring, escalation, and improvement can be missed.

Leadership development helps ENs:

• Respond effectively under pressure with calm, stable behaviour
• Mentor AINs, students, and new RNs respectfully and safely
• Become the reliable “go-to” person during complex shifts
• Positively influence ward culture and teamwork
• Increase confidence, professional identity, and job satisfaction
• Progress into advanced skills EN roles, education support, or clinical coaching pathways
• Leadership is not optional. It is central to high-quality, person-centred care.

What support does Enrolled Nurses need to invest in themselves and their careers?

ENs thrive when organisations recognise our contribution and provide meaningful avenues for growth. Support we need includes:

• Leadership programs designed specifically for ENs, aligned to our scope.
• Mentoring from senior ENs and RNs who model professional behaviour.
• Constructive feedback that helps refine practice and confidence.
• Clear career pathways, including advanced skills EN roles and specialty training.
• Access to CPD and protected learning time, consistent with NMBA requirements.
• Recognition of EN-led contributions, such as mentoring, patient advocacy, and process improvements.

When an investment made in EN leadership, the benefits extend to patients, teams, and the wider organisation.

Our standards and scope of practice do not limit leadership, they provide the framework that makes it safe, patient-centred, and deeply impactful. Leadership begins with how we show up, every single day.