Is it difficult to find a job as a enrolled nurse?

Hi,

I'm looking into doing the Enrolled Nursing course through Chisholm next year and was thinking the same thing in regards to job avail in not just Vic but also other states as well.
I come from an admin background and have been out of the work scene for just over three years to have my kids (currently preg with third bub) and I knew as soon as I had my first I wanted to get into nursing as it's a totally different career path to sitting in front of phones all day. I have also thought about maybe doing the Allied Health Assistance course which is run through Chisholm but i'm totally sure what the job outcome is for that area.
I think i'm most scared about doing the initial test and interview to get into the course as maths is not one of my strengths and I havent done any since year 10.. so about 12 years ago.
I have no idea what the hours of the course would be part time and also the placements. There is a private college in my suburb which also does the Dp Nursing and they have it only part time but downfall is I might have to pay instead of getting the fee-help which Chisholm offers.
Ughh it's so hard to figure out what to do and I want to make sure im not wasting time on a course which may not have any job opportunities in the end, especially if in other states e.g. maybe Tassie or even QLD they have no spots open.
Shaz88 when are you thinking of enrolling in the course?

Hi Mouse, you said you will have a job after you complete your course. can I ask how did you apply/get that job? Thanks!

Hi Shazz, i was working as a cleaner ( externally contracted)in an Aged Care Facilty while i have been doing my EEN course part time. The facility offered me PCA work, and are extremely keen to retain me as an EEN & beyond, supportive of my desire for further training. I enjoy working there, the staff are great and the residents have a real community spirit with each other which is heart warming, i like making a difference and feel it can be challenging but also a priveledge to care for them at the end of their lives.

Hi Shazz,
I have attended 3 out of four placements so far and at completion of them each facility has offered me work !!

Hi, I am just about finished my EN/EEN and I too will have a job as soon as I am registered along with the majority of my class. On my first placement I was offered a position as an AIN and have been working as an AIN since but once I am registered I will be set.......... So i think clinical placements play a big role in getting job offers!!!!

Are there scholarships for the EN/EEN course in Melbourne? In NSW we don't pay for the course it's either through the government and tafe or tafe and a private hospital group depending on who you apply through. The whole class then does not pay for the course which for was great as I would not have been able to do otherwise.

I'm in Melbourne and finished my Enrolled Nursing course a couple of months ago. I have not found it easy at all to get a job. It seems impossible to get a job in a hospital and even aged care facilities want experience. I have joined an agency but it's not what I had in mind. The only ones in my class who have got jobs were the ones who were already working in aged care facilities and their employers have now taken them on as nurses. I know none of them have got work in hospitals. I have not even seen many jobs advertised for EN's in hospitals and the adds I have seen have specified how much experience is needed. From what I've noticed, there are more vacancies in Queensland, might have to move up there lol.

Don"t give up Enigma, have you tried getting a place in a graduate program for EN's? Not sure what state you''re living in but I know in Melbourne several Hospitals, usually the private ones offer grad programs. I was lucky enough to get into one and would highly recommend it. I also know of some girls gaining positions in local super clinics another great way to get some acute experience. I hope something will come your way soon x

Hi Megan08,
You mentioned about grad programs for EN. Do you know which hospitals offer these grad programs? because it seems that most hospitals only offer grad program for Div1 graduate nurse. Thanks!

I guys.. I am planning to study Diploma of Nursing in February this year? Just want to get some information about getting jobs in the field. Where do u start? Does anyone know? megan08 how did you get the graduate position at Cabrini? Usually they ask lot of work experience don't they?. How did you get your experience before applying for Cabrini?