ANMC National Competency Standards for the Enrolled Nurse

In 1992, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council or ANMC was established. The ANMC develops standards for nurses to obtain and maintain a license. These standards ensure that the nurse has sufficient knowledge and is competent to fulfill the position. An enrolled nurse provides care to patients under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse. Enrolled nurses assess patients and report any changes or problems to the registered nurse.

Legislation, Policies and Procedures

• Enrolled nurses must understand and adhere to state and federal laws related to nursing as well as the regulations and code of ethics set by the facility where they work. The nurse must report any instances in which these laws and regulations are broken as well as any conditions or situations which may be a threat to the safety of the patient.

Ethically Justified Practices

• The nurse must provide care in an ethical manner and may not discriminate or provide different levels of care for individuals based upon religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, cultural background, or medical condition.

Individual and Group Rights

• Enrolled nurses must ensure that they maintain patient confidentiality and not share personal or medical information about the patients to unauthorized individuals or businesses. The enrolled nurse should work with registered nurses to maintain patients' rights. In addition, the nurse should respect the values, religion and spiritual beliefs of the patients and ensure that the spiritual and emotional needs of the patient are met.

Accountability and Responsibility

• In addition, the enrolled nurse is accountable for her own actions and should understand what is and is not her responsibility. The nurse should not attempt tasks that are not her responsibility or within her skill level.

Critical Thinking

• The enrolled nurse must be able to assess his own knowledge and performance and seek additional education when necessary to improve performance. In addition, the nurse must know how to care for himself physically, mentally and emotionally.

Assist in Forming Care Plans

• Enrolled nurses work with the registered nurse in managing and planning care for patients. This plan should consider the desired outcome for the patient and create steps to achieve that outcome. The enrolled nurse is responsible collecting and maintaining patient data and assisting the registered nurse in evaluating patient progress.

Manage Nursing Care

• The enrolled nurse works within the team to implement plans. Any changes in the patient's condition must be reported to the registered nurse and all documentation and reports must be completed correctly and in a timely manner. In addition, the enrolled nurse should also be capable of managing her workload.

Promotes Safety, Security and Integrity

• The nurse should be able to recognize threats to patient safety and take steps to correct them. An enrolled nurse must ensure her own safety as well as the patients' by exhibiting knowledge of lifting techniques and policies and understand how to prevent infections. The nurse should also be able to communicate and educate the patient as well as take care of the comfort and emotional needs of the patient, helping to maintain their dignity, integrity and self-esteem.

Provide Support and Care

• The enrolled nurse is responsible for providing for the comfort needs of the patients. At the same time, the nurse educates patients about their health and treatment plans and goals.

Collaborates With Health Care Team

• The nurse should work well with the team of health care providers and assist in planning care and therapy for patients. The enrolled nurse should understand his role and the role of the other team members, maintain communication with the team and participate in care decisions.