Nursing Careers

Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system. They care for patients, support doctors, manage treatments, and often form deep connections with the people they help. In rural and remote communities like the Pilbara, nurses are essential—often taking on extended roles and making a real difference in people’s lives. Nursing is a flexible and rewarding career with many pathways to specialise and grow.

Example Roles in Nursing

Registered Nurse (RN)

Provides care in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. RNs assess patients, give medications, support treatment plans, and educate patients and families.

Enrolled Nurse (EN)

Works under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. ENs provide personal care, monitor patient health, and help with daily tasks like dressing wounds or administering medications.

Remote Area Nurse

Works in isolated communities, often taking on extended duties such as emergency care, public health education, and chronic disease management.

Nurse Practitioner

An advanced role for highly experienced nurses. They can prescribe medication, order tests, and work more independently—especially in rural and remote areas.

Midwife

Supports women through pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenting. Some nurses study further to become midwives or complete a dual degree.

Image by National Cancer Institute

Image by Carlos Magno

Young Mother Expecting

Image by National Cancer Institute

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Pathways to Becoming a Nurse

There are flexible entry options into nursing, whether you're finishing school, studying later in life, or already working in healthcare.

In High School:

Focus on English, Biology, Health, and Maths if available.
Get work experience or volunteer at a local clinic or aged care facility.
Consider a school-based traineeship in health services.

Enrolled Nurse (EN) Pathway:

Complete a Diploma of Nursing (usually through TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation).
Takes around 18 months – 2 years.
You can start working as an EN, or continue studying to become an RN.

Registered Nurse (RN) Pathway:

Complete a Bachelor of Nursing (3 years full-time).
Offered at universities like Curtin University, Edith Cowan University (ECU), or Notre Dame.
Rural and Indigenous entry support is available.

Indigenous Pathways:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students may access specialised support, scholarships, and mentoring through programs like Follow the Dream, AIDA, and ACN's First Nations Pathway.