Job Summary
Duties & Responsibilities of the Enrolled Nurse
Patient Care
Provide safe, compassionate and professional nursing care to patients/residents.
Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs).
Assist with bathing, dressing, grooming and personal hygiene.
Assist with toileting and continence care.
Assist with feeding and hydration where required.
Assist with mobility, transfers and positioning.
Maintain patient dignity, privacy and independence.
Provide comfort and emotional support.
Monitoring Patients
Monitor patients' general condition and wellbeing.
Take and record vital signs, including:
Blood pressure
Pulse
Temperature
Respiratory rate
Oxygen saturation
Monitor blood glucose levels where required.
Observe for changes in physical or mental condition.
Identify signs of deterioration and promptly report concerns.
Monitor pain levels and report changes.
Monitor nutrition and fluid intake.
Monitor bowel and bladder function.
Monitor wounds, pressure areas and skin condition.
Medication Management
Administer medication within the EN's scope of practice and facility protocols.
Administer oral, topical and other authorised medications as applicable.
Check medication orders and prescriptions.
Ensure the correct patient, medication, dose, route and time.
Observe patients for adverse reactions or side effects.
Report medication errors, adverse reactions or concerns immediately.
Maintain accurate medication administration records.
Assist with medication rounds.
Ensure medication is stored securely.
Follow medication-control and safety procedures.
Wound and Skin Care
Perform basic wound care within scope and according to care plans.
Clean and dress wounds as instructed.
Monitor wounds for infection or deterioration.
Assist with pressure-sore prevention and management.
Regularly reposition immobile or high-risk patients.
Maintain skin integrity.
Report pressure injuries, skin breakdown or other abnormalities.
Dementia and Geriatric Care
Provide specialised support to elderly patients and residents.
Care for patients living with dementia and cognitive impairment.
Monitor behavioural and psychological changes.
Use appropriate communication techniques with confused or disorientated patients.
Assist with orientation and reassurance.
Maintain a safe environment for patients who may wander or become disorientated.
Recognise changes in behaviour that may indicate pain, infection or other health concerns.
Provide compassionate end-of-life and palliative support where applicable.
Patient Assessments and Reporting
Conduct routine observations within the EN's scope.
Gather relevant patient information.
Record observations accurately.
Report abnormalities to the Registered Nurse or relevant healthcare professional.
Escalate changes in patient condition appropriately.
Participate in handovers.
Communicate important patient information to the nursing team.
Follow individual patient care plans.
Documentation
Maintain accurate and up-to-date nursing records.
Record vital signs and observations.
Record medication administration.
Document patient care provided.
Record incidents and changes in condition.
Complete relevant nursing documentation and checklists.
Maintain confidentiality of patient information.
Ensure documentation is factual, accurate and completed timeously.
Infection Prevention and Control
Follow infection-control policies and procedures.
Practise proper hand hygiene.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Follow standard precautions.
Assist with isolation procedures where required.
Safely handle contaminated materials.
Dispose of clinical and medical waste correctly.
Maintain clean and hygienic patient-care areas.
Follow procedures for preventing healthcare-associated infections.
Patient Safety
Maintain a safe environment for patients.
Identify and report potential hazards.
Implement fall-prevention measures.
Assist with safe patient transfers.
Use mobility and lifting equipment correctly.
Monitor patients at risk of falls or injury.
Follow emergency and evacuation procedures.
Report incidents, accidents and near misses.
Nutrition and Hydration
Monitor food and fluid intake.
Assist patients with meals.
Identify patients at risk of malnutrition or dehydration.
Assist with feeding where required.
Monitor patients with swallowing difficulties according to care plans.
Report poor appetite, weight changes or reduced fluid intake.
Follow prescribed dietary requirements.
Mobility and Rehabilitation Support
Assist patients with walking and mobility.
Assist with transfers between beds, chairs and wheelchairs.
Encourage appropriate independence.
Assist with prescribed exercises where applicable.
Support physiotherapy and occupational therapy programmes as instructed.
Use wheelchairs, walkers and other mobility aids correctly.
Implement repositioning programmes.
Admission and Discharge Support
Assist with admission procedures.
Obtain and record relevant patient information.
Assist with orientation to the facility.
Check and document patient belongings where required.
Assist with discharge preparations.
Provide basic discharge-related information within scope.
Ensure relevant documentation is completed.
Communication
Communicate professionally with patients and residents.
Communicate with Registered Nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Communicate with doctors and multidisciplinary team members as appropriate.
Communicate relevant patient information during handovers.
Communicate with family members within organisational policies and scope.
Listen to patient concerns and escalate appropriately.
Maintain professional boundaries.
Emergency Care
Respond appropriately to medical emergencies.
Recognise signs of deterioration or emergency conditions.
Initiate appropriate emergency procedures within scope.
Provide basic life support where trained and authorised.
Assist with CPR and emergency response.
Call for assistance when required.
Prepare equipment and patients for emergency medical intervention.
Document emergency events accurately.
Clinical Procedures
Depending on the facility, training and scope of practice, an EN may assist with or perform authorised procedures such as:Vital signs.
Blood glucose monitoring.
Urine testing.
Specimen collection.
Wound care.
Catheter care.
Oxygen administration.
Nebulisation.
Basic respiratory care.
Pressure-area care.
Bowel and bladder care.
Pre- and post-procedure observations.
Other procedures permitted by the EN's scope and facility protocols.
Patient Education and Support
Reinforce health education provided by the nursing team.
Encourage medication compliance.
Encourage appropriate nutrition and hydration.
Promote personal hygiene.
Encourage mobility and independence.
Explain basic aspects of care within scope.
Encourage patients to report symptoms or concerns.
End-of-Life and Palliative Care
Provide compassionate care to terminally ill patients.
Maintain comfort and dignity.
Assist with personal hygiene and positioning.
Monitor pain and other symptoms.
Report changes to the Registered Nurse or appropriate healthcare professional.
Provide emotional support to patients and families within professional boundaries.
Follow facility procedures regarding death and dying.
Stock and Equipment
Check availability of nursing supplies.
Maintain adequate stock levels.
Report shortages.
Check medical equipment before use.
Keep equipment clean and properly stored.
Report faulty or damaged equipment.
Use equipment according to training and manufacturer/facility procedures.
Teamwork
Work collaboratively with Registered Nurses, ENAs and other nursing staff.
Work with doctors and allied healthcare professionals.
Participate in multidisciplinary care.
Assist colleagues when appropriate.
Participate in shift handovers.
Maintain professional working relationships.
Support a positive and respectful working environment.
Professional and Legal Responsibilities
Practise within the EN's legal scope of practice.
Follow the Nursing Act and applicable professional requirements.
Follow South African Nursing Council requirements.
Maintain patient confidentiality.
Respect patient rights and dignity.
Obtain appropriate assistance when a task falls outside the EN's scope.
Maintain professional conduct.
Report unsafe or unethical practices through appropriate channels.
Maintain professional competence through ongoing learning and training.
Administrative Responsibilities
Complete nursing documentation.
Complete shift reports.
Maintain patient records.
Record incidents and accidents.
Complete required checklists.
Participate in audits where required.
Assist with quality-control processes.
Follow facility policies and standard operating procedures.
Shift and Facility Responsibilities
Conduct proper handovers at the beginning and end of shifts.
Ensure patients are appropriately cared for throughout the shift.
Attend to call bells promptly.
Conduct routine rounds.
Ensure patient rooms and care areas are safe.
Assist with maintaining a clean and orderly nursing environment.
Work shifts, weekends and public holidays where required.
Respond to urgent patient needs.
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