What is the difference between RN and EN in Singapore?

In the healthcare sector, nurses focus on patient care. Nurses work closely with physicians and medical professionals and are required to assess patient conditions, administer medications, and coordinate information and care between physicians, patients, and their families.

Different types of nurses in Singapore

In Singapore, there are two types of nurses, RN (RegisteredNurse) and EN (EnrolledNurse). As nursing students, RNs and ENs undergo different training, have different educational qualifications, and are both registered with the Singapore Nursing Board (SNB).

RN

RNs in Singapore can pursue different career tracks, specialize in specialties to develop their nursing skills, and have opportunities to develop their interests and specialties. According to the Ministry of Health,doctor of nursing practice programme in asia the 4 career tracks of RN are: management track, education track, clinical nursing track and nursing research.

Management Track: The RN can develop into a nurse manager responsible for allocating workforce, job evaluation, and policy review.

Education direction: RNs in the education direction can choose to work as nurse educators in medical institutions or as lecturers in schools, focusing on education and imparting skills and knowledge.

Clinical Care Track: Nurse clinicians work closely with patients to implement appropriate care and treatment plans to help manage acute or chronic conditions.masters in nursing programme in asia Nurse clinicians also help train other nurses and healthcare professionals and can train to become advanced practice nurses (APNs).

Nursing Research: As a Nursing Researcher, primary responsibilities include planning, initiating, and promoting nursing research.

EN

ENs work under the supervision of the RN to assist and support the RN in providing patient care. ENs can eventually develop into advanced registered nurses, who will be able to take on additional nursing responsibilities.

How to become a nurse in Singapore?

To become an RN in Singapore, one needs to obtain a Diploma in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science (Nursing). In the clinical nursing profession, nurses who wish to become an advanced practice nurse (APN) must also earn a master's degree.

To become an EN, a NITEC nursing major is required.

After graduating from the course, RNs and ENs must sit for the Singapore Nursing Council Licensure Examination before they can practice nursing in general hospitals, clinics or other healthcare facilities.

With the ongoing epidemic, an aging society, and the prevalence of chronic diseases, nurses are needed not only in hospitals but also in communities.

Many people are now considering nursing as a career, and some nurses are promoting themselves for better career advancement.