Registered nurse
What does a registered nurse do?
Registered nurses play an essential role in the medical system. As skilled healthcare professionals they provide care to patients through physical and emotional support. Working with doctors, nurses help to implement and manage patient care plans. Nursing is a hands-on role, often involving physical duties. As a nurse, you would administer treatment and medication, provide injury and wound care, and assist with personal hygiene tasks such as bathing and toileting.
Roles in nursing exist in private and public hospitals, medical clinics, residential aged care facilities, schools and more. As a nurse you may also choose to specialise in an area such as metal health, gerontology, midwifery, paediatrics, or oncology.
Is a career as a registered nurse right for me?
If you enjoy caring for others and have an interest in medical treatment you might excel in a career in nursing. Other skills and attributes beneficial for this role include:
The ability to build positive relationships and support others effectively.
An ability to manage change positively and perform effectively in changing environments.
The ability to work effectively in demanding, practical, or physically challenging environments.
Clear written and verbal communication skills, supported by strong interpersonal skills.
Effective time-management and prioritisation skills.
Problem-solving and decision-making
The ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and make informed decisions.
How to become a registered nurse
Becoming a registered nurse involves completing an accredited nursing degree, gaining hands-on clinical experience and meeting professional registration requirements. Your studies will help you develop the clinical knowledge and practical skills to provide safe and effective care across a range of healthcare settings.
Every journey is individual, and there are several paths to reaching your career goals. Following is one path you could take to become a registered nurse:
- Complete an accredited Bachelor of Nursing.
- Develop your clinical knowledge and practical nursing skills through your studies.
- Complete supervised clinical placements in a range of healthcare settings.
- Apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) through AHPRA.
- Meet the required registration standards and continue developing your skills through professional practice and ongoing learning.
Accreditation and qualifications
UniSQ's Bachelor of Nursing is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and is listed as an approved program with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
How long does it take to become a registered nurse?
The time it takes to go down a registered nursing career path depends on your education and experience. At UniSQ, our Bachelor of Nursing will take you approximately three years of full-time study to complete. Some individuals may choose to undertake additional postgraduate studies to further specialise in nursing, this can take from one year to three years of full-time study.
Start your journey with UniSQ
Begin your career with a UniSQ nursing degree and gain the practical healthcare, clinical assessment and patient advocacy skills needed to make a difference in people's lives.
Responsibilities and work settings
Assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating nursing care for patients according to accepted nursing practice and standards.
Working in consultation with other health professionals and members of health teams to coordinate the care of patients.
Providing interventions, treatments and therapies and monitoring patient responses to care plans.
Answering questions and providing information to patients and families about treatment and care.
Supervising and coordinating the work of enrolled nurses and other healthcare workers.
Public hospitals and health services
Private healthcare providers, clinics and practices
Community health organisations
Aged care providers
Disability services providers
Emergency services organisations
Non-profit, charity and community organisations
Registered nurse FAQs
Registered nurses hold a bachelor's degree in nursing, which provides them with a broader scope of practice and greater responsibility in patient care. They are qualified to perform more complex clinical tasks and often take on leadership roles within healthcare teams. Registered nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings and are equipped to handle a wider range of medical conditions and treatments.
Related careers
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