A registered nurse (RN) is a highly trained healthcare professional who provides essential medical care, patient support, and health education in a variety of healthcare settings. RNs assess, monitor, and manage patient health, administer treatments, and collabourate with doctors, specialists, and other healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality care. With strong clinical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and compassion, registered nurses play a vital role in hospitals, aged care facilities, clinics, and community health services.
EDEN BRENNAN
Advanced Beauty & Dermal Therapist,
Registered Nurse
INDUSTRY ICON
Eden is a passionate skin expert with a background in both beauty therapy and nursing. She started out in beauty therapy, where she built a solid foundation in skincare, aesthetics, and looking after clients with care and attention. It wasn’t long before her curiosity about how the skin really works led her to study nursing, giving her a deeper understanding of skin health from a clinical point of view.
Thanks to her combined experience, Eden brings a well-rounded approach to her work— blending the hands-on, personal care of beauty therapy with the knowledge and precision that comes from nursing. She’s all about creating personalised skin treatments that work, while making sure her clients feel comfortable, confident, and well looked after.
"As a beauty therapist, I’ve found great purpose in using my skills to bring comfort and dignity to patients in palliative care. It's a deeply human connection, and by offering gentle, nurturing touch during a time when it’s most needed. This area of nursing is something I truly value and feel honoured to support."
Details
What Does a Registered Nurse Do?
Registered nurses deliver direct patient care, coordinate treatment plans, and ensure the overall well-being of their patients. They use evidence-based practises and critical thinking to support patient recovery and manage health conditions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assess patients by taking vital signs, medical histories, and symptoms.
- Develop and implement care plans in collabouration with doctors and healthcare teams.
- Administer medications, IV therapy, and medical treatments.
- Monitor patient conditions and respond to emergencies.
Provide wound care, post-surgical support, and chronic disease management. - Educate patients and their families on health conditions, treatments, and preventive care.
- Maintain detailed medical records and ensure accurate patient documentation.
- Supervise and mentor enrolled nurses (ENs) and nursing assistants.
- Adhere to infection control, workplace safety, and ethical healthcare standards.
Work Environments:
Registered nurses can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:
Hospitals & Specialist Units:
Emergency departments, surgical wards, intensive care, and maternity units.
Aged Care & Rehabilitation Facilities:
Providing elderly care, palliative care, and long-term support.
General Practice & Community Health Clinics:
Assisting with primary healthcare and disease prevention.
Mental Health & Psychiatric Care:
Supporting patients with mental health conditions.
Operating Theatres & Perioperative Nursing:
Assisting in surgical procedures and patient recovery.
Schools, Workplaces & Public Health Programs:
Promoting wellness and preventative healthcare.
Cosmetic & Aesthetic Clinics:
Administering injectables, laser treatments, and skin rejuvenation.
Skills & Qualifications
Skills required:
Strong Clinical & Technical Skills:
Ability to perform medical procedures and administer treatments safely.
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving:
Assessing patient needs and making quick decisions in emergencies.
Compassion & Empathy:
Providing emotional support to patients and families.
Communication & Teamwork:
Collaborating with doctors, nurses, and healthcare staff.
Attention to Detail & Organisation:
Managing medications, documentation, and patient care plans.
Qualifications required:
To become a registered nurse in Australia, you must complete:
Bachelor of Nursing (3 years full-time or equivalent part-time study)
The required degree to practise as an RN.
Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)
Mandatory for professional practise.
Completion of Clinical Placements
Hands-on training in hospital and healthcare settings.
CPR & Advanced Life Support Certification
Essential for emergency situations.
Annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Required to maintain nursing registration.
Career Growth & Opportunities
Registered nurses can specialise or advance into:
Nurse Practitioner (NP):
An advanced clinical role with prescribing rights.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS):
Specialising in areas such as ICU, paediatrics, or oncology.
Midwifery & Maternal Health:
Focusing on pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care.
Aesthetic & Cosmetic Nursing:
Administering injectables, laser treatments, and skin therapies.
Mental Health Nursing:
Working in psychiatric care, addiction treatment, or crisis support.
Public Health & Community Nursing:
Focusing on disease prevention and health promotion.
Nurse Educator or Lecturer:
Teaching future nurses in universities and training hospitals.
Healthcare Management & Leadership:
Becoming a Director of Nursing (DON) or Nursing Unit Manager (NUM).