What Is Community Nursing?
If you've come across the term "community nursing" and weren't quite sure what it meant, you're in good company. It's one of those phrases used a lot but rarely explained plainly. This short guide does exactly that.
Community nursing, in plain terms
Community nursing is nursing care delivered where you live and spend your time, in your home rather than in a hospital or clinic. A community nurse is a qualified nurse (usually a registered or enrolled nurse) who comes to you, assesses your health needs, and provides clinical support so you can stay well at home.
The idea is simple but powerful: for many health needs, you don't have to travel to get care the care comes to you.
What do community nurses do?
A community nurse's day-to-day work varies depending on who they're supporting, but commonly includes assessing health needs and writing a care plan, managing medications, caring for wounds, supporting continence, monitoring conditions like blood pressure or blood sugar, and educating people and their families to manage aspects of their own care. Just as importantly, they monitor everything, providing early intervention, therefore a crisis.
Where do community nurses work?
In people's homes, mostly "community" can also mean supported accommodation, day programs or other places you spend time. The common thread is that the care happens in the community rather than in a hospital setting.
How community nursing fits with the NDIS?
For NDIS participants, community nursing focuses on disability-related health needs that can be safely managed at home. This is different from community nursing care, which is funded through Medicare. If you'd like the details on how it's funded and arranged, see our full guide to NDIS community nursing care at home.
Who benefits from community nursing?
People who want to manage their health needs at home rather than travel for it; people with a long-term condition that needs regular monitoring; people recovering from a recent hospital stay; and families who want the reassurance of a qualified nurse keeping a watchful eye on their loved one.
FAQs
Is a community nurse the same as a home-care nurse?
They overlap. "Community nursing" emphasises nursing-related care delivered in the community/home; "home-care nurse" provides personal care, and non medical/nursing care. Â
Do I need a referral for community nursing?
Yes, a referral is required. It depends on how it's funded. For NDIS-funded community nursing, it's arranged through your plan; for health-system nursing, your GP or hospital may make a referral.
Can a community nurse give injections or manage medication?
Yes. Medication management is a core part of community nursing.
Does community nursing replace my GP?
No. Your GP and the health system remain responsible for your general and overall medical care. Community nursing works together with your GP to provide specific support for your needs at home.