Today we celebrate Primary Health Care Nurses Day, recognising the essential role nurses play in keeping communities healthy across Australia. Working in settings such as general practice, aged care, community health, schools, and remote and rural services, primary health care nurses are often the first point of contact for people seeking care.
With more than 104,000 primary health care nurses nationwide, their work supports prevention, early intervention, and the ongoing management of health needs, helping people stay well and receive care close to home.
Today, we say thank you. Your contribution makes a meaningful difference every day.
Recently, we had the opportunity to chat with several nurses across the region to learn more about the vital roles they play in their communities and the benefits of the NQPHN funded APNA memberships.
Jayrahni
Registered Nurse/Aboriginal Health Worker
📍Ngak Min Health – Culturally connected care
Read what Jayrahni had to say
What do you enjoy most about being a Primary Health Care Nurse?
What I enjoy most about being a primary health care nurse is the opportunity to build strong, respectful relationships grounded in trust and continuity of care. Taking the time to listen, learn, and work alongside individuals, families, and community allows care to be truly person-centred and culturally safe.
I find it especially rewarding to support holistic models of health that recognise the importance of culture, family, community, and connection to Country, not just physical health. Being part of care that empowers people, supports self-determination, and strengthens health literacy feels meaningful and purposeful.
What APNA membership support helps you most in your role as a Primary Health Care nurse?
APNA membership supports me most through access to up-to-date, evidence-based resources and practical education that are directly relevant to primary health care. It helps me stay current with best practice, policy changes, and evolving models of care, which is essential in a fast-paced PHC environment.
How does APNA / NQPHN funded corporate membership support your confidence or decision-making?
Having the APNA / NQPHN funded corporate membership increases my confidence in clinical decision-making by providing trusted guidance, professional standards, and access to expert advice. Knowing I can refer to reliable resources and professional support reinforces that my decisions align with best practice and professional expectations.
Which APNA member benefit do you use most and why?
The APNA education library is the benefit I use most, as it provides flexible, high-quality learning that fits around my workload. The resources are practical, relevant to everyday practice, and support continuous professional development, which directly benefits patient care
Ronelle
Enrolled nurse
📍Kirwan GP Clinic
Read what Ronelle had to say
What do you enjoy most about being a Primary Health Care Nurse?
In primary health nursing, I enjoy the breadth of skills required and the diversity of patients I care for. With some patients, such as those requiring ongoing would care, it’s especially rewarding to see how continuity of care can make a real difference to their progress. While I wouldn’t say (out aloud!) I have favourite patients, there are definitely days when I look forward to seeing our regular patients and seeing how they’re progressing.
Although I am new to nursing, I look forward to strengthening my skills and learning as much as I can from others to be be a great nurse.
What APNA membership support helps you most in your role as a Primary Health Care nurse?
The CPD is a standout, its imperative that nurses in primary health, who are at the forefront, are up to date with best practice and with any changes.
Sarah
Practice Nurse (RN, GradCertPHC)
📍Discovery Health Centre
Read what Sarah had to say
What do you enjoy most about being a Primary Health Care Nurse?
Membership with APNA has opened doors to the wider PHC community. They provide regular newsletters informing me of updates and changes within the PHC field that are relevant and applicable to my everyday scope. They regularly keep in touch, seeking us ground workers for direction on gaps and needs in PHC, which is a constant reassurance that we are seen and heard. Working in PHC can seem very isolating, but being with APNA has made me feel very supported and appreciated.
Which APNA benefit do you use most and why?
The most used benefit for me is the education library. They have a wide range and very practical educational subjects that I refer to regularly. I only needed to access the nurse support line once; however, I found it absolutely amazing. The support team was very easily accessible, very supportive and proactive with providing all the resources I needed. I never felt rushed and they kept in touch for a while after to make sure everything was going well for me. They were such a great support through such a stressful period. I cannot recommend APNA enough!