Community nurses are a vital part of the community. They provide assistance to those who need it, whether it be through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or helping elderly residents in their homes. They come from all walks of life and have a variety of qualifications, but what they all share is a passion for helping others. In this article, we will explore what community nursing is, what they do and how they help those in need.
What’s Community Nursing?
Community Nursing is a broad term that can encompass a variety of roles and responsibilities. Generally speaking, community nurses provide health care and support to those who are unable to access traditional medical services. This can include the elderly, people with disabilities, and those in rural or remote areas. Community nurses may also work in public health clinics, community health centres or schools. These are highly skilled individuals, who work with patients to address their overall health needs.
What do Community Nurses Do?
The role of Community Nursing is varied, and can involve anything from delivering primary care services such as vaccinations and blood pressure checks; to working with other agencies (including non-government organisations) to ensure people have access to appropriate services and support. Community nurses may also provide care at home or within residential facilities, assist with rehabilitation programs and offer palliative care when needed. They’ll work closely with clients’ families as well as doctors, social workers and other health professionals involved in the client’s care and support. Community Nurses may also provide education on diseases, medication or other topics related to the health of their patients.
How do Community Nursing Help NDIS Participants?
Community nurses can be a vital support for NDIS participants. They can assist with taking medication at the right time and in the correct dosage; helping people get dressed or undressed appropriately (including those who require special clothing); bathing and showering, and providing emotional support. They can also help with practical tasks such as grocery shopping, preparing meals or cleaning the house. In some cases, they may be the only person an NDIS participant has regular contact with, so it’s important that they build a good relationship and rapport with their clients.
How do Community Nurses Help the Elderly?
Community Nurses are one of the most common categories of carers that provide care to the elderly. They provide assistance with personal care activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming; preparing meals and drinks; shopping and managing finances, and providing emotional support. Community nurses can also help to prevent falls, which is a common problem in the elderly population. They’ll work closely with allied health professionals involved in the client’s care and support, including doctors and social workers. They may also provide education on diseases or medication, as well as information about what to do if there is an emergency at home.
What are the Qualities Found in a Good Community Nurse?
Above all, a good Community nurse has a passion for helping others. They’ll have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a good sense of humour. They’ll be patient, understanding and compassionate, and will be able to work effectively with people from all walks of life. Community nurses also need to be organised, efficient, able to manage their time effectively and juggle multiple tasks simultaneously. Community nurses need to be fit and healthy, as well as be able to withstand physical strain for long periods of time. Community nurses also need good observational skills, so they can provide the best care possible to their clients
Expert Care From Australia’s Best Community Nurses
Community nurses provide an invaluable service to the elderly and NDIS participants. They are patient, understanding, and dynamic individuals who can help with a range of tasks. If you need assistance finding or engaging a community nurse for your loved one, get in touch with OSAN today. We have a range of talented community nurses that are able to provide care wherever needed. Give us a call on 1300 799 941 and talk to a real person 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week!
