Community nursing services are an essential but often misunderstood part of NDIS supports. Many participants don't realize that clinical nursing care CAN be funded under the NDIS - and when it is, it can make a significant difference to health, independence, and quality of life.
What Is Community Nursing?
Community nursing refers to nursing care delivered in your home or community (not in a hospital). It's provided by Registered Nurses (RNs) or Enrolled Nurses (ENs) and can include a wide range of clinical and health-related supports.
Examples of Community Nursing Services:
- Medication management and administration
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Catheter care and management
- Stoma care
- PEG feeding and enteral nutrition support
- Diabetes management and insulin administration
- Continence management
- Seizure management and monitoring
- Respiratory care (nebulizers, oxygen, suction)
- Health monitoring (vital signs, weight, observations)
- Clinical assessments and care planning
- Coordination with doctors and allied health professionals
NDIS vs Mainstream Health: Who Pays for What?
The NDIS does NOT replace the public health system. Nursing services can be funded by the public health system, the NDIS (if related to disability), or both (shared responsibility in some cases).
Key Principle: The NDIS only funds supports that are "reasonable and necessary" and related to your disability - not general healthcare.
When Is Community Nursing Covered by NDIS?
Community nursing is covered under the NDIS when:
1. It's Related to Your Disability
The nursing care must be directly connected to your disability (not a separate health condition unrelated to your disability).
2. It's Not the Responsibility of the Health System
The health system is responsible for acute care, post-operative care, general health conditions, and hospital care. The NDIS is responsible for ongoing disability-related care and long-term management.
3. It Helps You Achieve Your Goals
NDIS supports must help you increase independence, participate in community, maintain health and wellbeing related to your disability, and achieve your plan goals.
What Nursing Services Are Typically Funded?
✅ Commonly Funded Nursing Supports:
- Medication Management - Administration, monitoring, liaison with GPs
- Wound Care - Pressure injury prevention, chronic wound management
- Catheter and Continence Care - Catheter management, bladder/bowel programs
- Enteral Feeding - PEG, NG tube feeding, nutritional monitoring
- Respiratory Support - Nebulizers, suctioning, tracheostomy care
- Clinical Monitoring - Vital signs, seizure monitoring, blood glucose
- Health Education - Teaching participants and carers
- Coordination with Health Professionals - Liaison with GPs, specialists, therapists
❌ Typically NOT Funded by NDIS:
- General nursing care not related to disability
- Acute medical conditions
- Post-surgical care (first few weeks)
- Nursing in hospital or emergency care settings
- Services available through community health or home care packages
How to Get Community Nursing in Your NDIS Plan
Step 1: Identify the Need
Community nursing must be justified in your plan. You'll need evidence showing:
- Why you need nursing care (not just general support work)
- How it relates to your disability
- What the nursing care will achieve (goals and outcomes)
- Why a Registered or Enrolled Nurse is required (not a support worker)
Step 2: Gather Evidence
Collect reports and assessments from your GP or specialist, hospital discharge planners, allied health professionals, and current providers.
Step 3: Request Nursing Supports in Your Plan
At your planning meeting, clearly explain your nursing needs, provide all medical evidence, explain how nursing helps you achieve your goals, and specify the type and frequency of nursing required.
Step 4: Get Nursing Included in Your Plan
Nursing services are usually funded under Core Supports > Assistance with Daily Life. Your plan should specify the number of hours per week/month and whether it's RN or EN level.
How Much Does Community Nursing Cost?
As of January 2026 (check current NDIS Price Guide for exact rates):
- Registered Nurse (RN): Weekday standard hours: ~$89-$98/hour (higher with loadings for evenings/weekends)
- Enrolled Nurse (EN): Weekday standard hours: ~$68-$75/hour (higher with loadings)
Registered Nurse vs Enrolled Nurse
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Enrolled Nurse (EN) | |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Bachelor degree (3-4 years) | Diploma (1.5-2 years) |
| Scope | Full scope of nursing practice | Supervised nursing practice |
| Best for | Complex clinical needs | Routine care |
| Cost | Higher hourly rate | Lower hourly rate |
The Benefits of NDIS Community Nursing
- Prevents Hospital Admissions - Regular nursing support manages health at home
- Increases Independence - Allows you to stay in your community
- Better Health Outcomes - Consistent nursing catches problems early
- Supports Other Goals - When health is well-managed, you can focus on other goals
- Reduces Carer Burden - Provides professional care and peace of mind
- Coordination of Care - Nurses liaise with GPs, specialists, and other providers
How Vital Care Provides NDIS Community Nursing
At Vital Care, we specialize in nurse-led NDIS care. Our Registered Nurse provides clinical assessments, medication management, wound care, health monitoring, coordination with your GP, training for support workers and carers, and after-hours/weekend care when needed.
We work with participants who have: Spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, acquired brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, complex health needs, and high support needs.
Our approach: Person-centered and goal-focused, clinically excellent and evidence-based, respectful and compassionate, flexible and responsive to your needs.
Get the Nursing Support You Need
If you or a loved one has complex health needs related to a disability, NDIS community nursing could be the key to living independently, staying healthy, and achieving your goals.
Contact Us TodayCommon Questions
Q: Can my support worker do clinical tasks instead of a nurse?
A: Some basic tasks can be delegated, but complex clinical tasks must be performed by a qualified nurse.
Q: Can I use my Core Supports funding to pay for nursing?
A: Yes, nursing services are usually funded under Core Supports > Assistance with Daily Life.
Q: How do I know if I need a nurse vs a support worker?
A: If the task requires clinical judgment, assessment, or specialized training, you need a nurse.
Key Contacts
| Organization | Contact |
|---|---|
| NDIA | 1800 800 110 |
| NDIS Commission | 1800 035 544 |
References & Further Reading
📋 Important Disclaimer
This article provides general information only and is based on current NDIS policies and guidelines. It is not personalized advice for your specific situation.
For advice about your individual circumstances, please contact:
- Your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC)
- Your support coordinator
- The NDIA directly: 1800 800 110
Last Updated: January 25, 2026 | NDIS policies and procedures may change. Please verify current information with official NDIS channels.