What is primary health care nursing?

Primary health care is any medical service that is provided outside the four walls of a hospital, including aged care, community health, general practice, custodial, schools and many other primary health care settings. Australia's 96,000+ primary health care nurses play a critical role in disease prevention and control to keep people healthy. They provide proactive care and health promotion to keep Australians well.

Advocacy

Building Nurse Capacity project

Professional Indemnity Insurance

With APNA membership, primary health care nurses thrive in their careers

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The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) is the peak professional body for nurses working in primary health care

With APNA membership, primary health care nurses thrive in their careers

FIND OUT MORE

The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) is the peak professional body for nurses working in primary health care

One in four nurses consider leaving primary health care

Australia is on notice that its nursing shortage is set to worsen, with one in four nurses working in primary health care (PHC) considering leaving their role in the next two to five years, according to the largest survey of the sector.

APNA Workforce Survey

APNA’s annual Workforce Survey has provided a comprehensive picture of the working conditions and professional concerns of primary health care nurses across Australia for more than 15 years. It is the only national survey focusing exclusively on nurses who work in primary health care.

APNA Workforce Survey Hub

The APNA Workforce Survey Hub - click here to do the 2023 APNA Workforce Survey. You'll also find data snapshots, media coverage, and historical data.

Have you considered this analgesic strategy in your practice?

Penthrox (methoxyflurane) is an inhaled analgesic agent indicated in adults and children for the emergency relief of trauma-associated pain and surgical procedures requiring analgesia.

Interim recommendations for use of extended valency pneumococcal conjugate vaccines

Following the registration of extended valency pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in Australia, and subsequent recommendation by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC), the optimal pneumococcal vaccination program for Australia is currently under review.

Primary Times Winter 2023

Members-only articles, interviews, columns, and clinical updates from the latest edition of APNA's Primary Times magazine

APNA Career Pathways Program

APNA's Career Pathways Program shines a light on primary health care for student nurses and helps to future-proof the primary health care nursing workforce. APNA works with universities and tertiary institutions to provide high-quality nursing placements for undergraduate and postgraduate students in dynamic primary health care settings.