If you've just had community nursing added to your NDIS plan, you probably have questions about what happens next. The first visit sets the tone for everyt
If you've just had community nursing added to your NDIS plan, you probably have questions about what happens next. The first visit sets the tone for everything that follows, so it helps to know what your nurse will be looking for, what they'll ask, and how the whole process works. If you need NDIS community nursing, our team can help; this guide covers the background first.
Your community nursing provider will contact you to schedule the initial visit. This usually happens at your home, though it can also take place in a supported living environment. Before the visit, gather any relevant medical documents, discharge summaries, medication lists, specialist letters, and your NDIS plan. Having these ready saves time and helps your nurse get a complete picture of your situation.
Let your provider know about any access requirements, whether that's a ramp, a specific entrance, or the need for someone else to be present during the visit.
The first visit is primarily an assessment. Your registered nurse will review your medical history and current health conditions, assess the specific nursing care you need, discuss your goals and what you want from the service, check your home environment for any clinical considerations, and talk through your NDIS funding and what it covers.
This isn't a rushed appointment. A thorough initial assessment typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. Your nurse needs to understand not just your clinical needs, but how those needs fit into your daily life.
Based on the assessment, your nurse develops a personalised care plan. This document outlines what nursing services you'll receive, how often visits will happen, what clinical procedures are involved, and how progress will be tracked. The care plan is shared with your GP, support coordinator, and anyone else involved in your care.
You should feel comfortable with the plan. If something doesn't feel right or you have concerns, raise them. The plan can be adjusted as your needs change.
Once the care plan is agreed, regular nursing visits begin. Your provider should assign you a consistent nurse wherever possible, someone who gets to know your situation and can spot changes early. At MediHealth Connect, we prioritise continuity because it leads to better outcomes and a more comfortable experience for participants across South East Queensland.
The first visit is also your chance to interview the provider. Ask who will be visiting regularly and what happens when they are on leave. Ask how the nurse will communicate with your GP and your support coordinator, and whether you will see what is sent. Ask how support workers will be trained on any clinical task in your plan and who they can call mid-shift. Ask what should prompt you to call the nurse, and what should prompt you to call 000. Write the answers into the care plan, because a plan that lives only in the nurse's head is not much use at 9pm on a Saturday.
Gather your NDIS plan, medication list, and any recent medical letters. Let your provider know about access needs.
Absolutely. Many participants have a family member or carer present for the first visit, and that's encouraged.
You have the right to request a different nurse. A good provider will accommodate this without any hassle.
MediHealth Connect provides community nursing across South East Queensland.