Disability Nursing: A Practical Guide for Australians

What is disability nursing?

Disability nursing is nursing care for people with disability who have health needs that a nurse should manage. It differs from everyday support work, which helps with daily life.

• Registered nurses and enrolled nurses are the two nurse types the NDIS prices for Delivery of Health Supports.
• Ask your GP or specialist what nursing care they recommend for your health needs.
• Nursing care may sit alongside therapy, such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech pathology.
• Support workers help with personal care, community access and household tasks, and they follow your health plan.

Registered nurse and enrolled nurse support

The NDIS price limits show how these two roles are treated differently. Both are quoted here as the national weekday daytime limit from 24 September 2026 for Delivery of Health Supports (NDIS Pricing Schedule).

• Check the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements for rates that applied before that date, and for other times of day.
• Ask any provider for a written quote that names the nurse type, so you can compare it with the limit.

How to find disability nursing support

Start with your own health professionals and your NDIS plan.

1. 1Ask your GP or specialist what nursing care you need. Bring a list of daily health tasks and any questions, and ask for a written recommendation.
2. 2Check whether it is in your plan. Look for health supports in your NDIS plan, and ask your plan manager or support coordinator if you are unsure.
3. 3Ask providers what they offer. Confirm whether a registered nurse or an enrolled nurse delivers the care and what the quote includes.
4. 4Share the care plan with your support team. Support workers can then follow it consistently at home and in the community.

Tell us about the support you need and we will help you work out the next step.

Disability nursing and the NDIS

NDIS funding is conditional: it depends on meeting the NDIS access requirements (NDIS eligibility). Once you are a participant, what is funded depends on your plan.

• Check your plan for health supports, since not every need is funded in every plan.
• Ask the NDIA or your planner which supports the NDIS considers health supports and which belong to the health system.
• Keep reports from your doctor or nurse, as they can be useful at planning and review meetings.
• Compare quotes from providers for the same nurse type, and check them against the NDIS price limit.

Disability nursing alongside other health supports

Nursing is one part of a wider team. These guides explain the other parts.

• Read about disability health care for how health services fit together.
• Read about occupational therapy for disability for help with daily tasks and equipment.
• Read about physiotherapy for disability for movement and strength.
• Read about speech and communication support for talking, swallowing and understanding.
• Read about positive behaviour support for understanding behaviours of concern.

Daily life with nursing support

Good communication keeps care consistent, whoever is supporting you.

• Keep a current list of your health conditions, medicines and your doctor’s contact details where your support team can find it.
• Ask the nurse to explain any health task in plain language, and say if something does not suit you.
• Put your health care plan somewhere your support workers can see it, such as on the fridge.
• Tell your support workers what you want them to do and what you want to do yourself.

When to talk to a GP or specialist

Speak to a health professional early rather than waiting. These are common reasons to book an appointment.

• You notice a change in health, comfort, energy, appetite or sleep that lasts or worries you.
• A support worker or family member tells you they have noticed a change in how you are.
• You are unsure what nursing care your plan should include, or whether a nurse should do a task.
• You come home from hospital and need to understand what care continues at home.
• You are struggling with a health task, or something about your care does not feel right.

Call 000 in an emergency.

Tell us about the support you need and we will help you work out the next step.

Next step: everyday support with TQN Care

Nursing care is arranged with your health team. For help with daily life around it, our NDIS support workers can assist with personal care, community access and help around the home. Send us a referral and we will talk through your needs, your routines and what suits you and your family.