Celebrating Primary Health Care Nurses Day: Tessa’s journey to practice nursing

04 February 2025

February 5th, 2025, marks Primary Health Care Nurses Day, a day to honour the incredible contributions of over 98,000 primary health care nurses across Australia. Primary health care nurses work tirelessly in diverse settings such as general practice, aged care, schools, community health, and more, playing a crucial role in the health and wellbeing of Australians.

This year, we’re celebrating the theme ‘Treating the whole person, not just the hole in the person.’ This campaign sheds light on the science, expertise, and compassion that primary health care nurses bring to their roles. Their work goes beyond treating symptoms, focusing on the whole person through a holistic, patient-centred approach that leaves a lasting impact on their communities.

To celebrate this special occasion, we caught up with three exceptional practice nurses working in the EMPHN catchment – Tessa Chan (Healthabove Medical Clinic), Lauren Rawlinson (Wicklow Avenue Medical Centre), and Marta Salek (The Hills Medical). Their unique journeys and insights highlight the vital role of primary health care nursing across our communities. Keep reading to learn more about Tessa’s experience with practice nursing.

The evolving role of practice nurses and Tessa’s vision for the future

Tessa’s passion for nursing stemmed from her desire to make a direct impact on patients’ wellbeing. Tessa began her career in hospital settings, where she built a strong foundation in clinical skills, but transitioned to practice nurse care as it offers a unique balance of patient care, clinical skills and building long-term relationships with patients.

As a practice nurse, Tessa thrives on the variety of her role. From administering vaccines, to performing health assessments, and managing chronic conditions, Tessa values the opportunity to educate and empower patients to feel more in control of their health. When asked about her role, Tessa reflects that the best part of her job is seeing the positive changes in patients’ health and knowing that she has been part of their journey.

“Practice nursing can be deeply rewarding for those who enjoy building close relationships with patients and working collaboratively within a healthcare team. I particularly enjoy the holistic approach that primary care offers. I encourage any aspiring nurses to consider a role in the practice setting, especially if they enjoy adaptability and using a mix of skills. Shadowing an experienced practice nurse is a great way to gain firsthand insight into a really rewarding job,” she says.

Looking ahead, Tessa hopes for greater recognition of practice nurses as part of primary healthcare teams.

 “The demand for primary care is increasing, and I see more opportunities for practice nurses to take on leadership roles, particularly in managing chronic diseases and preventative care. I also hope that there will be more professional development opportunities, so we can continue to grow our skills and meet the needs of our patients more effectively. “

Tessa’s story is just one example of the dedication and impact of practice nurses in our community. Discover more inspiring stories by reading Marta’s and Lauren’s spotlights on their experience with practice nursing.

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