Primary Health Care Nurses Day (PHCND) on 4 February is an opportunity to highlight the incredible work nurses do for our communities. This day shines a light on the vital contributions of nurses working outside hospital settings, including aged care, general practice, community health, schools, custodial care and other primary health care environments.
The 2026 theme, “Essential at Every Stage,” celebrates the important role nurses play in prevention, early intervention, connection and community care.
How to celebrate
The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) encourages you to get involved in any way that suits your team:
- Host a morning tea or lunch for your nursing team
- Display posters featuring the 2026 theme, “Essential at Every Stage”
- Add celebration stickers, badges or name tags with positive messages
- Decorate your office or space in Primary Colours
- Share your celebrations online using #PHCND2026
Find out more and access resources here: Primary Health Care Nurses Day
Nominate a Nurse
Do you know a nurse who deserves recognition?
To celebrate Primary Health Care Nurses Day, WentWest is inviting our community to nominate a nurse who makes a meaningful difference in primary care. You can self‑nominate or nominate another nurse by submitting a 25‑word message describing why you love being a primary health care nurse or what makes your nominee an exceptional PHC nurse.
A WentWest review panel will select five nurses to be recognised. Each selected nurse will receive a fruit basket and a 2026/27 APNA Full Membership as a gesture of thanks for their dedication to primary care*.
You can submit one nomination, and a nurse may receive multiple nominations from colleagues, patients, or community members—so feel free to encourage your team to participate.
*Open to 18+. Nominated nurses must work in Primary Care within the Western Sydney PHN catchment. One nomination per person; nurses may receive multiple nominations. Nominations open: 4 Feb, Close: 18 Feb. Selected nurses will be recognised at the 4 March event or at their workplace. T&Cs apply.
Submit your nomination here: https://bit.ly/NominateANurse26
Read the full Terms and Conditions here: Primary Health Care Nurses Day Guidelines – WentWest
Nurse Re-entry Program
Thinking of getting back into nursing? Or are you a practice looking to support placements?
The Nurse Re‑entry Program helps nurses who haven’t practised in the last 5–10 years return to the workforce through paid, supervised placements in general practice. The program also supports nurse practitioners transitioning into general practice.
Expressions of Interest are now open. Learn more here: Nurse Re-entry Program – Supporting Nurses and Practices – WentWest
More Resources and Events
The next WentWest Nurse Connect event will be held on 4 March. See the event details to register: Nurse Connect: Wound Care Tickets, Wed, 4 Mar 2026 at 5:30 pm | Eventbrite
We have revised and updated the Practice Nurse Handbook, the new version released in December is now available: Primary-Care-Nurse-Handbook.pdf
This new handbook includes updated terminology, current links, and the most up to date information.
Any questions! Contact us at marketing@wentwest.com.au