The support needs of Australian primary health care nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Aim To identify Australian primary healthcare nurses immediate support needs during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Background COVID‐19 has had widespread implications for primary healthcare nurses. Supporting these nurses’ capacity to deliver quality care ensures that ongoing health needs can be met. Methods Primary healthcare nurses were recruited to an online survey via social media and professional organisations in April 2020. Results Six‐hundred and thirty‐seven responses were included in analysis. Participants provided 1213 statements about perceived supports required to provide quality clinical care. From these, seven key categories emerged, namely; personal protective equipment, communication, funding, industrial issues, self‐care, workplace factors and valuing nurses. Conclusion A number of key issues relating to personal health and safety, care quality, and job security need to be addressed to support primary healthcare nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Addressing these support issues can assist in retaining nurses and optimising the role of primary healthcare nurses during a pandemic. Implications for nursing management Responding to the needs of primary healthcare nurses has the potential to facilitate their role in providing community based healthcare. This knowledge can guide the provision of support for primary healthcare nurses during the current pandemic, as well as informing planning for future health crises across the health service.