At Ease Community Nursing

20/02/2026

They say that the best conversations happen around kitchen tables.

As community nurses caring exclusively for ADF veterans, we walk into homes expecting to provide healthcare and we do, then we sit .... At the kitchen table.

What don't we expect? The stories. The wisdom. The humour that catches us off guard and makes us laugh even in difficult moments.

We don't expect veterans to ask about our families, to remember our names, to treat us like mates instead of "just nurses."
We hear stories of mates who became brothers and sisters - some still here, some never forgotten.

Stories of hardship and loss spoken about with a courage that humbles us, often followed by a joke that reminds us why humour is sometimes the best medicine.

We came to care for them. They ended up teaching us what really matters.

Our veterans don't just let us into their homes. They let us into their lives.
They trust us with their stories, their struggles, and their strength - and that trust is both a privilege and a responsibility we don't take lightly.

Every veteran we meet has stories shaped by service, sacrifice, and mateship.

If you know a veteran, reach out. If you work in veteran services, keep going.

If you're a veteran reading this - we see you, we're honoured to care for you, and your story matters.

20/01/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday & Happy 1 Year Anniversary, Bob! 🎉

Today we’re celebrating not one, but two special milestones for our amazing Head of Operations. Thank you, Bob, for your incredible hard work, dedication, and everything you do behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly. We truly appreciate you and are so grateful to have you as part of our team! 👏🎂🎈

11/12/2025

We're hiring! Come and join our team of amazing nurses.

Rewarding part-time Enrolled Nurse role in Townsville with a friendly team, making a tangible difference in the lives of ADF veterans.

25/11/2025

Our role extends beyond wound care and medication management—we help preserve dignity and independence for those men and women who've served, while endeavoring to support families who need a little breathing space.
DVA funding allows us to provide this service and removes the financial burden from veterans and their families during an already difficult time.
Every day, we see how community nursing creates a ripple effect—veterans stay home longer, families maintain their wellbeing and employment, and we prevent costly hospitalisations. It's healthcare that strengthens both individuals and communities.
The funding that DVA provides community nursing providers is vital. It comes with conditions and accountabilities, as it most definitely should.
For as long as we have veterans, this funding should be protected from the vagaries of politics and bureaucracy.
As community nursing providers, we understand the accountabilities and continue to feel privileged to be able to play our part.

19/11/2025

Want to know what a day in the life of one of our community nurses looks like? Read on ....

6:30am - Coffee in hand, reviewing today's schedule. 10 visits across Townsville and suburbs to Australian Defence Force veterans. Wound care, post-surgical checks, mental health check ins, observations taken and a couple of new veterans to see as well.

7:00am - First stop: Bill, 92, Korea veteran. Here for his leg ulcer dressing, but I'm also checking his mobility aids, medication management, whether he's managing at home. He shows me his old service photos. I always make time for this - his stories matter. All their stories matter.

9:30am - Sandra, Navy veteran, only quite young. Post-surgical follow-up. She's fiercely independent and trying to do too much too soon. We negotiate what "taking it easy" actually means. Her service dog, Tiny is curious to see what's in my nurse's bag, I always bring him a treat.

11:45am - Vietnam veteran and his wife. He's dealing with PTSD flare-ups alongside his physical health needs. She's exhausted from caring for him. I'll need to bump this up the chain and we'll try to arrange respite support. This job is as much about the families as the veterans themselves.

1:30pm - Lunch eaten between visits. Three phone calls returned.

1:50pm - Jenny, Air Force veteran, for her diabetes management. She's struggling with the transition from military structure to civilian life, and it's affecting her self-care. We talk about her marriage of 20 years falling apart. We talk about routines and support networks. I give her a hug as I leave.

3:45pm - Dave, Afghanistan veteran. He's a hard man. A strong man, a lovely man, but today, he's on his knees. He's been here before. I let him know that we've found him a place in a clinic and he's going to be okay. He'll get to talk to someone who can help. Dave says he'll see me tomorrow; that's a good sign

This is the part they don't teach you: you become an expert at understanding how service has shaped these lives, at reading the signs when someone who's trained to push through is actually struggling and can't push without help

4:45pm - Bert, another Vietnam veteran. Bert's out back with his wife on the back patio, watching the grandkids play cricket, He's pretty chuffed that the eldest is going down to Brisbane to play grade. He smiles and pokes fun at Nora, his wife. I push him inside to put some cream on his "stumps", as he calls them, rearrange the pillow on his wheelchair and push him back out to watch the second innings. Same time tomorrow, Bert

5:00pm - Documentation. Each visit detailed with notes and any escalations to our senior nursing team. The paperwork that ensures our veterans get the support they've earned

This isn't the nursing you see on TV. It's quiet, stoic and very essential care for those who served our country.

Yes, same time tomorrow, Bert.

22/10/2025

Why Continued DVA Funding for ADF Veteran Community Nursing Matters More Than Ever

As we continue to see our ADF veteran population age and face increasingly complex health challenges, community nursing support has become not just valuable—it's essential.

Veteran community nurses provide specialised care that goes far beyond standard home visits. They understand the unique physical and psychological impacts of military service. They recognise service-related conditions, navigate the complexities of DVA entitlements, and build trust with veterans who may be reluctant to seek help.

The impact is tangible: For many veterans, especially those in regional and remote areas, these nurses are the primary connection to healthcare services. They coordinate care, manage chronic conditions, support mental health, and often identify issues before they become crises. They help veterans remain in their homes longer, maintain independence, and live with dignity.

But here's what we risk losing without sustained funding: Early intervention programs that prevent hospital admissions. Continuity of care for veterans with complex needs. Specialised knowledge that takes years to develop. Geographic coverage that reaches our most isolated veterans.

Our veterans served when called upon. Now it's up to us to ensure they receive the ongoing support they've earned.

To policymakers and stakeholders: This investment pays dividends in veteran wellbeing, reduced emergency presentations, and better health outcomes across the board.

17/10/2025

We mourn the loss of Tulsa Rumney, an Australian Army soldier who tragically died in a training accident near Townsville.
This young man gave seven years of dedicated service to our nation, reflecting his commitment to his country, it's people and his mates.
Thank you, Tulsa.
And to all the men and women of the Australian Defence Force who answer the call to serve ...... Thank you.
Your commitment to protecting our country and supporting others in their darkest hours do not go unnoticed.
Our thoughts are with Tulsa's family, friends, and his brothers and sisters in arms during this difficult time.
His legacy will endure.

Send a message to learn more

12/09/2025

# Keeping Veterans Home: Why Community Nursing Beats Hospital Re-admissions

For Australian veterans, returning to hospital after discharge often feels like a defeat. They want to heal at home.

The Department of Veterans' Affairs has invested heavily in community nursing programs that keep veterans where they belong: at home, surrounded by their families, recovering.

University of Sydney research commissioned by DVA confirms that Community Nursing programs achieve their primary aim of enabling veterans to stay at home as long as possible, avoiding early hospital admission.

Hospital readmissions are also expensive and often preventable. Veterans' Health Administration research shows readmitted patients have episode costs 53% to 82% higher than those who avoid readmission.

The Australian Government recognised this reality in the 2024-25 Budget, investing $477 million to build DVA capacity and $48.4 million specifically for Veterans' Home Care and Community Nursing Programs.

Community nursing makes financial sense. While hospital care costs hundreds of dollars daily, community nursing delivers professional care at a fraction of that cost. Veterans receive skilled nursing assessment, medication management, wound care, and chronic disease monitoring without the stress and expense of hospital admission.

The DVA Community Nursing program addresses veterans' unique needs, recognising that service-connected conditions require specialised understanding. Community nurses trained in veteran care understand the difference between civilian aging and service-related health decline.

For veterans and families, community nursing means peace of mind. Spouses don't manage complex medical needs alone. The entire family benefits when professional nursing support prevents crisis situations that lead to emergency hospital admissions.

Veterans receiving professional home support demonstrate lower emergency department utilisation, fewer unplanned consultations, and significantly reduced hospital readmissions. Most importantly, veterans report higher satisfaction when receiving care at home.

DVA's community nursing investment honours the service connection between Australia and its veterans. It recognises that military service creates unique health challenges requiring specialised support. Most importantly, it delivers that support where veterans want it: at home, with dignity, surrounded by the life their service protected.

This approach represents the best of Australian healthcare: efficient, effective, and respectful of individual choice. Veterans who served their country deserve care that honours their preferences while delivering the clinical excellence their service-connected conditions require.

12/09/2025

We're looking for a part time Registered Nurse for our expanding community Nursing team.
View the role online and apply here:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/at-ease-community-nursing_registered-nurse-job-in-townsville-northern-activity-7372121877323898880-g-Pf?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=member_desktop_web&rcm=ACoAAASNlxoBLkd6x4pAT8tzfm2ofe1AI1jGCUQ
Or email your resume to manager@ateasecn.com.au

We're looking for a part time Registered Nurse to join our expanding team. Take a look at the role and apply online here: https://lnkd.in/gHEEQZN5

29/08/2025

So very deeply disappointed to hear about the decision to cut funding for the Salvation Army's Sallyman programme after 125 years of service to our Defence community.
The Sally Man was someone to talk to who understood military life but sat outside the chain of command. Someone our serving men and women could approach without worrying about how it might affect their career or record.
For many of those currently serving and our veterans, that independent support made all the difference during difficult times. Whether dealing with deployment stress, family issues, or just needing a friendly ear, the Sallyman was there - no questions asked, no paperwork required.
This isn't just about cutting a programme - it's about removing a vital support network that has served generations of Australian servicemen and women. At a time when veteran mental health is in the spotlight, this decision feels particularly short-sighted.
Our Defence personnel and their families deserve better. The Salvation Army's Red Shield Defence Services has been a cornerstone of military welfare for over a century - some traditions are worth preserving.

08/08/2025

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/at-ease-community-nursing_communitynursing-veteranhealth-healthcare-activity-7353589686323367936-v99D?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAASNlxoBLkd6x4pAT8tzfm2ofe1AI1jGCUQ

"Beyond Medication: How Veterans' Nursing Strengthens Australian Families" Stuart Wyle Martin Shaw Colleen Maclean