This week, they are being recognised for their hard work with Nursing in the Community Week.

East Grampians Health Service community nurse Jan-Maree Ruddle said the coronavirus had brought new challenges to the job.

"We are all doing it extra at this time, trying to keep everyone safe," she said.

"There are a lot more people out there at the moment feeling very lonely and isolated. Sometimes we might be the only person they are seeing in that week.

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"Most of our clients are elderly and have hearing issues. Sometimes it can be difficult ... especially for people with hearing issues who can't see your lips moving."

Mrs Ruddle said there was an increase in clients because people don't want to leave their home.

"If it's a wound where we can visit them, it's much easier for them to stay in their own house and not sit around in waiting rooms," she said.

"We have extra sanitising, personal protective equipment and check staff and consumers temperatures prior to home visits.

"Obviously with some of the things we have to do we have to be closer than the 1.5 metres. But we are adhering to the rules and wearing appropriate gear."

"I really enjoy doing the district nursing because you can just see the difference it makes to the people out in the community, by coming in and helping to keep them in their houses."

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This year, Nursing in the Community Week is raising awareness about how nurses can support people to stay safe at home.

EGHS coordinator for community nursing Leonie MacDonald has been a nurse for 30 years and said she was "fortunate" to have a great nursing team.

"I love to be able to help the client and in this role see through their assessments what else can be provided for them," she said.

"With the nurses going in and doing the assessments we can see what challenges they are facing and what's available to them.

"We have received great support from EGHS ... we have people that we can go to if we are finding it challenging."

Regional Health Minister Mark Coulton said nurses were the lifeblood of rural communities.

"Thank you to all nurses who continuously put their heart and soul into caring for regional and rural communities, especially this year as we face the challenges of COVID-19," he said.

"Our investment in community nursing includes more than $13 million over three years to CRANAplus to provide remote health professionals, including community nurses, with access to training, professional services and mental health support."

The Government has also provided the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association with $8 million over four years to deliver the Nursing in Primary Health Care Program.

Do you have a story to share? Get in touch - taylor.padfield@austcommunitymedia.com.au.

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