Staffing for complex NDIS Needs: Why specialised nurses make all the difference

As the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) evolves to support a growing number of participants across Australia, the need for complex clinical care within community settings is rising rapidly. While most support workers can assist with daily living activities, NDIS participants with high and complex needs require a far greater level of clinical oversight and hands-on healthcare experience.

This is where specialist disability nurse services come into play.

For individuals who rely on ventilator care, PEG feeding, wound management, or tracheostomies, the involvement of experienced, highly trained nurses is not only essential—it’s life-saving. At Health On Call, we recognise that these services demand more than basic care. They require precision, compliance, and compassion delivered by NDIS nurses for high needs who are confident in complex settings.

In this blog, we explore why skilled nursing is critical for complex NDIS participants and how Health On Call delivers the safest, most reliable care in the industry.

What qualifies as complex NDIS care?

Participants with complex needs often face multiple disabilities or medical conditions that require constant clinical monitoring. These needs go beyond general support and require registered or enrolled nurses with specialised training.

Examples include:

• Enteral feeding (PEG or PEJ tubes)

• Ventilator management

• Tracheostomy care

• Catheter and continence care

• Oxygen therapy

• Wound care and pressure area management

• Medication administration via injections or pumps

Many participants also have comorbidities such as epilepsy, diabetes, or degenerative neurological conditions, which require careful coordination between support teams, allied health professionals, and nurses.

The risks of underqualified care

Delivering complex NDIS care staffing solutions is not just about ticking boxes. It’s about ensuring the right nurse is matched to the right participant—every time.

Inadequate or inappropriate care can result in:

• Medical complications such as infection, aspiration pneumonia, or pressure ulcers

• Unnecessary hospital admissions

• Increased stress and anxiety for participants and their families

• Non-compliance with NDIS care standards and audits

This is why staffing must go beyond availability—it must focus on suitability, compliance, and experience.

Why specialised nurses make all the difference

At Health On Call, we take a clinical-first approach to NDIS staffing, particularly for participants with high-care needs. Our pool of registered and enrolled nurses is carefully vetted, trained, and placed based on both their skill level and their ability to form genuine, respectful relationships with clients.

Here’s what sets our team apart:

1. Clinical expertise and specialisation

Our nurses are experienced in working with ventilator-dependent clients, administering medications safely, managing feeding tubes, and monitoring chronic conditions. They understand the importance of infection control, skin integrity, and dignity in personal care.

2. NDIS compliance and ongoing training

All our nurses are fully credentialed, police-checked, and compliant with NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission requirements. We provide ongoing CPD and training in manual handling, medication safety, and emerging clinical practices to ensure they remain current.

3. Tailored matching for participant compatibility

We don’t just look at skills—we consider values, communication style, and cultural background to ensure a good match between nurse and participant. This helps foster long-term relationships, trust, and better health outcomes.

4. 24/7 staffing support

For clients who require overnight or round-the-clock care, our team can deploy experienced nurses rapidly across shifts to ensure continuity and peace of mind.

The future of high-care disability support

As the NDIS continues to support more Australians living with complex disabilities in community settings, the demand for skilled nurses will only grow. Staffing agencies must step up—not just with availability but with clinical excellence, person-centred values, and a commitment to safety.

At Health On Call, we’re proud to lead the way in specialist disability nurse services by offering a staffing model that balances flexibility with clinical rigour. Whether it’s a once-off shift or a long-term care relationship, we ensure our clients and their families feel supported, respected, and safe.

Partner with Health On Call

If you're an NDIS provider, care coordinator, or family member supporting someone with complex needs, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Partner with Health On Call for access to highly qualified, compassionate nurses who understand what’s at stake—and are ready to make a difference.

From PEG care to ventilator support, our nurses are more than just professionals. They’re the critical link between healthcare and independence.

Let’s talk about how we can support your participants with the care they deserve.