The Referral Roadmap: When Should an SC Call in a Clinical Nurse?

Support Coordinators wear a lot of hats. You’re the navigator, the connector, the problem-solver. But there’s a line where “support” needs to become “clinical care” — and knowing when to cross it is one of the most valuable skills an SC can have. This is your referral roadmap.

Why the timing matters

Bring a clinical nurse in too late and a small, manageable issue can turn into a hospital admission. Bring the right support in early and you protect the participant’s health, their goals, and their plan budget. A Registered Nurse doesn’t replace the support team — we make it safer.

The clear triggers

Some situations are a straightforward call. Refer to a clinical nurse when a participant has:

1. A wound that isn’t healing

Pressure injuries, surgical wounds, skin tears or ulcers that are getting larger, smelling, or not improving need a nurse’s assessment and a proper wound-management plan.

2. Complex or high-risk medications

Multiple medications, insulin, PRN medications, or a recent hospital discharge with changes all raise the risk of error. Nurse-led medication support keeps it safe.

3. Continence concerns

Continence is one of the most under-referred and most impactful areas. A thorough continence assessment by a Registered Nurse can transform a person’s dignity and independence — and help the care team build the right plan.

4. Support workers out of their depth

If your support workers are being asked to do tasks that are really clinical — PEG feeds, catheter care, bowel care, complex manual handling — they need training and a delegation framework from a nurse, not to be left guessing.

The subtler signals

Not every trigger is obvious. Consider a clinical review when you notice:

• Frequent, unexplained hospital or GP visits
• A participant who seems to be declining but no one can say why
• Rising falls, confusion, or changes in behaviour
• A care team that’s anxious or unsure about a participant’s health

If your instinct says “something clinical is going on here,” that instinct is usually right. A single nursing assessment costs far less than a crisis.

What happens when you refer

Our process is designed to make your job easier, not harder:

1. Start the conversation — a quick, obligation-free chat about the participant’s needs
2. Clinical assessment — a Registered Nurse assesses in the participant’s home
3. A clear plan — practical recommendations, and training for support workers where needed
4. Ongoing coordination — we keep you, the GP and the team in the loop

We make referrals simple and keep you informed at every step.

Have a participant on your mind right now? Don’t wait — make a referral or get in touch and we’ll take it from there.