Able to perform many of the basic duties undertaken by GPs, they are becoming increasingly common in the region's surgeries.

Hunter Rural Division of General Practice chief executive officer Alison Crocker said nurses were "crucial" to the continuing viability of many practices.

Ms Crocker said the nurses helped GPs get the best possible outcome for patients, in a time of regional doctor shortages.

"They support GPs in the holistic care of patients and are an integral part of the system," Ms Crocker said.

"Practice nurses can offer a range of support services, from immunisation to dressing wounds and really enhance a patient's journey by streamlining services."

The Australian Practice Nurses Association estimates that 60 per cent of surgeries currently employ at least one practice nurse.

There are 125 practice nurses working at 56 surgeries in the Hunter Rural Division of General Practice and 282 working in 145 practices in the urban division.

Five years ago there were only about 60 practice nurses working in the urban division area.

Practice nurse at Cessnock Community Healthcare Rosemary Jacomb said nurses were able to reduce the amount of work required of GPs.

Ms Jacomb said the job was appealing for nurses as it did not involve shift work as in the hospital system.