A Perth nurse who saved the life of a suicidal patient in her work with homeless and transient people is a finalist in the HESTA Australian Nursing Awards.

Louise Orme was nominated for her work with Perth Primary Care Network’s Street Doctor program, a GP clinic on wheels that takes healthcare services to the streets of the Perth CBD.

A client undergoing treatment for mental illness nominated the English-born nurse who is now one of five finalists in the event’s Nurse of the Year category.

"I knew there were times when that person needed support and I did what any nurse would do," Ms Orme said.

"I’m not extraordinary. I’m not groundbreaking. I never knew I made such a difference."

Ms Orme moved from England to Australia six years ago and after working in prison healthcare and accident and emergency care, she joined the Street Doctor service to help those who were disadvantaged and marginalised.

Twelve of Australia’s best nurses and nursing teams have been named as finalists in the awards.

Nurse of the Year finalists include Rebecca Burgess of Queensland, Paul Esplin of New South Wales, Judy Frecker of Victoria, and Merrilyn Hewett of South Australia.

Finalists for the Innovation in Nursing category include Amanda Klahr and team of New South Wales, Karen Blyth and team of Victoria, Angela Cutting of South Australia, and Suzanne Rosenberg of Western Australia.

Graduate Nurse of the Year finalists include Lucy Houghton of South Australia, Marissa Zaknich of New South Wales and Zena Coffey of Victoria.

The Nurse of the Year will win $10,000 in education and travel grants. The Innovation in Nursing award comes with a $10,000 prize grant to develop a service or program while the Graduate Nurse of the Year award comes with a $5000 education and travel grant prize.

Award winners will be announced on May 12 in Melbourne.