Registered Nurse, Immunizations & Public Health Promotion

Detailed Overview

In accordance with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards of practice and the Mission and Values of Fraser Health, the Registered Nurse, as an integral member of the Public Health Services team, provides immunization services within the framework of the Population Health / Health Promotion Model.

Applies knowledge, skills and abilities specific to Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Epidemiology, Community Development, Primary Health Care, Health Equity and Public Health Ethics.

Translates knowledge from health and social sciences to support immunizations through universal and targeted interventions, programs and advocacy.

Plans, organizes, implements and evaluates immunization services for individuals, families, groups and communities in schools, health units, communities and outreach locations.

Works in collaboration with the Public Health Nurse, conducts immunization clinics for eligible clients in a variety of settings by assessing needs, establishing informed consent, preparing and administering injections and observing and responding to reactions.

Following the BC Centre for Disease Control Immunization Policy, the Registered Nurse advises clients of adverse reactions and contraindications and provides after care instructions and related documentation.

Completes immunization records, records statistical immunization data and participates in continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities Immunizes children and adults against vaccine preventable disease. Conducts immunization clinics by assessing immunization needs, transporting vaccines, setting up work stations, establishing informed consent, preparing and administering injections and observing and responding to reactions such as fainting and anaphylaxis to ensure client safety.

Ensures cold chain procedures are followed in accordance with policies and procedures. Advises client about possible adverse reactions and contraindications and provides after care instructions and related documentation.

Answers immunization related questions as required. Maintains related records; documents observations, interventions and outcomes.

Collects statistics, prepares reports as required and in accordance with established standards and procedures. As part of an interdisciplinary / inter-sectoral team, establishes effective working relationships and partnerships with other professions, community members, agencies and schools.

Participates in continuous quality improvement initiatives by providing input into the review and revision of immunization policies and procedures and attending meetings to promote improvements to client care and the efficient and safe operation of the program.

Participates in research and special projects in collaboration with relevant personnel by methods such as collecting data, interpreting data and providing input for further analysis as required.

Provides formal presentations and educational programs for selected population groups via telephone, one-on-one and group in a clinical, school, community and outreach settings.

Acts as a preceptor or mentor to assigned new nursing staff and students; shares information, demonstrates care activities, participates in orientation.

Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Graduate from an approved School of Nursing.

Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Six month recent related nursing experience providing immunization services or clinical experience including assessing and treating infants / children / youth.

Valid British Columbia driver's licence. Personal vehicle for work related purposes. Skills and Abilities Broad knowledge of immunization and related reactions and contraindications.

Demonstrated ability to administer injections and recognize adverse reactions. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team, groups and other professionals with a multi-disciplinary environment in a diverse community Demonstrated ability to teach clients and families.

Demonstrated ability to operate related equipment including relevant computer applications Demonstrated ability to organize, problem solve and prioritize work in a continuously changing environment.

Demonstrated ability to deal with and promote change. Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.