Nurse Winter Vaccination Program

Program closed 7 May 2023

CESPHN is offering funding to general practices who employ a practice nurse to develop and implement activities to drive the uptake of vaccination.

The Nurse Winter Vaccination Program funding aims to decrease vaccine hesitancy amongst vulnerable population groups to protect them from COVID-19 and other vaccine preventable diseases.

The program also aims strengthen and highlight the role of practice nurses in general practice to manage and lead health program initiatives.

Applicants may apply for $2,000 (excluding GST) to deliver a Nurse Winter Vaccination Program.

Download and review the following documents prior to completing application form:

• Expression of Interest Guidance and Memorandum of Agreement
• Reporting Template andData Worksheet Template
• Tax Invoice form

The timeframe for the delivery of activities to meet program objectives is 24 April 2023 to 31 July 2023.

Example:

Using active initiatives to improve flu vaccine uptake in NIP eligible cohorts – particularly children aged 6 months to less than 5 years of age who have historically had lower coverage rates than other at risk groups. Using reminder/recall systems to send SMS messages or emails to parents of children in your practice would be beneficial to inform them of the opportunity to have their child vaccinated for free.

CESPHN Scholarship for Authorised Nurse Immuniser course

Apply for scholarship

• Limited scholarships available – Application form

Waitlist for future scholarships

• Register details on Scholarship Waitlist be notified directly about future opportunities.

About the Scholarship

Central and Eastern Sydney PHN periodically offer registered nurses the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to complete the Authorised Nurse Immuniser course.

This qualification allows RNs in NSW to administer specific vaccinations independent of a medical officer, as listed in the NSW Authority.

Eligibility criteria

• Registered nurse (RN) with current AHPRA registration
• Currently employed at a General Practice within the CESPHN region
• RN must have not previously been awarded a CESPHN Authorised Nurse Immuniser scholarship
• RN must have not previously attained qualification as an Authorised Nurse Immuniser

Terms & Conditions

• RN must be able to register and commence course within 1 week of application approval
• RN must successfully complete course within 20 weeks of course commencement/registration
• RN will be subject to reimbursing CESPHN the full cost of the scholarship ($350) if RN does not successfully complete the course

About the course

• SA Health – Understanding Vaccines and the National Immunisation Program
• 70 hours of online study
• Maximum of 20 weeks to complete the course

This course is accredited by Health Education Services Australia (HESA) and conforms with the National Immunisation Education Framework for Health Professionals.

Upon completion of this course, registered nurses and midwives will have the qualification to administer vaccinations in NSW, independent of a medical officer, as per NSW Health Authority.

Nurses in General Practice

• A guide for the general practice team: ACN Nursing in general practice
• Advanced Nursing Practice – Guidelines for the Australian Context

Workforce Survey

The result of the 2021 APNA Workforce Survey of primary health care nurses show that in 2021 nursing workloads soared, leaving less time and attention to devote to patient-focused care. Nurses incorporated increased infection prevention and other COVID management procedures on top of an already busy schedule.

Scope of practice

• NCIRS resource: Administration of vaccines – Scope of practice for healthcare professionals (21 July 2022)
• NCIRS resource: Authorised nurse immuniser courses accepted in States and Territories (28 March 2022)
• APNA podcast: The role and responsibilities of an EN
• NMBA factsheet: Scope of practice and capabilities of nurses and midwives

While the foundational education of RNs, ENs, NPs and midwives in Australia captures the full breadth of the scope of the profession at the graduate entry level, the scope of practice of individual practitioners is influenced by the settings in which they practise.

The Register of practitioners contains information for all nurses and midwives who are registered to practise in Australia, and whether they have any restrictions or conditions associated with their registration.

NSW Policy and Legislation

• Authority for RNs and Midwives Feb 2022
• Authorised Nurse Immuniser and Authorised Midwife Immunisers June 2022

AIR Mandatory Reporting 

• Australian Immunisation Register Amendment (Reporting) Bill 2020

CPD – Continuing Professional Development

• Immunisation Education – webinars, online modules, and workshops
• CESPHN Events (offers CPR courses)
• AHPRA mandatory training

Is CPD compulsory?

To maintain authority to immunise, registered nurses must annually review best practice policy for immunisation.

This may be, but is not limited to, attendance at seminars on current practices. An annual statement of proficiency in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) must also be obtained.

How to become an Authorised Nurse Immuniser: Accredited programs

• HESA accredited programs – Health Education Services Australia provides a list of all accreited education programs.Upon completion of accreditation program, a Registered nurse (RN) or Midwife will be able to immunise independent of medical officers in NSW.

  If practicing outside of NSW, check health policies in the relevant state or territory to confirm eligibility to immunise independent of medical officers.

CPR training courses