Immunization Nurse

POSITION TITLE: Immunization Nurse

REPORTS TO (TITLE): Nurse Manager

Job Summary: Under the supervision of the Nurse Manager, seeks to protect the community and patients of SRCH from vaccine preventable disease by providing education and immunizations to SRCH patients. Assesses the immunization status of patients, administers vaccines, and educates patients and caregivers about immunization matters. The Immunization Nurse will work closely with doctors, nurse practitioners, the immunization team, and other medical professionals to ensure patients of all ages have access to the vaccines that they need to stay healthy .

Specific Tasks/Duties Include :

- Assessing patient’s health histories to identify health issues that may make vaccinations unsafe

- Providing information regarding vaccines according to established guidelines from the CDC or other organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

- Recording information about each patient’s vaccination history in the patient’s chart or CAIR registry

- Educating patients about the risks and benefits of vaccines and other disease prevention

- Coordinating with other members of the healthcare team including clinicians, pediatricians, the immunization team, and nurses

- Scheduling appointments and keeping track of patient records to ensure that patients receive the appropriate immunizations on time or as scheduled

- Collecting samples from patients and staff who may have been exposed to a contagious disease

- Managing vaccine supplies and documentation

- In collaboration with the immunization team, is responsible for a constant readiness state for Vaccines for Children VFC, Insurance Plan guidelines, State Emergency Vaccine programs, and Joint Commission visit by ensuring that Health Centers follow all regulations.

- Assists the clinic and the immunization team VFC audits

- Monitor alarm systems for refrigerators and follow protocols and contingency plan to ensure proper storage and handling during temperature excursions and emergency situations

- Help support with IZ quality measures

- Will lead all IZ or vaccine projects and events

- Work in coordination with training of new MA’s on IZ workflows to help prevent IZ errors

- Works with the clinic on their daily vaccine management, storage, and handling in collaboration with the IZ team and site leadership

- Lead QI projects

- Other duties as assigned

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications :

Education:

- Current LVN License

Experience:

- Minimum of one year of nursing experience

- Experienced immunization nurse preferred

Knowledge and Skills:

- Good knowledge of the clinical process and critical thinking abilities.

- Knowledge of current nursing practices.

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills are required.

- Ability to work with people with a variety of backgrounds and educational levels.

- Ability to work in a highly dynamic, mission-driven environment.

- Skillful in quality improvement processes and infection control standards for health care facilities.

- Excellent work ethic.

- Excellent computer skills.

Physical Requirements :

While performing the duties of this job, this position is frequently required to do the following:

- Use standard office equipment and access, input, and retrieve information from a computer. Use computer keyboard with manual and finger dexterity and wrist-finger speed sufficient to perform repetitive actions efficiently for extended periods of time.

- Communicate effectively in person or via telephone in a manner which can be understood by those with whom the person is speaking, including a diverse population.

- Give and follow verbal and written instructions with attention to detail and accuracy.

- Perform complex mental functions and basic arithmetic functions; interpret complex laws, regulations, and policies; collect, interpret, and/or analyze complex data and information.

- Vision: see details of objects at close range.

- Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously.

- Reach forward, up, down, and to the side.

- Sit or stand for minimum periods of one hour at a time and come and go from the work area repeatedly throughout the day.

- Lift up to twenty (20) pounds.