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Certificate of Immunisation Course

The School of Nursing & Midwifery (Qld) Offers the Program for Nurse Immunisers

The Role of Nurse Immuniser

Immunisation is an important public health issue for all health professionals. In Queensland, Registered Nurses, who practice as Immunisation Program Nurses, are required by Queensland Health to have completed a course that was previously accredited by the former Queensland Nursing Council. The Program for Nurse Immunisers was previously accredited and previously led to endorsement as a nurse immuniser in Queensland.

This program is now recognised by Queensland Health (2011) as "a qualification in immunisation approved by the chief executive".

For more details, please see:

Immunisation Program Nurses are then permitted to act under the Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulation 1996, section 175(3), to be able to offer and administer vaccinations in accordance with the Queensland Health Drug Therapy Protocol and their organisation's Health Management Protocol. This is a largely independent role, working in collaboration with a team of health professionals.

Structure of the Program

The program comprises:

An online unit of 5 theoretical modules,online readings and associated online quiz questions
A final overall quiz / online examination
1 online clinical preparation module
10 hours of clinical practice and assessment at a suitable clinical practice venue as organized / negotiated with the program coordinator

The total time commitment of the participant is recognised as 150 hours of focused learning.

Participants will be required to undertake:

self-directed, guided online learning to prepare for the quizzes and online examination
undertake an online examination and attain a result of 80% or over (one re-sit is available)
clinical observation, practice and assessment with an Endorsed Nurse Immuniser at an approved venue (negotiated with course coordinator).

Prerequisites

Prior to enrolment in the program, applicants are required to provide:

Evidence of current registration as a nurse
Evidence of a current (within 12 months) certificate of competency in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for infants, children and adults

Applicants also require:

Basic IT Literacy Skills
A functional computer, internet access and valid email address
Ability to pay by cheque, money order or credit card

Completion of the Program

Participants must complete the program within the required timeframe

The online unit will normally be offered twice per year:

From February to June
From July to November

Participants must complete each module within the specified timeframe for each module in the online unit. A certificate of completion will be provided on successful completion of all theory and clinical modules, theory examination and clinical competency assessment.

Objectives of Program

On completion of the program, participants will be able to:

Apply relevant legislation, policies and ethical principles to their professional practice as nurse immuniser.
Integrate knowledge of the principles of immunisation and vaccination within their role in health promotion.
Demonstrate competency in the administration of vaccines in a range of clinical contexts.
Recognise and respond appropriately to outcomes of the vaccination process.
Provide an immunisation service that is congruent with relevant standards of immunisation practice.

Further Information

The program will be available twice a year in February and July.

Enrolment will only be offered to Registered Nurses in Queensland who are registered on our database (see below).

Clinical Practice will be negotiated with the program coordinator and undertaken at a selected Brisbane or Ipswich location ONLY, supervised and assessed by an endorsed Nurse Immuniser.

Numbers will be limited to facilitate efficient administration and teaching.

No discussion will be entered into regarding continuation of the program beyond the specified completion date.

Enrolements will not be processed unless current CPR Certificate and proof of registration is attached

Refund Policy

A cancellation fee of $50 will apply to any registration cancelled before the program commences. Cancellations will only be accepted up to 14 days prior to Program commencement.

If you wish to cancel your registration please email: sue.kellner@acu.edu.au

If you withdraw from the Program during the first two weeks you will be charged an administrative fee of $200. Should you withdraw from the Program after the first two weeks you will be ineligible for a refund.

Please register your interest in this program in order to receive the next advice about potential enrolment for 2012 and beyond. Contact: sue.kellner@acu.edu.au or Jacqueline.Meachen@acu.edu.au or Phone: (07) 3623 7276