Immunisation for registered nurses Course outline

Immunisation for registered nurses Course outline

IMMUNISATION FOR REGISTERED NURSES Course Dates 1. 03 Feb 24 25 Apr 24 2. 03 Mar 24 23 May 24 3. 07 Apr 24 27 Jun 24 4. 05 May 24 25 Jul 24 5. 02 Jun 24 22 Aug 24 6. 07 Jul 24 26 Sep 24 7. 04 Aug 24 24 Oct 24 8. Sep 24 21 Nov 24 9. 06 Oct 24 09 Jan 25 10. 03 Nov 24 06 Feb 25 11. Dec 24 06 Mar 25 Course Code 046 Applications Close* Award Statement of attainment Mode of delivery This course is offered part-time over 12 weeks conducted fully online consisting of 100 hours of study and assessment. Students receive support from a tutor and nurse educator. Admission All applicants are required to: 1. hold a Bachelor of Nursing or registered nurse equivalent qualification or registered midwife in NSW 2. be currently registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) 3. hold a current CPR or BLS certificate 4. possess a valid email account and be able to regularly access emails 5. have basic computer and Microsoft office skills (i.e. using a word document; using spreadsheets; able to type, cut / copy / paste text; able to save, attach, and upload a document). Course fee Member: $664.50, non-member: $782.00 1. 20 Jan 24 2. 17 Feb 24 3. 24 Mar 24 4. 21 Apr 24 5. 19 May 24 6. 23 Jun 24 7. 21 Jul 24 8. 18 Aug 24 9. 22 Sep 24 10. 20 Oct 24 *application close date subject to change Further information: Student Services Centre T: +61 2 9745 7500 or 1800 265 534 (charges may apply) studentservices@acn.edu.au Course overview This course is designed for registered nurses working in health areas where administration of immunisation is part of their role and for registered nurses who wish to enhance their career opportunities. This course has also been approved by NSW, Victorian, Tasmanian and South Australian Health Departments. Immunisation for registered nurses is based on the National Guidelines for Immunisation Education for Registered Nurses. While this course is recognised by ACT Health, ACT legislation does not cover an Authority to immunise without the direction of a Medical Officer. Visit the ACT Legislation Register to read about immunisation regulations specific to the ACT. Registered nurses in states and territories, other than NSW, VIC, TAS, and SA are encouraged to contact their health department to enquire regarding the current legislation for training of authorised nurse immunisers. Course Structure The course is conducted online through guided study and online activities. It is recommended that students study for approximately 8-10 hours a week. The amount of time will be determined by individual learning needs. Students are supported by the course coordinator and tutors with whom they are encouraged to maintain regular contact. Networking between students is encouraged through the use of online forums and activities. Course content Theoretical foundations including public health perspective The immune system and vaccine action Epidemiology and vaccine preventable disease Myths and realities Legal aspects Managing, handling, storing and transporting vaccines Administration of vaccines Health promotion and resources for immunisation

Frequently asked questions: What is the purpose of the immunisation course? This course has been designed to aid registered nurses in developing knowledge and understanding surrounding confident and competent delivery of an immunisation service that is safe, timely and appropriate for the individual while enhancing immunisation coverage within the population. Students enrolled in this course will have the opportunity to increase their understanding of the immune system, immunisation and related issues. As a student, this course will help you to understand the theoretical underpinnings, legal requirements, regulations and clinical application of the processes and procedures for immunisation administration. Upon successful completion, students who are working as registered nurses within New South Wales (NSW), Victoria (VIC), Tasmania (TAS), and/or South Australia (SA) will have completed one of the essential criteria needed to be an authorised nurse immuniser as per their states legislation, enabling the administration of vaccinations without the direction of a medical officer with their respective Ministry of Health. How will this course benefit my practice? This course will benefit your practice by helping you to develop a better understanding of the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to competently deliver a professional immunisation service to the community. How is this course delivered? This course is fully online - all information and resources can be accessed via our Online Learning Program. This means that you will have the freedom to study and access course content at a time and location that is convenient to you. Will I have support? As an enrolled student, you will have access to: A tutor, who is highly experienced in the immunisation field, can answer your questions and help guide you through the course and mark your assessments. A Course Coordinator/ Nurse Educator with Immunisation experience who can provide similar assistance to your tutor. A Help Desk which you can contact if you experience any technical issues or and other aspects of online learning that you may find difficult. What is the expected workload for this course? This course will take you about 100 hours to complete. This includes reading, completing online activities and completion of assessments. It is estimated that you will spend approximately 8-10 hours a week on this course. As with any course and given that no two individuals learn in the same way, you may find that some weeks may demand more hours than others.

How is the course structured and what content do you cover? This course will cover a specific topic each week. The topics are: Topic 1 - Immunisation: An overview Topic 2 - Immune system physiology Topic 3 - Epidemiology of vaccine-preventable diseases Topic 4 - Immunisation: Myths and Realities Topic 5 - Managing, handling, storing and transporting vaccines Topic 6 - Legal aspects of immunisation including pre-vaccination screening Topic 7 - Vaccines covered by the Authority including the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Topic 8 - Administration of vaccines and the immunisation environment Topic 9 - Recognising and managing adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) Topic 10 - Health promotion and resources for immunisation Topics 1 to 4: Explores Immunisation from the public health perspective Aims to enhance your understanding of immunology and the epidemiology of vaccine-preventable diseases Examines the myths and realities associated with immunisation. Topics 5 to 10 Explores the management of immunisation in relation to your legal responsibilities, the vaccines used in the National Immunisation Program and managing, handling, storing and transporting vaccines Covers the management of clients receiving vaccines and the correct course of action in the event of an adverse reaction. The information covered in this course should provide you with the theoretical foundation for immunization provision, and should equip you with the knowledge to fulfil your role safely, effectively and confidently. What are the learning outcomes for this course? Upon successful completion of this course, it is anticipated you will be better able to: Demonstrate an ability to practice immunisation within professional, legal and ethical parameters, following best practice as per NHMRC guidelines and the authority to immunise in the relevant state or territory. Identify the aims of an immunisation program as public health strategy, following NHRMC guidelines. Demonstrate an understanding of the correct age appropriate administration of vaccines, according to NHRMC guidelines and the authority to immunise. Apply problem solving strategies to effectively prevent, manage, and follow up adverse events following immunisation. Identify the direct needs of the client, including concerns such as health, age, lifestyle, occupation, (HALO) medical history, and social, cultural and ethnic status. Develop best practice according to the current evidence based recommendations, complying with the current edition of the Australian Immunisation handbook and the electronic updates and practice as a safe competent provider of an immunisation service in a variety of settings under the authority. Develop the confidence and skills to interpret current immunisation recommendations and be able to effectively communicate all aspects of the immunisation process.

What are the course assessment items? Assessment 1: Discussions Discussions occur weekly; you will be discussing immunisation scenarios and questions relating to the particular topic that is covered that week with fellow students. Assessment 2: Blog/Reflective Journal Occur weekly and include reflection on learning and also weekly activities and multi-choice questions to assist you in your learning. Assessment 3: Short essays Short answer questions covering the theoretical foundations of immunisation due in at the end of week 6, these questions cover information given throughout topics 1-4 Assessment 4: Short essays Short answer questions covering clinical theory and practice of immunisation, and catch up vaccination tables to complete, due in at the end of week 12, these questions cover information given throughout topics 5-10 How do I enrol? To enrol, you will need to complete and return the Distance Education Enrolment Form to our Student Services team via email: studentservices@acn.edu.au or via fax: 02 9745 75 or via post: Student Services Centre, Australian College of Nursing, Locked Bag 3030, Burwood NSW 1805 You must include a copy of your authority to practice from Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and copy of your CPR or BLS certificate with your completed application form. If these documents are not submitted, you will not be able to enroll. If your registration lapses during your course your certificate cannot be sent to you upon completion of the course. Can I claim this course as a tax deductible expense? It is best to speak to your accountant or contact the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) - http://www.ato.gov.au Can I pay for this course in instalments? Full payment must be received prior to the commencement of the course.

Distance Education Subject Enrolment Form FOR DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSES ONLY PLEASE COMPLETE ALL PARTS OF THIS FORM AND TYPE OR PRINT CLEARLY COURSE DETAILS Subject name... Subject code... Preferred enrolment date... APPLICANT'S DETAILS Title (Miss, Ms, Mrs, Mr, etc)... Surname... First name... Other names (alias)... Date of birth... Address... Postcode... Home no. ( )... Mobile no.... Email address... Are you of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island descent? Yes No If yes, please specify... I hereby give permission for ACN to provide my personal details, relating to this course, to the Department of Education and/or NSW Health, where applicable. Applicant's signature... Date... Where did you hear about the course? Friend / colleague Website Conference / expos Handbook Email / flyer Advertisement, specify... Other... EMPLOYMENT DETAILS Staff position... Ward/Unit... Place of employment... Local Health District... Work telephone... Speciality... Years in speciality... Is your place of employment Private Public Other... AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF NURSING MEMBERSHIP Are you a member of: ACN RCNA TCoN Course fees Member $... Non-member $... IF THIS IS A BULK PURCHASE, DO NOT COMPLETE THE PAYMENT DETAILS SECTION BELOW PAYMENT DETAILS Please find enclosed my cheque/money order for the sum of $... made payable to Australian College of Nursing. Please debit my: Mastercard Visa Amount $... Card No Expiry date... Cardholder s name... Cardholder s signature... IMPORTANT NOTICE *Please include a copy of your current Authority to Practise as a nurse with your completed enrolment form. If you are enrolling in Immunisation you must also include evidence of CPR accreditation or first aid certification with your application. Successful applicants will be notified by mail on receipt of your application. All course fees are payable in full on application PLEASE POST OR FAX YOUR COMPLETED ENROLMENT FORM TO: (ENROLMENT forms should reach the College at least FOUR weeks prior to your preferred enrolment date) Student Services Centre, Australian College of Nursing, Locked Bag 3030, Burwood NSW 1805 Telephone (02) 9745 7500 Facsimile (02) 9745 75 ACN reserves the right to refuse enrolment to any course or program and to cancel or suspend any program at any time or for any reason as determined by ACN. FM-E.1.4- ED020- DE RN EN enrol V1 June 23 ABN 48 154 924 642 Page 1 of 2

Application Criteria Applicants are required to: 1. Be currently registered or enrolled with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), or the jurisdiction within which they work and reside. Applicants must provide proof of current registration/enrolment with their application form. 2. Be a registered allied health professional with the relevant Health Profession Board in Australia. Australian College of Nursing (ACN) reserves the right to offer admission to other health professionals on receipt of a written application. Cancellation and Refund Policy All applications to withdraw from a course/subject must be in writing to ACN. Course fees are refunded when the withdrawal occurs prior to the course census date*, less the non-refundable administrative fee. If withdrawal occurs after census date there is no refund. In accordance with ACN s Refund Policy: 1. ACN reserves the right to cancel or postpone a course or program for any reason determined by ACN. In these circumstances a full refund may be made. 2. In some instances courses are subject to non-refundable fees. 3. Details of fees, where applicable, are published in the relevant course information and are also available from ACN s Student Services Centre. 4. Intention of withdrawal from all courses and programs must be made in writing to the ACN Executive Manager Education Division, within the indicated time frame, for a refund to be made. Time frames are published in relevant course/program information and also are available from ACN s Student Services Centre. 5. Refunds will be processed within fourteen (14) days after receipt of a validated request and will be made only by cheque, posted to the recipient. *Note: Census date is ten days after course commencement date (not applicable to CPD courses). For further information contact the Student Services Centre on 02 9745 7500. Please refer to ACN website for fee information. PRIVACY ISSUES: ACN collects your personal information for administrative use and to provide you with information about our activities and promotions. Please let us know if you do not wish to receive such information. FM-E.1.4- ED020- DE RN EN enrol V1 June 23 ABN 48 154 924 642 Page 2 of 2