Immunisation for registered nurses Course information
Contents Immunisation for registered nurses............................................. 3 Course overview...................................................... 3 Course dates........................................................ 3 Mode of delivery....................................................... 4 Award............................................................ 4 Admission.......................................................... 4 Course fee......................................................... 4 Course structure....................................................... 4 Course content....................................................... 4 Online skill check...................................................... 5 Recommended Minimum System Requirements..................................... 5 Contact information..................................................... 5 Frequently asked questions:................................................ 6 What is the purpose of this course?........................................... 6 How will this course benefit my practice?....................................... 6 How is this course delivered?.............................................. 6 Will I have support?................................................... 6 What are the learning outcomes of this course?................................... 6 How is the course structured and what content do you cover?............................ 7 How do I enrol?..................................................... 8 Can I claim this course as a tax deductible expense?................................. 8 Can I pay for this course in installments?........................................ 8 Feedback from past students.............................................. 8 Appendix 1 Immunisation for RNs flyer......................................... 9 Appendix 2 Enrolment form.............................................. 10 Immunisation for RNs 2
Immunisation for registered nurses Course Information Subject code: 046 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 been approved by New South Wales, Victorian, Tasmanian and South Australian Health Departments for eligibility as an independent Nurse Immuniser within these states. Immunisation for registered nurses is based on the National Guidelines for Immunisation Education for Registered Nurses & Midwives. In NSW only, this course is also approved for direct entry registered midwives. 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 dates The course commencement dates are: Month Course dates February 01/02/2016 22/04/2016 March 07/03/2016 27/05/2016 April 04/04/2016 24/06/2016 May 02/05/2016 22/07/2016 June 06/06/2016 26/08/2016 July 04/07/2016 23/09/2016 August 01/08/2016 21/10/2016 September 05/09/2016 25/11/2016 October 03/10/2016 23/12/2016 November 07/11/2016-10/02/2017 December 05/12/2016 10/03/2017 Applications close 4 weeks prior to the commencement of the course or upon course capacity being reached. Immunisation for RNs 3
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. Award Students who have successfully completed this course will be awarded a Statement of Attainment and 100 CPD hours. Admission All applicants are required to: 1. Hold a Bachelor of Nursing or registered nurse equivalent qualification (Australia wide); or Bachelor of Midwifery (NSW only). 2. Be currently registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). 3. Hold a current CPR or BLS certificate for a face to face course. Course fee Subject fee: $860.00 Course structure The course is conducted fully online through guided study and online activities. The online learning environment used at ACN is called CNnect. Students are supported by the nurse educator and tutors, and are encouraged to maintain regular contact. Networking between students is also encouraged through the use of online forums and activities. Course content The content covered in this course includes: > 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 Immunisation for RNs 4
Online skill check To get the most out of your experience on CNnect, you will need to have confidence with working online. If you can do the things in the list below, you should be fine if not, you may need to seek some support from a friend or colleague. > I have internet access > I can send an email. > I can attach a file to an email. > I can open a browser. > I can navigate to a website using a browser. > I can download a file to my computer. > I can save a file to my computer > I can use Microsoft Word and Microsoft Powerpoint > I can cut/copy and paste from one document to another document > I can change my screen resolution (make the page appear bigger or smaller on the screen). Recommended Minimum System Requirements PC Mac 512 MB RAM 512 MB RAM 6 GB HDD 6 GB HDD 300Mhz Processor Intel based processor 1280 x 1024 resolution display preferred (notebooks may 1280 x 1024 display operate on other resolutions) Windows XP or later operating systems CD/DVD drive Speakers (either in-built or external) and microphone (preferably external) Internet Explorer 10 or Firefox (latest version) or Chrome (latest version) Ability to save files in Microsoft Office format OSX 10.5.x or later CD/DVD drive Speakers (either in-built or external) and microphone (preferably external) Safari or Firefox (latest version) or Chrome (latest version) Ability to save files in Microsoft Office format Contact information Student Services T: +61 2 9745 7500 or 1800 265 534 (charges may apply) E: customerservices@acn.edu.au Website: www.acn.edu.au 1 A browser is a software application used to navigate the Internet. Examples include Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome and Safari. CNnect works best with updated versions of Safari, Firefox, Chrome or Internet Explorer 10. Immunisation for RNs 5
Frequently asked questions: What is the purpose of this 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 and / or midwives within New South Wales (NSW), Victoria (VIC), Tasmania (TAS), and South Australia (SA) will have completed one of the essential criteria needed to apply to their respective Ministry of Health to be an authorised nurse immuniser as per their states legislation, enabling the administration of vaccinations without the direction of a medical officer. 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 completely online - all information and resources can be accessed via CNnect, which is the ACN s online learning environment. This means that you will have the freedom to study and access the course content at a time and location that is convenient to you. You may also choose to print out the online course materials and resources if you prefer to read from a hard copy. Will I have support? As an enrolled student, you will have access to: > A tutor who is highly experienced in the field of immunisation; who can answer your questions, help and guide you through the course, mark your assessments and provide you with feedback. > A nurse educator/course coordinator with immunisation experience who can provide additional assistance. > IT support when you encounter issues associated with the technical aspects of CNnect. What are the learning outcomes of this course? Using the current best practice standards and recommendations in the current version of The Australian Immunisation Handbook it is anticipated the participant, on successful completion of this course, will be able to: a) demonstrate an ability to safely practice immunisation within professional, legal, and ethical parameters b) practice as a safe competent provider of an immunisation service in a variety of settings under the authority to immunise, relevant to the state or territory in which they practice c) identify the aims of an immunisation program as a public health strategy d) demonstrate an understanding of the correct age appropriate administration of vaccines Immunisation for RNs 6
e) apply problem solving strategies to effectively prevent, manage, and follow up adverse events following immunisation f) identify the direct needs of the client, including concerns such as health, age, lifestyle, occupation, (HALO) medical history, and social, cultural and ethnic status g) develop the confidence and skills to interpret current immunisation recommendations and be able to effectively communicate all aspects of the immunisation process h) demonstrate the commitment to continuous self-education to ensure professional competency as an immunisation provider. How is the course structured and what content do you cover? Students will be guided by the study and assessment timetable for this 12-week course. Specific topics will be covered each week. Week 1 is an orientation week whereby students are encouraged to explore in CNnect, and to become familiar with the online learning environment. Below is a typical example of the schedule. > Week 1 Orientation > Week 2 Immunisation: An overview > Week 3 Immune system physiology > Week 4 Epidemiology of vaccine-preventable diseases > Week 5 Immunisation: Myths and Realities > Week 6 Managing, handling, storing and transporting vaccines > Week 7 Legal aspects of immunisation including pre-vaccination screening > Week 8 Vaccines covered by the Authority including the National Immunisation Program (NIP) > Week 9 Administration of vaccines and the immunisation environment > Week 10 Recognising and managing adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) > Week 11 Health promotion and resources for immunisation > Week 12 Course conclusion Topics in weeks 2 to 5: > 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 in weeks 6 to 11 > 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 immunisation provision, and should equip you with the knowledge to fulfil your role safely, effectively and confidently. Immunisation for RNs 7
What are the course assessment items? Assessment types include the following: Discussions Reflective blogs Short essays Catch up tables. There will be a study and assessment timetable to help you plan and manage the workload in this course. How do I enrol? To enrol, you will need to complete and return the Distance Education Enrolment Form (in appendix 1), and submit to the Customer Services team via the following ways: > Email: customerservices@acn.edu.au ; or > Fax: 02 9745 7501 ; Or > Post to: Customer Services Australian College of Nursing, PO Box 650 Parramatta NSW 2124 You must include a copy of your authority to practice from Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and a copy of your CPR or BLS certificate with your completed application form. If these documents are not submitted, you will not be able to enrol. 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 http://www.ato.gov.au Can I pay for this course in installments? Full payment must be received prior to the commencement of the course. Feedback from past students I have learned a tremendous amount and enjoyed learning each different topic covered in the course having very limited knowledge really. It will be of great use in the future and give me improved skills, knowledge and confidence as an Authorised Immuniser. Thank you! It was an exceptionally well planned and relevant course. The tutor was easy to communicate to and gave feedback after each assessment which made it clear to see how I was going. The online aspect was well conducted and I got used to it quickly. This course was brilliant and very well planned. The assessments in this course were very useful and I learnt from each one. Immunisation for RNs 8
Immunisation for registered nurses Take the first step to becoming a nurse immuniser MIDWIVES MAY APPLY # This course is designed for registered nurses and NSW midwives working in health areas where administration of immunisation is part of their role, and for those wishing to enhance their career opportunities. Successful completion of this course is one of the requirements necessary for registered nurses to administer vaccinations without the direction of a medical officer within NSW, VIC, TAS and SA. The course is recognised by ACT Health, however ACT legislation does not cover an authority to immunise without the direction of a medical officer. Visit the ACT legislation register online for more information. The course is also available for direct entry midwives within NSW. Direct entry midwives in states other than NSW are encouraged to contact their state health department to enquire about current legislation in relation to immunisation training. Immunisation for registered nurses course is based on the National Guidelines for Immunisation Education for Registered Nurses. Mode of delivery: Distance education through online facilitation, including support from a tutor and nurse educator. Subject fees: $860.00* CPD hours: 100 hours over 12 weeks 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 Please note: Registered nurses in states and territories, other than NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia, are encouraged to contact their health department to enquire regarding the current legislation for training of authorised nurse immunisers. * Fees are subject to change without notice. # Refer to admission criteria in course information pack. For more information, please contact: Customer Services, Australian College of Nursing w www.acn.edu.au t 1800 265 534 e customerservices@acn.edu.au Australian College of Nursing Advancing nurse leadership www.acn.edu.au
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, PO Box 650, Parramatta NSW 2124. Telephone (02) 9745 7500 Facsimile (02) 9745 7501 Email: customerservices@acn.edu.au 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 August 2015 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 August 2015 ABN 48 154 924 642 Page 2 of 2