Posting ID #: 25‐6008‐B

Position: RPN – Immunization Nurse (Casual Vaccinator) (1)
Start Date: TBD
Status: Casual, Permanent (no guarantee of hours)
Union: ONA (Local 003 – Legacy HKPR)
Wage: $32.96 ‐ $36.91 per hour
Office: Port Hope

1. Position Summary:

As a member of the Health Protection Division the Immunization Nurse is accountable to Health Protection Management for the implementation of the assigned Requirements of the Infectious Diseases Program Standards of the Ontario Public Health Standards (OPHS) 2018 and related protocols and guidelines including but not limited to the:

• Immunization Management Protocol;
• Vaccine Storage and Handling Protocol; and
• Other duties as assigned by Health Protection Management.

Areas of emphasis may include Vaccine Preventable Diseases, immunization, and vaccine management.

The Immunization Nurse is expected to work independently and as part of a multi‐disciplinary team to apply, adapt, choose and/or recommend changes to established methods, procedures or policies and/or to develop new procedures for approval to complete assigned work. The Immunization Nurse will seek direction when solutions to problems are not apparent and/or are not within the intent of established practices including scope of practice.

As a member of the Health Protection Division, the Immunization Nurse, under the direction of the Director and Managers will provide immunizations at organized health unit clinics and complete other vaccine and immunization related activities in a variety of locations as assigned. An Immunization Nurse may also be required to accept direction from a CDC Nurse or Immunization Nurse who is coordinating a specific clinic.

All Registered Nurses, including Registered Practical Nurses, employed by HKPRDHU are required to maintain competency in immunization and participate in clinics as required.

An Immunization Nurse is required to work with other Health Protection Division team members and with members of the public to ensure access to provincially funded vaccines; promote immunization of individuals of all ages; provide immunization, consultation, education, and health promotion. Immunization Nurses will also contribute to data collection, clinic organization and clinic evaluation.

Other duties may include vaccine storage and handling activities and consultation with Health Care Providers (HCP); vaccine refrigerator inspections; and the provincial Panorama Immunization and Inventory System. 

The position involves travel and variations of the working day.

2. Duties and Responsibilities will include:

Administration and Human Resources

• Maintains current accurate documentation in client files and program records as required
• Produces program specific technical and administrative reports as required
• Works with management and team members to facilitate communication, work and knowledge sharing, and timely completion of tasks
• Meets with the management team and Health Protection Division team as required for communication, consultation, and reporting purposes
• Works in accordance with the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace.
• Consults with the Chief Nursing Officer on matters related to professional practice.

Professional

• Maintains registration in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
• Maintains current knowledge of and adheres to CNO guidelines and Standards of Practice.
• Maintains competency by attending appropriate continuing education workshops, conferences and seminars, through private study and/or participation in networks as approved by Health Protection Management, and in accordance with Regulated Health Professionals Legislation.
• Maintains effective working relationships with Health Unit staff, and personnel of other community agencies and volunteers.

Financial

• Recommends to Health Protection Management, the purchase of equipment, supplies and materials as necessary for immunization programs.
• Uses time, physical facilities, supplies equipment and other resources appropriately and effectively and provides appropriate documentation as required.

Program

• Uses clinical nursing skills as required by clinic assignments.
• Develops and maintains current knowledge of immunization to include knowledge of vaccines; understanding of MOHLTC immunization programs; legislation; vaccine management requirements; vaccination schedules; precautions and contra‐indications; recognition and management of adverse events following immunization.
• Follows Health Unit policy for all components of Health Protection Division programs including handling of vaccines, sharps and other biohazards.
• Participates in the planning, organization, implementation and evaluation of a variety of immunization clinics.
• Follows Health Unit and division medical directives, policies and procedures.
• Participates in the implementation of the emergency preparedness and response plan as assigned
• Participates in continuous quality improvement initiatives as assigned.
• Complies with the Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee’s relevant best practice documents.