CESPHN Scholarship for General Practice nurses

Applications close 30 September 2022

About the Scholarship

Central and Eastern Sydney PHN is offering registered nurses working in General Practice within the CESPHN region the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to complete studies to become a qualified authorised nurse immuniser in NSW and administer vaccinations independent of a medical officer.

CESPHN are offering successful applicants 100% scholarship to this course (valued at $350).

Eligibility criteria

• Registered nurse (RN) – with current AHPRA registration
• Currently employed at a General Practice within the CESPHN region
• RN must have not previously attained qualification as an authorised nurse immuniser
• RN must be able to register and commence course within 1 week of application
• RN must successfully complete course within 20 weeks of registration

About the course

• SA Health – Understanding Vaccines and the National Immunisation Program
• 70 hours of online study
• Maximum of 20 weeks to complete the course

Apply for scholarship

• General Practice nurse – Application Form

This course is accredited by Health Education Services Australia (HESA) and conforms with the National Immunisation Education Framework for Health Professionals.

Upon completion of this course, registered nurses and midwives will have the qualification to administer vaccinations in NSW, independent of a medical officer, as per NSW Health Authority.

20% Discount: Benchmarque Authorised Nurse Immuniser course 

23 February 2022 – New & Alerts

CESPHN is proud to have supported over 300 RNs in completing their studies to be qualified Authorised Nurse Immunisers (ANI) over the last 12 months.

If you are an RN interested in completing studies to be a qualified ANI, please email immunisation@cesphn.com.au to receive a 20% discount code, to complete studies with The Benchmarque Group – Immunisation Endorsement Pathway.

This course is accredited by HESA, conforming with the National Immunisation Education Framework for Health Professionals. Upon completion of the course, registered nurses and midwives will have the qualification to administer vaccinations in NSW, independent of a medical officer, as per NSW Health Authority.

The course involves practice in drawing up and administrating vaccinations in a simulated environment, as well as cold chain management and comprehensive knowledge in working out catch up schedules, assuring those participating are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to deliver vaccinations.

Waitlist: CESPHN Scholarship for nurses

Central and Eastern Sydney PHN from time to time offer the opportunity for registered nurses working within the CESPHN region the opportunity to apply for scholarship to complete studies to become a qualified authorised nurse immuniser. This qualification allows RNs in NSW to administer vaccinations independent of a medical officer.

To be notified of future scholarship opportunities, interested RNs should complete the form below to be placed on a waitlist. 

Eligibility criteria: registered nurses working in general practice or RACF within the CESPHN region, who have not previously attained qualification as an authorised nurse immuniser.

How to indicate interest in completing scholarship

Nurses in General Practice

• A guide for the general practice team: ACN Nursing in general practice
• Advanced Nursing Practice – Guidelines for the Australian Context

Scope of practice

• NCIRS resource: Administration of vaccines – Scope of practice for healthcare professionals (21 July 2022)
• NCIRS resource: Authorised nurse immuniser courses accepted in States and Territories (28 March 2022)
• APNA podcast: The role and responsibilities of an EN

Workforce Survey

The result of the 2021 APNA Workforce Survey of primary health care nurses show that in 2021 nursing workloads soared, leaving less time and attention to devote to patient-focused care. Nurses incorporated increased infection prevention and other COVID management procedures on top of an already busy schedule.

NSW Policy and Legislation

• Authority for RNs and Midwives Feb 2022
• Authorised Nurse Immuniser and Authorised Midwife Immunisers June 2022

AIR Mandatory Reporting 

• Australian Immunisation Register Amendment (Reporting) Bill 2020

CPD – Continuing Professional Development

• Immunisation Education – webinars, online modules, and workshops
• CESPHN Events (offers CPR courses)
• AHPRA mandatory training

Is CPD compulsory?

To maintain authority to immunise, registered nurses must annually review best practice policy for immunisation.

This may be, but is not limited to, attendance at seminars on current practices. An annual statement of proficiency in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) must also be obtained.

How to become an Authorised Nurse Immuniser: Accredited programs

• HESA accredited programs – Health Education Services Australia provides a list of all accreited education programs.

  Upon completion of accreditation program, a Registered nurse (RN) or Midwife will be able to immunise independent of medical officers in NSW.

  If practicing outside of NSW, check health policies in the relevant state or territory to confirm eligibility to immunise independent of medical officers.

CPR training courses