Immunisation – Nurses

Nurse education scholarship opportunities for 2025

CESPHN is offering registered nurses (RN) working in general practice within the CESPHN region the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to attend one of five face-to-face educational workshops.

Immunisation Professional Development Conference 2025
Perform Venous Blood Collection
Ear Wax Removal (Irrigation)
Managing Wounds in Primary Healthcare
Perform Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation and Iron Infusion.

1. GRANTS

No grants currently available

2. SCHOLARSHIPS

2025: Nurse education scholarship opportunities

CESPHN is offering registered nurses (RN) working in general practice within the CESPHN region the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to attend one of five face-to-face educational workshops.

Workshops include 2025 Immunisation Professional Development Conference, Perform Venous Blood Collection, Ear Wax Removal (Irrigation), Managing Wounds in Primary Healthcare and Perform Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation and Iron Infusion.

CESPHN Scholarship for Authorised Nurse Immuniser course

Apply for ANI scholarship

Scholarships have closed for 2024
Please register your interest on our waiting list and CESPHN will contact you once more scholarships are available.

About the Scholarship

Central and Eastern Sydney PHN periodically offer registered nurses the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to complete the Authorised Nurse Immuniser course. This qualification allows RNs in NSW to administer specific vaccinations independent of a medical officer, as listed in the NSW Authority.

Eligibility criteria

Registered nurse (RN) with current AHPRA registration
Currently employed at a General Practice or Residential Aged Care Facility within the CESPHN region
RN must have not previously been awarded a CESPHN Authorised Nurse Immuniser scholarship
RN must have not previously attained qualification as an Authorised Nurse Immuniser

Terms & Conditions

RN must be able to register and commence course within 2 weeks of application approval
RN must successfully complete course within 20 weeks of course commencement/registration
RN will be subject to reimbursing CESPHN the full cost of the scholarship ($350) if RN does not successfully complete the course

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

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.

3. GENERAL PRACTICE NURSE

See our Nursing in General Practice page

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

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.

4. SCOPE OF PRACTICE

Scope of practice

NCIRS resource: Administration of vaccines – Scope of practice for healthcare professionals (21 July 2022)
APNA podcast: The role and responsibilities of an EN
NMBA factsheet: Scope of practice and capabilities of nurses and midwives

While the foundational education of RNs, ENs, NPs and midwives in Australia captures the full breadth of the scope of the profession at the graduate entry level, the scope of practice of individual practitioners is influenced by the settings in which they practice.

The Register of practitioners contains information for all nurses and midwives who are registered to practice in Australia, and whether they have any restrictions or conditions associated with their registration.

4. AUTHORISED NURSE IMMUNISER QUALIFICATION

Accredited programs

NCIRS resource: Authorised nurse immuniser courses accepted in States and Territories (18 March 2023)

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

NSW Health also lists the ANI programs approved for use in NSW.

Qualification

Upon completion of an accredited program, a Registered nurse (RN) or Midwife will be a qualified Authorised Nurse Immuniser able to immunise independent of medical officers in NSW for specific vaccines as listed in the Authority for RNs and Midwives .

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

To maintain authority to immunise, the Authorised Nurse Immuniser 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 CPR must also be obtained.

Annual CPR renewal

CPR training courses – (41.10 KB)

5. NSW Policy and Legislation

NSW Policy and Legislation

Authority for RNs and Midwives Feb 2024

AIR Mandatory Reporting

Australian Immunisation Register Amendment (Reporting) Bill 2020

6. CPD

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

7. EDUCATION

Nurse modules

Accreditation: APNA

Credits: 12 CPD hr

Duration: 12 Hours

Immunisation in the Primary Health Care Setting

‘Immunisation in the Primary Health Care Setting’ is an online learning program based on the clinical recommendations and information contained within the Australian Immunisation Handbook. This program is suitable for primary health care nurses who are keen to update their immunisation knowledge. ‘Immunisation in the Primary Health Care Setting’ is made up of five modules as well as an additional module specific to each state or territory. The modules are an enjoyable way to learn, and provide useful links to other sources of information. Each module will take approximately two hours to complete.

This course does not enable a nurse to become an accredited immuniser.

Accreditation: ACN

Credits: 1 CPD hr

Duration: 1 Hour

Anaphylaxis guidelines and treatment options for nurses/nurse practitioners

This activity has been designed to increase your confidence in identifying and managing patients susceptible to experiencing emergency anaphylaxis reactions, including the prescribing of available adrenaline autoinjectors. It aims to highlight the differences between mild/moderate reactions and anaphylaxis, review the most current and updated guidelines regarding the indications and dosage of adrenaline autoinjectors and ensure best practice in anaphylaxis management in practice.

Accreditation: ACN

Credits: 1 CPD hr

Duration: 1 Hour

A targeted approach to increasing vaccine confidence among nurses

An interactive online activity designed to empower nurses with communication skills that increase the effectiveness and level of confidence of their conversations with patients regarding vaccination.

Accreditation: ACN

Credits: 3.5CPD hr

Duration: 3.5Hour

National Vaccine Forum webinar – for nurses

Each year, the National Vaccine Forum brings together Australias primary healthcare professionals for a dynamic and engaging discussion on the current challenges and possibilities surrounding vaccines in Australia.