Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Vaccination Nurse
💰 $45 - $65 per hour
HealthcareNursingPublic Health
🎯 Role Definition
As a Vaccination Nurse, you are on the front lines of public health, playing a pivotal role in protecting our community through immunization. You will be responsible for the safe and efficient administration of vaccines to a diverse population, from infants to seniors. This position requires not only clinical precision but also exceptional communication skills to educate patients, alleviate concerns, and provide a positive and reassuring experience. You will be a key player in our mobile clinics, community health events, and in-house facilities, directly contributing to disease prevention and population wellness.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Registered Nurse (RN) - New Graduate or Experienced
- Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)
- Public Health Nurse
Advancement To:
- Lead Vaccination Nurse / Clinic Team Lead
- Clinical Nurse Supervisor
- Public Health Program Coordinator
- Infection Control Nurse
Lateral Moves:
- Community Health Nurse
- Occupational Health Nurse
- School Nurse
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Administer a wide range of immunizations (e.g., COVID-19, Influenza, MMR, Tdap) to patients across all age groups in accordance with established clinical protocols and standing orders.
- Conduct thorough pre-vaccination screenings for all patients to identify contraindications, precautions, and potential allergic reactions.
- Provide clear and concise patient education regarding the specific vaccine being administered, its benefits, common side effects, and post-vaccination care instructions.
- Meticulously maintain accurate, confidential, and complete patient records, including electronic charting of vaccination details, patient consent, and demographic information in EMR/EHR systems.
- Diligently monitor patients in the post-vaccination observation area, promptly identifying and responding to any adverse reactions or medical emergencies.
- Manage and maintain vaccine inventory integrity, including rigorous adherence to cold chain storage, handling, and temperature monitoring protocols to ensure vaccine viability.
- Prepare individual vaccine doses with precision, accurately drawing from multi-dose vials while strictly adhering to aseptic technique.
- Respond effectively to medical emergencies, such as anaphylaxis, by initiating emergency protocols, administering first aid, and coordinating with emergency medical services.
- Ensure all clinical activities comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including CDC, ACIP, and HIPAA guidelines.
- Verify patient identity, review immunization history, and confirm eligibility for vaccination based on age, health status, and public health guidelines.
- Create a safe, clean, and organized clinical environment by preparing and sanitizing vaccination stations and ensuring all necessary medical supplies are stocked.
- Answer patient and caregiver questions with empathy, professionalism, and evidence-based information to build trust and ensure informed consent.
- Foster a collaborative and efficient clinic workflow by effectively communicating and working with a multidisciplinary team of nurses, administrative staff, and volunteers.
- Ensure the proper and safe disposal of all biohazardous materials and sharps in designated containers according to OSHA and institutional safety standards.
- Provide culturally competent care and adapt communication styles to effectively interact with a diverse patient population with varying levels of health literacy.
Secondary Functions
- Assist with the operational setup and breakdown of mobile, temporary, or off-site vaccination clinics, including equipment and supply management.
- Participate actively in pre-shift team huddles and debriefs to discuss daily objectives, safety protocols, and operational improvements.
- Stay current on the latest public health recommendations, vaccine updates, and immunization schedules through continuing education and professional development.
- Contribute to a positive, respectful, and supportive team atmosphere to maintain morale and effectiveness, especially during high-volume periods.
- Assist with administrative duties as needed, including patient registration, scheduling, and data entry to support seamless clinic operations.
- Provide constructive feedback to clinic leadership regarding workflow processes, patient experience, and safety concerns to drive continuous quality improvement.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Vaccine Administration: Proficient in intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (SubQ) injection techniques for all age groups.
- EMR/EHR Proficiency: Experience with electronic medical records systems for charting and patient data management.
- Knowledge of Immunization Guidelines: Strong understanding of CDC/ACIP vaccine schedules, recommendations, and contraindications.
- Aseptic Technique: Mastery of sterile procedures to prevent contamination and ensure patient safety.
- BLS/CPR Certification: Current Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR/AED certification is mandatory.
- Cold Chain Management: Knowledge of proper vaccine storage, handling, and temperature monitoring protocols.
- Adverse Reaction Management: Ability to recognize and respond to adverse events, including anaphylaxis.
Soft Skills
- Patient Communication & Education: Ability to explain complex medical information clearly and compassionately to patients and caregivers.
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous accuracy in patient screening, dose preparation, and documentation.
- Empathy and Compassion: A genuinely caring and reassuring demeanor that puts anxious patients at ease.
-Resilience & Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and adapt to changing protocols. - Teamwork and Collaboration: Works effectively with other healthcare professionals to achieve common goals and ensure a smooth patient flow.
- Strong Observational Skills: Keen ability to monitor patients for subtle signs of distress or adverse reactions.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), Diploma in Nursing, or Diploma for Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) from an accredited institution.
- Active, unrestricted RN or LPN/LVN license in the state of practice.
Preferred Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Nursing
- Public Health
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 0-3 years of clinical experience. New nursing graduates are often encouraged to apply.
Preferred: 1+ years of experience in a clinical setting such as public health, community clinics, ambulatory care, urgent care, or previous mass vaccination events.