Registered nurses (RNs) play a crucial role in delivering immunization services.
Understanding the current scope of practice, experience, and training needs of RNs in immunization is vital for program effectiveness.
South Australia's immunization program relies heavily on the expertise of its nursing workforce.
Purpose of the Study:
To assess the diverse responsibilities, experience levels, and management duties of registered nurses (RNs) involved in immunization services in South Australia.
To identify educational gaps and training needs among RNs providing immunizations.
To inform the development of targeted in-service education programs for immunization providers.
Main Methods:
A survey was distributed to 109 registered nurses (RNs) working in immunization services across South Australia.
A total of 94 completed questionnaires were analyzed to gather data on responsibilities, experience, and training.
Data collection focused on current practices, years of experience, and perceived educational deficits.
Main Results:
A significant majority of RNs (68%) reported no formal orientation to immunization practices.
Nearly half (49%) of the surveyed RNs had five years or less of experience in immunization programs.
A substantial percentage (86%) of respondents expressed a strong interest in receiving in-service education.
Conclusions:
There are common educational deficits among registered nurses (RNs) involved in immunization services in South Australia.
A considerable portion of RNs lack experience and formal orientation in immunization.
There is a clear demand for enhanced in-service education to improve the skills and knowledge of RNs in immunization delivery.