Immunization Nurse

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Tyler, TX

7d

About The Position

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Performs routine (journey-level) public health nursing work in the Immunizations / Vaccine-Preventable Disease (VPD) program in a clinical or non-clinical setting. Provides immunization services to individuals, families, and communities through direct care delivery, community outreach, records review, and health education. Works under moderate supervision of the Immunizations Program Manager, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Unusual or complex situations are escalated to the supervisor or more experienced staff. This position does not serve in a lead, supervisory, or managerial capacity.

Requirements

• Must be licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) by the State of Texas, or by a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
• Must maintain current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Must possess a valid Class C Texas Driver License and liability insurance coverage as required by Texas law.
• Knowledge of professional nursing theory, techniques, procedures, and clinical skills.
• Knowledge of community health and nursing care principles, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of public health laws and regulations applicable to immunization programs.
• Knowledge of immunization schedules for children and adults.
• Knowledge of vaccine administration techniques, including recommendations and contraindications, and proper vaccine storage and handling processes.
• Knowledge of computerized health records and immunization registry systems.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Skill in problem solving and identifying appropriate resolution of situations.
• Skill in effective communication, both oral and written.
• Skill in providing health education to individuals and groups.
• Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software.
• Ability to conduct community assessments and provide direct patient care.
• Ability to conduct immunization records reviews and prepare accurate reports.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate patient records and program documentation.
• Ability to work productively with individuals, professionals, and other groups within the community.
• Ability to plan and execute work, exercise good judgment, and function as a team member.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to make home visits independently.
• At least one (1) year of professional nursing experience in public health, immunizations, communicable disease control, or a clinical setting.
• Ability to travel up to 45%.

Nice To Haves

• Experience applying immunization schedules or vaccine administration standards in a clinical or community setting preferred.
• Experience providing health education to individuals, families, or community groups preferred.

Responsibilities

• Administers vaccines, immunizations, and related treatments in accordance with the current immunization schedule, established standards, and DSHS procedures.
• Plans and provides immunizations at community clinics, special events, and outreach settings, including mobile or off-site locations.
• Maintains and monitors inventory of vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies; ensures compliance with proper vaccine storage and handling requirements.
• Conducts community outreach to promote the benefits of immunizations and vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) prevention to individuals, families, schools, and community groups.
• Assists with immunization education activities for public and private providers on topics including the immunization schedule, administration techniques, and vaccine storage and handling, under the direction of the supervisor.
• Collaborates with DSHS field offices on direct service and promotional immunization activities, including assisting with special promotion initiatives and community events.
• Assesses communities with low immunization rates for access needs and barriers; assists communities in developing plans to increase coverage.
• Reviews immunization records at assigned schools and childcare facilities to collect coverage data; documents findings and submits reports to the supervisor.
• Observes and documents vaccine storage and handling practices at assigned sites and reports observations to the supervisor.
• Prepares and maintains patient records, program reports, and visit documentation in accordance with established procedures and state reporting requirements.
• Provides backup support for the Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program Coordinator as assigned.
• Participates in public health emergency response activities related to immunizations as directed.
• Works collaboratively as a team member and keeps the Program Manager informed of significant activities, findings, and community needs.
• Performs related work as assigned consistent with routine public health nursing responsibilities.

Benefits

• DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees