Public Health Nurse II (Immunization)

The Public Health Immunization Nurse provides comprehensive immunization services to children and adults in accordance with federal and state guidelines. This role plays a key part in protecting community health by preventing vaccine-preventable diseases through direct service delivery, education, and public health outreach. The nurse may also float to other clinical service areas (e.g., family planning, STI, Triage) based on clinic needs.

Clinical and Technical Skills

• Vaccine Administration: Proficient in administering intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intradermal injections to all age groups.
• Vaccine Storage & Handling: (PREFERRED) Knowledge of cold chain management and proper vaccine inventory protocols (per CDC and VFC guidelines).
• Electronic Health Records (EHR): Skilled in documentation of patient information in systems such as immunization registries like the North Carolina Immunization Registry (NCIR) or equivalents.
• Emergency Response: Ability to recognize and respond to vaccine-related adverse reactions, including anaphylaxis (e.g., administering epinephrine, CPR certification).

 Public Health Knowledge

• Immunization Schedules: Understanding of CDC-recommended vaccine schedules and catch-up immunization plans for infants, children, adolescents, and adults.
• Disease Prevention: Strong grasp of vaccine-preventable diseases, outbreak protocols, and epidemiology basics.
• Health Education: Ability to educate clients on vaccine safety, effectiveness, and the importance of immunization compliance.

 Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Cultural Competency: Sensitivity to diverse populations and ability to address vaccine hesitancy and health literacy barriers.
• Customer Service: Empathetic and respectful communication with clients, including children, parents, and vulnerable populations.
• Teamwork: Collaborates effectively with other nurses, administrative staff, and public health professionals.

Organizational and Administrative Skills

• Time Management: Efficient in managing high client volumes, especially during back-to-school seasons or outbreak responses.
• Attention to Detail: Accurate documentation, dose calculation, and adherence to protocols.
• Program Support: Assists with state and federal reporting, audits, VFC compliance, and community vaccination events.

Graduation from a four year college or university with a B.S. Degree in Nursing which includes a public health nursing rotation and one year of professional nursing experience in specialty area; or
 
Graduation from an accredited school of professional nursing and two years of professional nursing experience in specialty area assigned.
 
Must be licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
 
A higher education level may be considered as a substitution for all or part of the experience requirement.
 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Administer vaccines safely and accurately following CDC guidelines and immunization schedules for all age groups.
• Screen patients for vaccine eligibility, including Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.
• Educate clients and caregivers on vaccine-preventable diseases, potential side effects, and the importance of immunization compliance.
• Monitor and manage vaccine inventory, storage, and handling according to CDC cold chain requirements.
• Document all services accurately in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and state immunization registry (e.g., NCIR).
• Participate in school, community, and outreach immunization clinics, including back-to-school, flu, or emergency response events.
• Respond appropriately to adverse vaccine reactions, including emergency interventions.
• Support data collection, reporting, audits, and quality improvement initiatives.

Float Responsibilities:

• Assist in other public health clinics (e.g., family planning, STI, Triage) as needed.
• Perform clinical assessments, administer medications or treatments, and provide health education in alignment with program protocols.
• Make phone contact with patients concerning upcoming appointments, test results and education.
• Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and consistency across service areas.

Salary : $60,445 - $69,512