Nursing Role Highlight: Vaccinator
Did you know that you can filter search results by specific nursing specialties on Wanderly? A popular one in recent weeks has been the role of “vaccinator.” Wondering why people are seeking this opportunity? Here’s a breakdown of the position of a COVID-19 vaccine administrator.
What does a vaccine administrator do?
Healthcare professionals trained in the handling and administration of COVID-19 vaccines have a variety of responsibilities! These can include:
- Communicating to patients and family the risks, benefits, and importance of the vaccine
- Storage and handling of the vaccine
- The administration of the vaccine itself
- Being aware of necessary precautions
- Ensuring that vaccine doses are appropriately timed
- Managing and reporting any possible side effects of the vaccine
Why are vaccinators important?
Obviously, vaccinators are essential in ensuring that vaccines are safely stored, handled, and actually administered to patients. In some cases, vaccines have become spoiled after being trashed, stored at improper temperatures, or left out for too long. Therefore, it is essential that well-trained vaccinators ensure the safe administration of the vaccine. The second and equally important responsibility of vaccinators is communication with patients. Vaccinators must use their knowledge and skills in patient relations to explain both the risks and benefits of the vaccine. In a country where only about 48% of the population is fully vaccinated, vaccine hesitancy and myths about its effects are very common. Vaccine administrators can help to alleviate these concerns by communicating the facts about vaccination.
What kind of training do you need to be a vaccine administrator?
There are different levels of training required based on recent experience with vaccination efforts. For healthcare professionals who have administered vaccine in the past twelve months, there are online CDC COVID-19 training modules with a mandatory post-test. More vaccine administration, storage, and handling training may be offered by your place of work. The CDC also offers a “You Call the Shots” web-based training course, which is updated regularly to include the latest guidelines and recommended practices. For more information on vaccinator training, visit the CDC website.
Who wants to be a vaccine administrator?
The role of vaccine administrator is popular for a number of reasons. The position is vastly less strenuous than the COVID-19 hospital scene that many nurses have endured for the past year and a half. Many nurses enjoy witnessing the joy of patients who are relieved to finally be vaccinated after isolating for so long. Others may feel that this is the best way for them to help battle the pandemic.
Does the position of vaccinator sound appealing to you? Search for vaccinator jobs or any other opening that you may be interested in here on Wanderly!