The Andrews Government is recruiting 1000 students and retired nurses and midwives to expand the workforce in its state-run vaccination centres. These positions, titled ‘Limited Scope COVID-19 Vaccinators’, are needed to replace final year students who are now joining the nursing and midwifery workforce. They will also support more nurses and midwives to return to their health services where they are desperately needed. Read the Victorian Government media release.
ANMF members, who know first year nursing or midwifery students or retired nurses or midwives, are encouraged to pass this information on. Applications open 17 January 2022.
-
Who can apply for a Limited Scope COVID-19 Vaccinator position?
Health students, those enrolled in the diploma of nursing or the undergraduate nursing and midwifery degrees, and retired nurses and midwives. Current registration is not required.
-
What are the duties of this new position?
Limited Scope COVID-19 Vaccinators may undertake preparation and administration of the vaccination under the supervision of a ‘supervising authorised immuniser’.
They will not be responsible for establishing consent and will only be authorised to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to people over the age of 18 years.
Read the position description.
This workforce is authorised for preparation and administration of the COVID-19 vaccine, under supervision and in line with the position description, under public health emergency order #16 issued on 7 January 2022 via health.vic.gov.au/drugs-and-poisons/recent-updates.
-
What are the selection criteria?
The Limited Scope COVID-19 Vaccinator position description lists the following essential criteria:
- you must have had two doses of COVID-19 vaccine
- you must have a current police check
- successful completion of the Commonwealth COVID-19 Vaccination Training program
- successful completion of the Victorian COVID-19 eLearning Competency Training package
- ability to maintain client/patient confidentiality and dignity at all times
- demonstrated effective communication skills including the ability to build rapport, answer questions and provide information to patients within scope of practice and work well within a multidisciplinary team
- written literacy skills
- ability to use systems required to maintain electronic and other patient documentation
- demonstrated ability to follow instructions and work under the supervision of a supervising authorised immuniser.
-
How do I do the training to be eligible to apply?
To meet the eligibility criteria to become a Limited Scope COVID-19 Vaccinator position, nursing and midwifery students and retired nurses and midwives must successfully complete the following free online education:
- Victorian COVID-19 e-Learning Competency
- Commonwealth COVID-19 Vaccination Training Program
Please note: when setting up an account on these online learning websites you will be asked to create an account and provide the name of your employer/organisation. If not applicable, please write retired, not currently employed or studying. If you need further assistance filling out this form, email the education provider via the email support links on their websites.
-
Do I get paid to do the free training?
ANMF understands those who undertake the training in readiness for being part of the Victorian Government additional vaccination workforce, and apply to be part of the workforce, will be paid for undertaking the state-based suite of online modules. There is no similar commitment from the Commonwealth Government.
-
How do I apply?
Ensure you successfully complete the above vaccination education. Applications opened on 17 January 2022 via Torrens Health (on behalf of Victorian Government): torrenshealth.com.au
-
Do you need to upgrade your ANMF membership?
Yes. First year nursing and midwifery students and retired nurses and midwives working in a vaccination centre should upgrade to a working ANMF membership to ensure you have the protection of our professional indemnity insurance and employment, professional and legal advice, representation and support services if you need them. Update your membership via the member portal members.anmfvic.asn.au/ or join online via anmfvic.asn.au/join.
