new lpn grad and flu clinics

[linzz]

I am wondering if it is safe for a new lpn grad to be doing flu clinics on their own. I was offered work doing this for an agency but they told me I would be working on my own in a public place such as a shopping mall or a bank. They supply an anaphylactic kit but it concerns me being on my own. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Fiona59]

Just a couple of questions.

Was the immunization course included in your training or was it a post grad course?

Have you ever immunized someone?

How many IM injections have you given?

Just asking because in my province, the Immunization course is done after graduation and usually you have to provide a reason on why you need it (ie: will be working in a clinic). It's a about 40 hours of self study and a oneday workshop reviewing technique and how to respond to an allergic reaction.

Only you can decide if you have the confidence to do it.

[linzz]

Here are my answers to your questions,

No we did not have immunization training in school and I have not had the additional course. I have done some IM's in the deltoid, but not a lot. The agency is offering a one day orientation, after that I will work on my own. I guess it concerns me because many things could go wrong but may not, however if they did, I don't know how I would do on my own. I hate to refuse work but I worry about not losing my licence before the ink is dry on it.

By the way I am from Ont.

Thanks for your response.

[Paprikat]

Check with your college's practice consultant. Here in BC LPN's cannot give immunizations. It is not in the scope of practice. However, as mentioned above, there is a course now, which will let LPN's give immunizations when they complete it. I would NOT give anything until you've got confirmation that it is in the LPN's scope in Ontario.

[Fiona59]

Paprikat is correct. In Alberta, Immunizations is a specialty tag on our licenses and without the designation we would be out of scope.

[linzz]

Well I got the information from a practice consultant and yes we can give flu shots but we have to be able to manage the outcome. It is not an extra thing here to give flu shots. I have decided to turn down the offer because I don't feel that I am in a place in my career where I am ready to manage a serious adverse reaction. I have decided it just is not worth the risk to me. So yes, I am taking the advice given here because it just seems like a sensible thing to do.