Immunisation Status of Undergraduate Nurses Seeking Employment With Hunter New England Local Health District (HNE Health)

This paper presents the findings of a review of the immunisation compliance of undergraduate nursing students seeking employment with the Hunter New England Local Health District. Health Services has occupational health and safety obligations and a duty of care to all service users. Inherent in this is a requirement to reduce the incidence and risk of the transmission of vaccine preventable diseases. NSW Health (2011) Policy Directives outline the responsibilities of managers and health care workers (HCW), including undergraduate students. The findings initially revealed low compliance rates and identified several concerns and risks. However, the review process also highlighted opportunities for improvement across all health care worker groups that would lead to more efficient utilisation of resources and better risk management practices.