Table of Contents
Professional Roles and Responsibilities
The reason most parent refuse to have vaccination being administered to their child is due to mistrust (Bazeley & Kemp 1994). Trust is acquired not only through the dissemination of information but also building proper relationships and interactions with the parents. In this case, I would communicate with the parents in a way that would lead them to trust me as the immunizer nurse.
One of my professional duties as an immunizer nurse is to communicate with the parent risk-effectively. Mainly, this involves explaining to the parent the common and minor side effects of the vaccination (Department of Health 2015). Some of the resources that can help the parent understand the side effect better is through web links and written materials such as leaflets. Again, the visual representation of risk probabilities concerning the vaccines can also be used to assist parents in decision making (Leask 2011). I would also advise the parent on the proper way of handling the side effects of vaccination in case they see any signs in patients. Again, as an immunizer nurse, I would concentrate on the specific information regarding immunization to enable the parent to get the facts of the vaccine before making decisions.
The communication strategy used by an immunizer nurse can influence a parent to change his/her mind of whether the child should be vaccinated or not. Therefore, I would use a tailored approach to help the parent make the best decision about the immunization. Most parents who are against immunization have heard false information concerning vaccines. The tailored approach would involve a motivational interview which entails asking the parent questions which clarify their responsiveness to change (Leask et al 2012). In fact, the approach would prompt the parent to think about the benefits of the vaccination, and even ask questions that he/she might have regarding the vaccine (Department of Health 2015). Furthermore, creating a rapport with the parent would encourage him/her to feel at ease and even talk about the concerns about the vaccine.
Vaccinating a Child
If a parent does not wish to proceed with vaccination, as the immunizer nurse I would go ahead and vaccinate the child. Most parents who object their children being vaccinated have little knowledge about the vaccine or have wrong beliefs. According to research, most parents object the activity of immunization due to several reasons. One of the reasons is not being in good terms with the immunizer nurse which brings mistrust. Another reason which is common to many parents is parental apathy. Finally, parent can also refuse immunization since they mistrust the vaccine (Department of Health 2015). These reasons do not justify parents in refusing to allow the children to be immunized. Therefore, as a nurse, I would immunize the child, and even explain to the parent how to react in case he/she takes note of some side effects, and how to get the necessary help. As a professional nurse, I would immunize the child as I am well aware of the benefits, and the consequences which would otherwise be devastating.
- Bazeley, P & Kemp, L1994, ‘Parental beliefs, attitudes and behaviors’, Canberra, <http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/uci-myths-guideprov> [viewed 15 December 2016].
- Childhood Immunization the Role Of parents and Service Providers: A Review of the Literature, vol. 4, no. 8, pp.13-29.
- Department of Health 2015, Myths and realities. Responding to arguments against immunisation: A guide for providers, Australian Government,
- Leask, J 2011, ‘Target the Fence Sitters’, Nature, vol. 473, no. 7348, pp. 443-445.
- Leask, J Kinnersley, P Jackson, C Cheater, F Bedford, H & Rowles, G 2012, ‘Communicating with parents about vaccination: A framework for health Professionals’, BMC Pediatrics, vol. 12, no. 154, pp. 1471-2431.