Healthcare workers are the ones responsible for keeping the public safe and vaccinated. The shocking truth is that not all healthcare workers know their own immunization status. As a recruiting firm, people not knowing their immunization status can slow down the hiring and placement process. The following tips will help nursing and allied health recruiting firms keep track. They will also help your organization know what workers need vaccinations, as well as stay on top of CDC recommendations and state regulations.
How Recruiting Firms Can Better Track Candidate Immunization Records
Know the CDC Guidelines
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a number of recommendations for healthcare workers when it comes to vaccinations. Healthcare workers include administrative staff, dental professionals and students, emergency medical personnel, hospital volunteers, laboratory techs, medical and nursing students, physicians, and nurses. When making placements for clients in the healthcare field, it is important to know what the CDC recommends. This way you can remain compliant as far as keeping updated vaccination records.
When making healthcare placements you will need documented evidence that your candidates are vaccinated or immune to Hepatitis B, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Varicella (chickenpox), and meningococcal. These vaccinations are very common and most people applying to healthcare positions have received their shots. As a healthcare recruiting firm, you will need to work with applicants to make sure they have the proper documentation.
On top of the one-time vaccines listed above, there are others your candidates should get updated regularly. The CDC recommends healthcare workers receive a flu shot annually. Tdap vaccines, also known as tetanus shots, should be updated every 10 years. Make sure that your clients have specified any additional vaccinations that are necessary. This way you do not send them candidates that are missing these important requirements.
Be on Top of State Regulations
Outside of CDC recommendations, the state in which your staffing firm is making placements may have regulations you need to adhere to as well. Depending on the type of healthcare worker and what kind of work they do, state immunization requirements may differ. The state may also have different rules about when you should screen certain individuals for communicable diseases, such as Hepatitis B. They will also have reporting laws that may differ from state to state. Be sure you are knowledgeable about what each state where you are placing health care candidates requires.
Emphasize the Importance to Your Candidates
Make sure that the immunization is something you cover as soon as you meet with a health care candidate. You do not want to slow down the process of filling your client’s positions by working with candidates who don’t have the proper immunization or immunization records. If there is an otherwise great candidate that doesn’t have the proper immunizations or records, providing information can help them prepare for the next job opening. It will provide a smoother hiring process next time.
Stay on Top of Vaccine Tracking
Last, but not least, it is a good idea to have a system for tracking immunizations within the candidates you place. As mentioned above, many healthcare workers often don’t know their own immunization status. With the right system, you can help candidates keep track of when they are due for updated vaccines. This can help you place and reassign candidates faster.
Does Your Recruiting Firm Need Help Tracking Immunizations?
Essium can help streamline tracking so you can make placements faster. Request a consultation with our team to learn about how we can take some of the pressure off you.
