Adaptability of NIMS structure: Development and implementation of mini POD to clinic setting

In the 2010 State General Assembly session, legislators amended the state immunization requirements for the 2010 school year. This statutory amendment affected approximately 60,000 children in one large metropolitan urban area. The statute led to multiple clinical challenges including: 1) limited manpower; 2) relentless demand for vaccinations; 3) noncompliance with new statute; 4) uninformed public; and 5) additional traffic from adjacent counties. To combat the increasing demand of school-aged children needing to be vaccinated, a satellite health department office of ten nurses and four clerical workers adapted the NIMS (National Incident Management System) structure to a mini POD (Point of Distribution) setup. By assigning specific job roles, using appropriate signage, and directing clients appropriately, staff was able to increase the number of clients serviced in addition to significantly decreasing wait time. Utilizing and adapting the NIMS format provided a standardized structure and process that promoted efficient operation and delivery of services. Subsequently, this allowed for children to maximize school hours, boosted immunization rates in this area, as well as promoted optimal well-being by decreasing the chances of communicable disease outbreaks. The mini POD set up creates an opportunity for limited manpower to deliver services to a large population. Increasing the awareness and promotion of the NIMS structure not only provides increased utilization and adaptability in any setting but also plays a vital role in the efficiency of public health nursing practice.