Legal to force vaccines and TB test??

VenaKavaRN · Aug 13, 2008

I don't know about the legality of it, but in my program in OK, the only thing we're allowed to decline is the Hep B vaccine, and for that we have to sign a waiver. I think it's mostly to do with the insurance the program has to carry as well as the contracts they sign with the clinical sites. It's also for your protection. In nursing, you WILL be caring for patients with some of this stuff and it's important that you be protected in case the unthinkable happens and you get a needle stick or other exposure.

Something I've learned about nursing school is that you either follow their rules for something or they're more than happy to let somebody on the waiting list have your spot. You have to determine for yourself it is that big a deal. I personally wouldn't make waves about something this tiny. But if you must, I'd discuss it personally with the head of the department if there are extenuating circumstances, but don't expect a lot of leeway or sympathy.

Jules A, MSN · Aug 13, 2008

I don't know of a facility that will let you work without a negative PPD or chest xray.

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Aug 13, 2008

Something I've learned about nursing school is that you either follow their rules for something or they're more than happy to let somebody on the waiting list have your spot. You have to determine for yourself it is that big a deal. .

That is so true.

It's important to choose your battles wisely.

Best to you in whatever you decide!

Diane

rph3664 · Aug 13, 2008

I don't know of a facility that will let you work without a negative PPD or chest xray.

Not being immunized against Hep B, etc. is, for the most part, only endangering yourself. If you have TB, you are a tremendous hazard to your patients.

We had to have a negative TB test before doing pharmacy rotations; two of my classmates had emigrated from Third World countries and had to take the BCG vaccine before entrance into the United States, and therefore a PPD would always register positive. They had to have chest x-rays.

shrimpchips, LPN · Aug 13, 2008

At my school you are not allowed to be in clinicals unless you all completely up-to-date with your immunizations (MMR, Polio, MCV4, HepB series, Chickenpox) and PPD. Like rph3664 said, not being properly immunized against things like HepB, MMR, MCV4, polio, etc endangers yourself. TB is a pretty nasty disease especially for the elderly so it is important that you have a yearly PPD test - either negative or if it is positive then you need a chest x-ray and a follow-up.

allnurses Guide · Aug 13, 2008

Programs are allowed to set the standards for admission as they see fit (from prereqs to skills, to shots). If you are not willing to comply with their requirements, they are within their rights to deny you admission.

TB testing is, I believe, a federal requirement, not just a school option. Hospital's require TB compliance before allowing students in. I know when we get inspected, HR has to have proof that all employees have their annual tests on file.

TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP · Aug 13, 2008

My guess is that the OP has been drinking the anti-vaccination kool-aid and/or didn't pay attention in biology class when the immune system was covered. You NEED to have all your immunizations done, both for your own protection and that of your patients. Otherwise, you're a Typhoid Mary waiting to happen.

CuriousMe · Aug 13, 2008

I was just reading on another thread, regarding entrance vaccines, that it was NOT mandatory to have the TB test or Vaccines that "require" by Nursing Programs? I live in California and am wondering if that is true here? Does anybody know if legally you are required to have them? Can they deny you starting the program should you decline?

It's legal because they're not mandating you get vaccinated and a TB test....they're just mandating those requirements if you want to attend their program. You have the option of declining, but then they have the option of declining your admission.

I'm in OR, but I know my acceptance letter from both my schools were conditional on my completing their list of tasks, which included the vaccines and TB tests.

Peace,

CuriousMe

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Aug 13, 2008

Barbe. . .Almost all hospital employers require yearly TB testing and certain vaccines of their employees. This is related to their Medicare or JCAHO accreditation. The JCAHO Accreditation Manual for Hospitals specifically states that the prevention and control of infection is an area of priority and that

The [hospital] must take actions to prevent the occurrence of an infection (such as providing hepatitis B vaccine to staff) and the spread of infection (such as using standard or universal precautions). Actions include cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilization. Screening for pneumonia and flu vaccines, as well as childhood vaccines, may be considered. [page 77, CAMH 2004]

The federal Medicare law itself, Title 42, Part 482 Section 42, says

The hospital must provide a sanitary environment to avoid sources and transmission of infections and communicable diseases. There must be an active program for the prevention, control, and investigation of

infections and communicable diseases.

Vaccination, testing for titer levels of an antibody or testing for the presence of bacteria is considered part of a facility's program of prevention and control of disease and infection. There could be other specific state laws that are being followed as well.

In order for most hospitals and nursing homes to permit students to do their clinical experience in their facilities they have to also make these requirements the same of students that they make of their staffs.

What's your specific objection to TB testing and the vaccines anyway?

missjennmb · Aug 13, 2008

My guess is that the OP has been drinking the anti-vaccination kool-aid and/or didn't pay attention in biology class when the immune system was covered. You NEED to have all your immunizations done, both for your own protection and that of your patients. Otherwise, you're a Typhoid Mary waiting to happen.

Thats really unnecessary. There's nothing wrong with asking a question and blindly following vaccination advice is probably not the smartest choice in the world. Vax have side effects and you should be very aware of all of them and weigh the risks and benefits any time you agree to have something injected into you. Being an active part in your care and taking responsibility for your health is NOT "drinking the anti vaccination kool-aid" which I can only assume is akin to the crazyness of religious zealots drinking kool aid and dying in the name of their god... kind of a stretch dont ya think?

All that being said, since this is not a mandatory school (like public grade school) there's really no way to force them to allow you in without jumping through their hoops, regardless of if you like them or not. Plus, you need to take into consideration the fact that you are likely going to come into contact with pretty much everything between school and work, and it really tips the scales as to how important vaccinations are for you.

Barbe · Aug 13, 2008

Thanks folks just wanted to know what the rights of the students were. As far as my position...btw I aced the immune system but thanks for the the critical comment...I don't agree with ALL vaccines. Yes, I am one of "those" I eat organically, hormone-free little to no white sugar, no over processed foods. I also have had two children and run 5-8mi a day and am NEVER sick. So that being said it is very important to me to NOT have a abundance in chemicals/toxic substance in my body, period. However, I am not trying to cause trouble or bring attention to myself, hence asking here before even bringing it to my leads attention. I don't expect ppl to change their beliefs anymore then I want them to meet me at the gym and have a cellulite-free rear end. I have been trying to break up the process as much as possible but they want the 2step TB and I already feel like I have bent as much as I can just trying to stay in the schools guidelines. Thank you to those who answered the question with out being sarcastic, much appreciate!:redbeathe