I can't be a nurse?

Nurses General Nursing

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I finally finished my prereqs and got accepted to the clinical portion. I was reading through the requirements before I can start, and one of them is the Hep B vaccine. And in bold prints, it states that all requirements must be completed.

I've been a Hep B carrier all my life and cannot take the vaccine. Obviously, I have no use for it. Does this mean my dreams and hard work for my 3.99 becomes wasted?

I was so overjoyed this past week knowing I got accepted, and am now quite depressed. I'm afraid to call my school to ask, because it would just crush me when they tell me, "Sorry, if you have Hep B ... you can't be a nurse"

Can anyone tell me "You fool, if you are a carrier, than they will just waive that requirement!!"

Can anyone tell me "You fool, if you are a carrier, than they will just waive that requirement!!"

Yes. The school.

You gotta call, doofy.

It's better to call and find out than to just give up.Hope you still get in.Good luck.

Specializes in Cardiac.

At every job and at school, I have always been offered a declination form. Meaning, I just sign a form stating I don't want the vax, and that I understand the consequences. Check into that form...

Specializes in jack of all trades.
At every job and at school, I have always been offered a declination form. Meaning, I just sign a form stating I don't want the vax, and that I understand the consequences. Check into that form...

Agreed as I show positive as immune but not a carrier, therefore no need for Hep B vac. I apparently was exposed at sometime in my 24 year career as a nurse most likely by a needlestick back in the day. Also ensure as to if you are qoute a"carrier" or "immunity". Initially they attempted to say I was a carrier only to find later I was NOT but due to exposure developed immunity.

Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

There should be an opt out form that you can sign. Ask for that. I signed one of them in my program.

Having Hep B will not stop you from being a nurse. Good luck.

Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.

You should be able to waive it! I waived it and I know many nurses and nursing students who have waived it. That shouldn't be a problem.

Specializes in Med/Surg, Home Health.

I know I didnt want a vax and they told me I could just get a titer drawn. Is that an option? Im sure your body has the antibodies.

I doubt the nursing program needs to know the details. Take care of it through the health center at your school and once they clear it, it should be fine. I think the nursing program only cares if they receive the "okay" from the health center.

Specializes in Research, ED, Critical Care.

Been through this many times with employers. I have refused the vax for years (research issues, not going into here). Have spent 20 years in high risk (ED/ICU). You cannot be mandated to take the vax and you cannot be discriminated against for refusing. In your case, you can accommodate the school thru the health clinic - no need for discussion or drama. Don't sweat it.

Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

If you have a titer that shows immunity, that fills the requirement. I contracted Hep B many years ago, and now have a titer showing immunity. Ask the health office to run a titer, and give you a form showing immunity. Welcome to the whacky world of nursing!

I feel like such an idiot. :D I was sweating over this for a few days. And everything you guys said was true. There is a declination form available and I could pay to run a titer. And it is the Health Center that needs to give the ok. Thanks.

Whenever I see the word MUST BE COMPLETED in bold, I assume it really must be done.

Again, thanks for the help. It helps to have to use the correct vocabulary when asking the Health Center questions.

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