Getting vaccinated for Nursing school?

[cmj1986]

Ok so I'm just about to begin my prerequisites in a few weeks for the RN program. After considering a few different careers I've chosen nursing because I think I'd like it and I know I like helping people. I'm excited to start school but i'm a little concerned with receiving any vaccinations that from my understanding are required to be in the nursing program. I honestly do not want ANY vaccines, I don't even vaccinate my own children. Are these vaccines absolutely required or is there a way to get by without getting them. Everyone I've talked to that has went to nursing school says that several vaccines are required and you MUST get them. But I've read things online from actual nurses that say they don't get vaccinated and they don't believe in vaccines. There are also some schools around my area i've talked to that said it's not really them who cares wether you get vaccinated or not, but it's up to the hospital where you perform clinicals at that might want you to have certain vaccinations. So what is the real answer? I don't want to change my major but I really really really do not want any vaccinations! Does anyone in nursing school know about this? I'm in the central florida area by the way. Thanks!

[DisneyNurseGal, BSN, RN]

After seeing my best friends 2 year old daughter suffer and then DIE because of Whooping Cough (she was against the vaccines too), I will never understand the choice not to vaccinate. To watch that poor baby suffer for three months, then the aftermath of watching my friend become a shell of her former self. It was 5 years ago, she has never gotten over it, and never forgiven herself.

I would vaccinate myself and my kids three times if I could.

However, that is your personal choice, but you should not expose sick patients to diseases you are carrying.

[Anne36, LPN]

There was no way we could sign a waiver for the vaccines where I went to school. We were even required to get the Flu shot, which really ticked me off. The hospitals would not allow us to attend clinicals without them. I live in MI and you dont have a right to work anywhere, you do what your employer tells you or you are fired. You cant get a job in most hospitals now without getting flu shot every year.

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

I think you have received your answer by now: you'll be getting the required vaccinations or you'll not be going to nursing school.

[willowita, ADN, RN]

Even if you've had Dtap and MMR as a child, you may have to provide quantitative results that prove immunity (not just immunization records). If the results of the titers come back that you are not immune or you are in the equivocal range, then they will recommend you get vaccinated again. You may also need Hep B, Varicella, and the flu shot. The flu shot is the only one we can decline at our school but then we have to wear a face mask at all times in clinical.

It's the clinical sites that require the health clearance and you don't get to choose your clinical site. You won't be able to even start the program without a health clearance and like others point out, you also need a health clearance to work.

Regardless of what you personally believe, these are the rules and standards at hospitals. You don't have to abide by them, but that means that you don't get to be a nurse. That's the situation and I'm sorry that it comes in conflict with your personal views. But we all have to face things in life, school, and the workplace that may not gel with our beliefs and ideals. Accept the realities as they are and find a solution that you can live with. Maybe not getting vaccinated is more important to you than being a nurse. Or being a nurse is a goal that you are willing to sacrifice your vaccination stance for. I don't have the answer. But you must choose something that you can whole heartedly be okay with.

[Anne36, LPN]

Just for the record I do not support the requirment of the flu vaccine for employment. If you dont like the rules, than go to Law school and be a politician. Mabye you could help to stop this form of economic terrorism. Employers are now holding our jobs hostage based on our behaviors (smoking) and healthcare choices. Just waiting to see what they will come up with next. If it wasnt illegal anyone overweight or with a medical condition wouldnt be able to get a job either.

[Sexzeana20]

Hi question. I was recently accepted into nursing school. I've gotten all required boosters and vaccines but was not allowed pertussis cause I had a violent reaction as a child. Will they let me do clinicals? I'm so worried.

[Chloegirl39]

I also don't vaccinate myself or my children.  I have worked in a hospital in California for 3 years. I am required to wear a mask during flu season which is fine.  I personally know many nurses who do not vaccinate. It is a personal choice.   However, I will be required to vaccinate for nursing school.  I am not looking forward to it either, but it's a one time thing.  Look into charcoal poultices.