hep c positive and entering clinical

[avantgauze]

last month i learned i was hep c positive. i was tested in a community clinic because i'm broke.i dont have a regular doctor, because i just moved into town when i entered school and aint had problems (till now!). anyway, i need to fill out the health clearance before entering clinical this spring. the doc that tested me for the hep, who knows me the most, refuses to fill out my health evaluation because he feels obligated to writing i have hep c. he tells me i will be discriminated against , and since that information will go out to the nearby hospitals that i will be a student nurse in, it will likely make finding a job much harder when i graduate. i understand his reasoning so i made an appointment with another doctor that doesnt know me. however the form asks the doctor about my "history" etc and whether i have any abnormalities in the following areas" lists general areas of the body (ex. gastrointestinal). though the form does not ask about hep c specifically at all i feel as if i am lieing. i am worried this new doctor will question my motives, i am paranoid maybe. does anyone have any information about hep c and discrimantion, in school or in the field? is this my doctor right about this, can i never tell anyone i work or study with i have hep c?

[Over-the-hill-Nurse]

First of all, you need to take care of your own potential problems that may or may not be present such as liver issues in the presence of Hepatitis C. Since you were unaware that you even had a problem previous to a month ago, I would consider the second opinion and a repeat of blood work. It is possible to be a carrier and not have actual Hepatitis C. Secondly, treatment is available for Hepatitis C with antiviral medications such as Interferon and Ribavirin.

In regards to nursing school, personally, not supplying that information on a application and it is later found, puts everyone at risk. Most hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and jobs in the medical/nursing field will require you to be tested for the Hepatitis before hiring or attending clinicals. You have a greater risk of being bounced out of the program once the fact becomes known and especially if you purposely withheld that information.

Think of yourself first and get treatment, then after the treatment regime, consider applying at that time for school. I don't know why the first physician gave you such strong opposition and telling you that "everyone" will know. That is not necessarily true. The only persons who are notified are told on a need to know basis. You have the same rights as anyone and the HIPPA laws do apply. You also need to be honest with the second physician as well so that you have appropriate treatment options.

Being honest with yourself and the school you are applying too is the best policy. Covering up truths only hurts you in the end. Going to school is great but you need to protect yourself and those that you will be in contact with. That is the only fair thing to do.

[AtomicWoman]

I second what ccunurse said. For your sake and the sake of your future patients, you need to deal with this head-on. You might want to post this question under the General Nursing Discussion and see if there are any Hep C+ nurses out there who can answer your questions. This is a very tough question.

[Cilantrophobe]

have you searched for other threads here on AllNurses regarding nurses with Hep C. I find it hard to believe that you wouldn't be able to work as a nurse with Hep C. Especially considering nurses care for patients with Hep, and other blood-born diseases every day, what's the difference if the nurse has Hep?

[MySonIsAdorable]

I agree, but isn't she protected by the ADA?