Hepa b positive

MikeyJ, RN · May 8, 2008

Of course. I don't even think you would need to disclose that information to your employer.

bluefabian · May 8, 2008

Really? Because this is the one thing that I wonder much as well. Do hospitals accept nurses that are Hep B positive, because I knew certain requirements that bar that.

At times I do have the fear of contracting the virus. I mean I am working with Hep B positive patients all the time, everyday. There was once an incident where I accidentally sticked myself (more like a slight poke) with a used needle. That was purely incidental and not due to bad practice or anything. And the patient is hep B !!! Got the fear of my life.

Luckily, after about three HHH test, I am all clear. Thanks to the antibody and the immunization.

queenjean · May 8, 2008

Absolutely you can work in the US as a nurse if you are hep B positive. It is not an issue at all.

What requirements would bar it where you are, bluefabian?

bluefabian · May 8, 2008

Well, in my company... you can no longer work in the clinical field when you are positive. I don't think they will fire you but you will be advised to do jobs with less patient contact. And I am sure most (if not all) hospitals in my place requires a HHH (B, C, HIV) test as a pre employment requirement.

suzanne4, RN · May 8, 2008

In order to work in the US, you have to go thru a physical exam and results are evaluated by a physician with approval of the US Embassy in the location.

This is something that you need to discuss with your physician and you may wish to contact the US Embassy where you are located to give you their final word as they are the ones that will approve or not approve. This is always changing and evolving because of the treatments that are available today.

In the US, there are no facilities that require an HIV test to be able to work either, but the medical exam for immigration can require it as that is grounds not to be able to get the immigrant visa for the US.

Immigration requirements are very different from the requirements from an employer.

the_secret · Jul 13, 2008

hi i am also a hepa b reactive patient and i want to work abroad but the problem is in the us there is no issue regarding this disease but there are immigration laws here that might denied my application in the us or in canada but i still dont know if australia is strict with this...well guys lets just keep our faith and we pray that we can work overseas someday...

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jul 13, 2008

hi i am also a hepa b reactive patient and i want to work abroad but the problem is in the us there is no issue regarding this disease but there are immigration laws here that might denied my application in the us or in canada but i still dont know if australia is strict with this...well guys lets just keep our faith and we pray that we can work overseas someday...

For the US I don't think Hep B will be cause for denial but you may have problems with medical cover once out there and working. Not sure on Canada

starbin, BSN, RN · Jul 15, 2008

I worked for three different employers in last few years. All of them required a physical exams including screening for disease and drugs as part of pre-employment health check-up. Hepatitis B is one of the tests done.

Before you go for the physicals, you will have to sign a consent which states- "Employment will be offered if the health requirement and other eligibility criteria are met"

I don't know if they will hire somebody with Hep B, but they will definitely make sure that the person will not transmit the disease to other people that come in contact. It may mean that they will assign you a job that involves less contact with others (to avoid even accidental transmission).

suzanne4, RN · Jul 15, 2008

Hepatitis B is not the test for employers, but an agreement to get the series of vaccinations for it. It is a series of three injections each done one month apart.

Many require a booster after several years.

It is required to be asked by all employers if you agree to have it or not, or if you had the series already.

suzanne4, RN · Jul 15, 2008

hi i am also a hepa b reactive patient and i want to work abroad but the problem is in the us there is no issue regarding this disease but there are immigration laws here that might denied my application in the us or in canada but i still dont know if australia is strict with this...well guys lets just keep our faith and we pray that we can work overseas someday...

Immigration rules are based on the country that you would be going to, not the requirements in your country. The US sets their own rules for the US, and Canada makes their rules.

What your country wants has no bearing on these requirements.

Best of luck to you.

starbin, BSN, RN · Jul 16, 2008

Hepatitis B is not the test for employers, but an agreement to get the series of vaccinations for it. It is a series of three injections each done one month apart.
Many require a booster after several years.
It is required to be asked by all employers if you agree to have it or not, or if you had the series already.

Yes they offer you a vaccination, and if you already had the vaccines or do not want it, you will be required to sign the refusal for vaccination.

But all my employers actually had me go to the lab and give blood sample . They tested for Hep B, and other immunology. I have a copy of those tests so I know all new hires were tested for Hepatitis B.