Hepatitis C diagnosis and Devastated

pricklypear · Aug 14, 2005

I'm not an expert with this kind of situation, but I really don't think you need to worry right now. I know a few nurses who are HepC + and work. You wouldn't be putting patients at risk as long as you were using standard precautions, as we do anyway. As far as being admitted to to nursing school, I really don't think they can discriminate against you for that. I don't know if you even need to tell anybody. Hopefully someone with more knowledge on the subject than me will respond with more reassurance for you!! Good luck! I'm sorry about your diagnosis:o

Sailingshoes · Aug 14, 2005

You need to talk a lot more with your doc. Testing positive means that you have been exposed only. Further testing will tell if the hep c is active and if you are a carrier. Many people are positive for c and don't even know it unless they go to donate blood. I believe tx for active c is still interferon. I had a postive test for B&C 10 years ago but am not a carrier nor is c active. Also, I never was ill with B, subsequent tests showing the same results. I do get a yearly liver profile and they have always been wnl so let's hope the same for you. Check out some info on the net and call your doc, see a specialist if needed. It shouldn't effect being a nurse unless you are actually ill with the disease and are debillatated. Best wishes.

Faeriewand, ASN, RN · Aug 14, 2005

I"m sorry to read about your Hep C test coming back positive. The only thing I can tell you is to please Google it and learn more about it. You will probably be tested again to rule out a false positive. Also, contact the BON or your future nursing school to ask about if you could be a nurse with this diagnosis. Take care

Hoozdo, ADN · Aug 14, 2005

I've got good news and I've got bad news....The good news is that I'm about to finish my pre reqs and apply to Nursing School. I'm 42 and have been planning this for forever. It's been going really well. I've managed to stay on the President's List so I thought that GPA part of the application process would go okay. Then I got the bad news... A routine blood test showed that I am positive for Hepatitis C. I'm not sure what this means as far as my career goals. If I would put others at risk it would really go against what being a nurse is all about. And if I wouldn't be putting anyone at risk can I even pass the physical required to start nursing school? I can't even begin to think of anything else I would rather do with my life.
I could really use some feedback from knowledgeable sources.

Well, I think I am kind of knowledgeable since I have HCV which required a liver transplant 5 1/2 years ago. I am 50 and have one semester left to complete my ADN program and also am working in transplantation as an LPN extern. You do not have to divulge you have HCV to anyone. Titers are not checked for nursing school for HCV. I have even discussed my options with the head of infectious disease at the Mayo Clinic (that's where I had my transplant). Basically, as long as you use standard precautions there is no problem. There are only two instances that I think of that you could even infect a pt:

1) I would not want to work in the OR with a pt splayed open and accidently cut myself and possibly drip blood, although this would be highly unlikely.

2) A needle stick accident that I stuck myself and then used the same needle to inject a pt. VERY HIGHLY UNLIKELY!

You know, most of the technology is needless now. Also, there is a very high percentage of health care workers that are HCV positive. Follow your heart and your dreams, I am. If you have any more question feel free to post or PM me.

Lu Ann

TooterIA · Aug 14, 2005

I work with a nurse who contracted Hep C from a patient many years ago, she has been going through treatment and she has always been able ot work regardless of having Hep C.

Jessica

ckh23, BSN, RN · Aug 14, 2005

I've got good news and I've got bad news....The good news is that I'm about to finish my pre reqs and apply to Nursing School. I'm 42 and have been planning this for forever. It's been going really well. I've managed to stay on the President's List so I thought that GPA part of the application process would go okay. Then I got the bad news... A routine blood test showed that I am positive for Hepatitis C. I'm not sure what this means as far as my career goals. If I would put others at risk it would really go against what being a nurse is all about. And if I wouldn't be putting anyone at risk can I even pass the physical required to start nursing school? I can't even begin to think of anything else I would rather do with my life.
I could really use some feedback from knowledgeable sources.

Having Hep C or testing postive will have no effect on becoming a nurse. There are numerous nurses and MD's that are postive and are allowed to continue to practice. I just ask that once you start practicing to use universal precautions(which we should be doing anyway). Good luck in school.

korsakoff · Aug 15, 2005

Hi, guys. I need your advice. I am an RN from the Philippines and unfortunately, positive for HBsAg (Hepatitis B carrier, low infectivity).

I went to a specialist and yearly liver function tests were recommended. Apart from that, nothing else. I already checked out CDC and immigration guidelines, Hepatitis B is not included in the list of diseases considered as grounds for inadmissibility for immigration(http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/health.htm).

However, one would have to have the required vaccinations (HepaB included) when applying for immigration.

Are US hospitals open to hiring nurses with Hepa B? If so, what states do you recommend?Thanks.