I have hep c--should I continue with school

I recieved a B.S. degree in sociology 3 years ago.I have floated from job to job not knowing what I wanted to do.About a year ago the thought of nursing crossed my mind and I began to pursue the idea.I was recently accepted to a nursing program and was very excited that I could finally focus on something I was passionate about.I went for an overall physical last week and found out I was positive for Hepatitis C.I was devistated.I do not know if I should continue with nursing school or what resources to contact to find the policies that apply to this situation.Can I get a job?Do you have to take a physical before applying for a position?Is it mandatory that my employer know? Any advice would be helpful.Please try not to be to harsh because I am still fairly fragile at this point!!

[Brickman]

I don't see any reason why Hep C would keep you from being a nurse. I would imagine the hospital is full of nurses that are either Hep C pos or even HIV. It's hard to imaginge how you would be a risk to your patients if you follow universal precautions, which is something every nurse should do with every patient. good luck.

[OC_An Khe]

Continue on. Its is that simple.

[allele, LPN]

Go on to school. I was diagnosed with Hep C back in 93, hasn't been a problem for me. I just get my liver functions checked every year or two (always normal) and I can't give blood. Those are the only ways it's affected me. Keep going and good luck!! I'm glad you found your direction in life!

:)

[HappyNurse2005, RN]

Go for it~ I just graduated, and no one tested me for Hep C, nor asked me if i had it. If you don't want anyone to know, they won't unless you tell them.

[Judee Smudee, ADN, RN]

In many people it is a self limiting disease that causes no further problems. That is not to say that is does not cause serious illness in other people. Are you discussing any of the new treatments with your physician? You should be able to continue on if that is what you wish.

[baby&mommynurse]

You'll probably have to disclose any health conditions you have, including that you have Hepatitis C, however you shouldn't be discriminated against for having it. Though you may have to take extra precautions when working with patients. Good luck to you.

[Sterling-RN]

I recieved a B.S. degree in sociology 3 years ago.I have floated from job to job not knowing what I wanted to do.About a year ago the thought of nursing crossed my mind and I began to pursue the idea.I was recently accepted to a nursing program and was very excited that I could finally focus on something I was passionate about.I went for an overall physical last week and found out I was positive for Hepatitis C.I was devistated.I do not know if I should continue with nursing school or what resources to contact to find the policies that apply to this situation.Can I get a job?Do you have to take a physical before applying for a position?Is it mandatory that my employer know? Any advice would be helpful.Please try not to be to harsh because I am still fairly fragile at this point!!

I have never experienced the question of whether I had Hep C or HIV before. As someone else stated, you should use universal precautions when providing direct care, but I don't see the need to take "special precautions." Every nurse should be protecting themselves and every patient from harm.

Also, if you don't feel comfortable providing direct care to patients, don't give up on nursing. You are needed in many areas of nursing that do not require physical contact. You could direct your attention to research, or management, or some kind of consulting. Although many options out there do require nursing experience to land the position, the educational background you hold may suffice. So don't let this limit you...keep going and keep learning.

[goingCOASTAL]

I have never experienced the question of whether I had Hep C or HIV before. As someone else stated, you should use universal precautions when providing direct care, but I don't see the need to take "special precautions." Every nurse should be protecting themselves and every patient from harm.

Also, if you don't feel comfortable providing direct care to patients, don't give up on nursing. You are needed in many areas of nursing that do not require physical contact. You could direct your attention to research, or management, or some kind of consulting. Although many options out there do require nursing experience to land the position, the educational background you hold may suffice. So don't let this limit you...keep going and keep learning.

If what I remember is correct, though Hep C can be dangerous, it is the most difficult to catch: most that have it contracted it from blood transfusions or IV drug use. I believe with the new recommendations, that they don't even recommend "safe sex" among partners to prevent transmission.

Universal Precautions should be more than adequate.

[Sterling-RN]

If what I remember is correct, though Hep C can be dangerous, it is the most difficult to catch: most that have it contracted it from blood transfusions or IV drug use. I believe with the new recommendations, that they don't even recommend "safe sex" among partners to prevent transmission.

Universal Precautions should be more than adequate.

I agree with you, and I think that what I was saying came out wrong.

Universal precausions are a must, but someone mentioned "special precautions" when providing patient care. I just do not see the reason to go above that standard if a nurse has Hep C or HIV. There just isn't the evidence to back that up. Sorry if I didn't clarify that.

Thanks!

[redwinggirlie]

By all means, continue with school.

Be well.