I can't be a nurse?

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I finally finished my prereqs and got accepted to the clinical portion. I was reading through the requirements before I can start, and one of them is the Hep B vaccine. And in bold prints, it states that all requirements must be completed.

I've been a Hep B carrier all my life and cannot take the vaccine. Obviously, I have no use for it. Does this mean my dreams and hard work for my 3.99 becomes wasted?

I was so overjoyed this past week knowing I got accepted, and am now quite depressed. I'm afraid to call my school to ask, because it would just crush me when they tell me, "Sorry, if you have Hep B ... you can't be a nurse"

Can anyone tell me "You fool, if you are a carrier, than they will just waive that requirement!!"

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Can anyone tell me "You fool, if you are a carrier, than they will just waive that requirement!!"

Yes. The school.

You gotta call, doofy.

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It's better to call and find out than to just give up.Hope you still get in.Good luck.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

At every job and at school, I have always been offered a declination form. Meaning, I just sign a form stating I don't want the vax, and that I understand the consequences. Check into that form...

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Specializes in jack of all trades.
At every job and at school, I have always been offered a declination form. Meaning, I just sign a form stating I don't want the vax, and that I understand the consequences. Check into that form...

Agreed as I show positive as immune but not a carrier, therefore no need for Hep B vac. I apparently was exposed at sometime in my 24 year career as a nurse most likely by a needlestick back in the day. Also ensure as to if you are qoute a"carrier" or "immunity". Initially they attempted to say I was a carrier only to find later I was NOT but due to exposure developed immunity.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

There should be an opt out form that you can sign. Ask for that. I signed one of them in my program.

Having Hep B will not stop you from being a nurse. Good luck.

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Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.

You should be able to waive it! I waived it and I know many nurses and nursing students who have waived it. That shouldn't be a problem.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Home Health.

I know I didnt want a vax and they told me I could just get a titer drawn. Is that an option? Im sure your body has the antibodies.

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I doubt the nursing program needs to know the details. Take care of it through the health center at your school and once they clear it, it should be fine. I think the nursing program only cares if they receive the "okay" from the health center.

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Specializes in Research, ED, Critical Care.

Been through this many times with employers. I have refused the vax for years (research issues, not going into here). Have spent 20 years in high risk (ED/ICU). You cannot be mandated to take the vax and you cannot be discriminated against for refusing. In your case, you can accommodate the school thru the health clinic - no need for discussion or drama. Don't sweat it.

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

If you have a titer that shows immunity, that fills the requirement. I contracted Hep B many years ago, and now have a titer showing immunity. Ask the health office to run a titer, and give you a form showing immunity. Welcome to the whacky world of nursing!

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I feel like such an idiot. :D I was sweating over this for a few days. And everything you guys said was true. There is a declination form available and I could pay to run a titer. And it is the Health Center that needs to give the ok. Thanks.

Whenever I see the word MUST BE COMPLETED in bold, I assume it really must be done.

Again, thanks for the help. It helps to have to use the correct vocabulary when asking the Health Center questions.

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