It didn't dawn on me until just right now, don't ask me why, that my choice of NOT getting a flu shot will NOT get me into a nursing program. The director at my school of choice basically stated "it is a requirement that you receive one, however you can sign a declaration that you do not wish to receive one." Then I asked, "would that inhibit my chances of getting into the program?" She replied, "well, the facilities in which we work with it is required due to you working with elderly clients; If you do not wish to get the flu shot perhaps you should look into another career."
*****?? (excuse the language) I have worked in nursing homes, health centers, private duty, home health agencies, visiting nurses association, hospice AND THEY NEVER REQUIRED me to ever receive or even ASKED if I have obtained a flu shot!!! (mid 90's)
So, anyone please tell me my dream of becoming a nurse is already dead because I REFUSE to get a flu shot???!!! seriously??? I am so upset right now!!!
So, I must be one of those obnoxious, absurd, closed minded, ridiculous people to expect health care providers to expect others in my profession to adhere to nonmaleficence, beneficence, and EBP when making health care decisions concerning their patients.
Yep. Also there are more than health care workers in these places of work. Registration, house keeping...who learn nothing about nonmaleficence etc.
I dont understand the rationale of those that dont get vaccinated, but I'm not going to get on my high horse towards those that don't. Their body. Their choice. My cousin who is wonderful at her job in registration at a hospital in the ER won't get vaccinated. I wish she would. But I'm not going to go so far as to say she shouldn't be entitled to keep her job which supports her family. We're more likely to kill someone while driving to work than expose someone to the flu before symptoms start and dangerously harm that person.
A persons rights end they endanger the public at large. This is especially true of nurses and other HCWs charged with caring for vulnerable populations.
A persons rights end they endanger the public at large. This is especially true of nurses and other HCWs charged with caring for vulnerable populations.
So what's next? All visitors must be vaccinated as well?
So what's next? All visitors must be vaccinated as well?
Yes, as soon as those visitors start being paid to take care of patients otherwise that argument has no merit. One is layperson and the other is paid healthcare professional that should have the educational background to know that vaccines are beneficial. Mandatory vaccines in this setting are a term for employment. We don't mandate vaccines for people in general, but when you agree to take monetary payment for a healthcare services you are held to a much higher standard than the typical layperson. This argument of visitors not being mandated is like saying well the cop was speeding so I can speed too..there is no real logic behind it.
Yes, as soon as those visitors start being paid to take care of patients otherwise that argument has no merit. One is layperson and the other is paid healthcare professional that should have the educational background to know that vaccines are beneficial. Mandatory vaccines in this setting are a term for employment. We don't mandate vaccines for people in general, but when you agree to take monetary payment for a healthcare services you are held to a much higher standard than the typical layperson. This argument of visitors not being mandated is like saying well the cop was speeding so I can speed too..there is no real logic behind it.
Visitors are way more likely to get patients sick than staff who wash hands, use gloves, don't cough in their hands and touch everything, sanitize.... Keep in mind I previously stated that this is BEFORE symptoms start. Once they do...STAY HOME
Visitors are way more likely to get patients sick than staff who wash hands, use gloves, don't cough in their hands and touch everything, sanitize.... Keep in mind I previously stated that this is BEFORE symptoms start. Once they do...STAY HOME
That is highly unlikely, and you have no research to back that up. Influenza is mainly transmitted by droplet (so you can wash your hands all day long but as long as you are still breathing you are still highly susceptible) and can be spread up to 6 feet just by talking. Nurses working in hospitals are more likely than the typical lay visitor to come in contact with people with the flu thus making it easier for nurses to catch and transmit the flu.
That is highly unlikely, and you have no research to back that up. Influenza is mainly transmitted by droplet (so you can wash your hands all day long but as long as you are still breathing you are still highly susceptible) and can be spread up to 6 feet just by talking. Nurses working in hospitals are more likely than the typical lay visitor to come in contact with people with the flu thus making it easier for nurses to catch and transmit the flu.
Im well aware of mode of transmission. But I also don't hug and kiss my patients and eat off their tray like visitors do. Of course I have no evidence to back up my opinion; I don't really see how that research could be done and duplicated. Considering a visitor could walk by a patient's room (within 6 feet) and get that patient sick. There would be no way to trace the flu back to that individual walking by. It's only my opinion. But at least I'm all for vaccinating. I just don't think employees should be fired over their beliefs.
Im well aware of mode of transmission. But I also don't hug and kiss my patients and eat off their tray like visitors do. Of course I have no evidence to back up my opinion; I don't really see how that research could be done and duplicated. Considering a visitor could walk by a patient's room (within 6 feet) and get that patient sick. There would be no way to trace the flu back to that individual walking by. It's only my opinion. But at least I'm all for vaccinating. I just don't think employees should be fired over their beliefs.
HCWs are still the ones most likely to spread the flu to patients.
BostonFNP, APRN
2 Articles; 5,584 Posts
GBS is more common following the flu illness than it is the vaccine.