Mandatory Vaccine Waiver in Nursing School/Clinicals

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Hey guys, I have a question for anyone else who is a fellow "non-vaccinator" or against mandatory vaccination. What did you do for nursing school, particularly clinical locations immunization requirements? After a lot of research, I've found that while many nurses can sign immunization waivers that are offered by some hospitals, etc., I haven't heard of a nursing student who has successfully avoided vaccination requirements associated with nursing school and clinical facilities.

I am well aware that vaccination is a very controversial subject in the medical field and many feel strongly on both sides of the issue. My intention is not to debate or discuss the merits of vaccinations, but to hear from other nurses and nursing students who challenged the vaccine requirements and how you went about it.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Having completed an EMT, CNA, and (almost) BSN program, as well as working in a variety of healthcare settings, I am unaware of anyone who has even tried to challenge the vaccine requirements. My guess would be this is because most people who go into these professions understand why being vaccinated is important, and those who don't, know they must bite the bullet if they want to work in healthcare. The only exception to this is the flu vaccine. You can sign a refusal waiver, but once flu season starts you must wear a mask during all direct patient care. In a large hospital, I only know of one nurse who refuses the flu vaccine and uses this option.

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I've never heard of being able to opt out of mandatory vaccinations for any reason other than an allergy.

Even when you are working the only time you can opt out is for the flu vaccine, but you are required to have a mask on in all public areas in the hospital for the entire flu season (which can be up to 6 months).

I have been able to get out of PPD's because I started having reactions to the skin tests. I still have to get a QFT blood test.

Many hospitals won't take your shot records, they want to draw your titers to verify you are actually immune. This can help you if you had the diseases as a child and have natural immunity, if you are like me and do not develop immunity to Rubella your screwed. I've had 5 MMR boosters in my career because my titers are always low.

Colleges and hospitals (depending on the state) can refuse you acceptance if you refuse immunizations. I would think very seriously about if you want to take on this fight. Even if you win, your clinical instructors and teachers are going to view you differently. It's not right its just true, and not how you want to start out.

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student_nrs said:
Having completed an EMT, CNA, and (almost) BSN program, as well as working in a variety of healthcare settings, I am unaware of anyone who has even tried to challenge the vaccine requirements. My guess would be this is because most people who go into these professions understand why being vaccinated is important, and those who don't, know they must bite the bullet if they want to work in healthcare. The only exception to this is the flu vaccine. You can sign a refusal waiver, but once flu season starts you must wear a mask during all direct patient care. In a large hospital, I only know of one nurse who refuses the flu vaccine and uses this option.

Gotcha, thanks for your perspective. It's nice to hear from someone who has experience in a variety of medical workplaces!

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GaryRay said:
I have been able to get out of PPD's because I started having reactions to the skin tests. I still have to get a QFT blood test.

I've heard of those tests, but I've never known anyone who has taken them before.

GaryRay said:
Many hospitals won't take your shot records, they want to draw your titers to verify you are actually immune. This can help you if you had the diseases as a child and have natural immunity, if you are like me and do not develop immunity to Rubella your screwed. I've had 5 MMR boosters in my career because my titers are always low.

Right, thanks!

GaryRay said:
Colleges and hospitals (depending on the state) can refuse you acceptance if you refuse immunizations. I would think very seriously about if you want to take on this fight. Even if you win, your clinical instructors and teachers are going to view you differently. It's not right its just true, and not how you want to start out.

Thanks for sharing. I understand the implications of opting out of vaccinations and am willing to accept the consequences.

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firecracker_1 said:
Thanks for sharing. I understand the implications of opting out of vaccinations and am willing to accept the consequences.

Are you willing to accept the consequence of not going to nursing school?

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

I am full on all for vaccination but I was almost denied a clinical cite due to am "Incomlete MMR" I had even had a booster in college. I am not a big fan of needles so I took the vaccine list to me doctor who ran titres and found I had conferred immunity to everything on the list accept Mumps. The single vaccine alone was very expensive so I just another MMR - but when we ran titers against the Mumps hadn't taken so the school accepted me because I made a good faith effort to be vaccinated.

Short of having a documented medical reason for not being vaccinated I don't think you can get out of it.

As promised no vaccine politics

Hppy

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Wuzzie said:
Are you willing to accept the consequence of not going to nursing school?

Yes I am. However, I have not entered into this naively. I have studied this extensively for the last 5 years, as well as the regulations and laws that are involved, so I am well aware of what I am getting myself into. I don't expect your support, I just wanted to clarify that I am familiar with the situation.

As my original post outlined, I posted here as part of my ongoing research on the issue, and "my intention is not to debate or discuss the merits of vaccinations."

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hppygr8ful said:
I am full on all for vaccination but I was almost denied a clinical cite due to am "Incomlete MMR" I had even had a booster in college. I am not a big fan of needles so I took the vaccine list to me doctor who ran titres and found I had conferred immunity to everything on the list accept Mumps. The single vaccine alone was very expensive so I just another MMR - but when we ran titers against the Mumps hadn't taken so the school accepted me because I made a good faith effort to be vaccinated.

Short of having a documented medical reason for not being vaccinated I don't think you can get out of it.

As promised no vaccine politics

Hppy

Thanks for sharing your experience, I really appreciate it!

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You say you are well aware of what you're getting yourself into, but are you really? Have you worked in healthcare before? Many people don't realize just how small the healthcare world really is until they are working in it. You'd be surprised who knows who and just how far your professional network can extend. It's just something to consider if you plan to argue and fight this to the end.

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You say you are well aware of what you're getting yourself into, but are you really? Have you worked in healthcare before? Many people don't realize just how small the healthcare world really is until they are working in it. You'd be surprised who knows who and just how far your professional network can extend. It's just something to consider if you plan to argue and fight this to the end.

You do have a point, that I don't have professional experience in healthcare, which I acknowledge. However, I'm just trying to work with where I am now and the next step of nursing school.

I understand where you are coming from, but I am willing and okay with it being known and being a part of my professional reputation, as well as affecting the outcome of my career.

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Call the nursing schools you are considering, tell them that you refuse to be vaccinated, and listen to what options they give you. You may not need to worry about repercussions on your future career in nursing if you cannot be accepted to a nursing school.

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firecracker_1 said:
Yes I am. However, I have not entered into this naively. I have studied this extensively for the last 5 years, as well as the regulations and laws that are involved, so I am well aware of what I am getting myself into. I don't expect your support, I just wanted to clarify that I am familiar with the situation.

As my original post outlined, I posted here as part of my ongoing research on the issue, and "my intention is not to debate or discuss the merits of vaccinations."

I don't recall debating anything about vaccinations. I also don't recall any discussion about whether I support you or not. My opinion does not matter, which is why I haven't shared it with you, but my experience does. What I'm telling you is that you aren't going to find what you want. Facilities have hard and fast rules. You can fight them but you will lose because you have no legal standing. I know you don't like hearing it but it's the truth. You might be able to force the school to admit you but they have no control over their clinical site's policies.

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