PPD Test Positive on clinicals

[icdfw]

I started my clinicals that was supposed to last about 6 -8 weeks at a hospital last week and I had to do another TB test. They required another TB test within 90days even though I had one less than a year old. The nurse that read the test comtemplated on the mm of induraion between 8-10mm, but went with the higher number and wrote positive-10mm. Now, I was told I couldn't come back to the hospital to see patients until I go complete a 6-month TB treatment. is that true? what are my options? I have done a chest x-ray and it is negative. I have also had BCG vaccine when I was a little baby. Can I still work at the hospital even with the -ve x-ray but positive ppd while on the medication? Please let me know what u feel. I really need to know my options this week as this will affect my graduation and licensure exam. Thanks

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

Nothing we tell you is going to affect the hospital's ruling. Their rules are final. Do what they are telling you or go to another school.

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

Wow, that's unfair. Generally if you get a positive PPD you just need a clear XR, esp with Hx of BCG vaccine. I would ask for a review of this. Whose policy is it?

[flightnurse2b, LPN]

usually with an hx of BCG vaccine, they skip the mantoux test all together and just go with a CXR... that's the way it's been at the hospitals i've worked at, i work with a ton of nurses from the carribean and the phillippines who have had the BCG vaccine and they are cleared to work after CXR....

i would go and ask the occupation health nurse at this hospital what their policy is for people who have had the BCG vaccine, and also maybe try to get with your PCP and get them to vouch for you....

good luck!