Turned down from Nurse Tech class due to Hep B antibody

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I'm a professional singer/clergy/chaplain contemplating a nursing degree. A local college here in NY turned me away from applying to a tech course because I'm positive for Hep B antibody. Been positive for years no presentation of disease ever. I thought this was illegal??? I contacted the RN who runs the class she wouldn't write back to me. Thank you!

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there's a difference from being hep B positive because of a past illness which makes it a chronic condition and being hep B positive because of a current, acute illness. If all you have is the antibody indicating you once had Hep B and are negative for current illness you shouldn't be excluded from school or employment. I'm not sure of the law in all cases and places but I know of HepB positive healthcare workers including nurses and it doesn't bar them from jobs.

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Well if you never had the illness could it be maternal? But it really doesn't matter, I'm not a lawyer but I would definitely seek one out as this does seem illegal!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

I'm assuming that you had a repeat test done to make sure it's not a false positive, right? I know how awful this must be for you especially since this is a very new event and you're still processing it. I had a very close family member who dealt with Hep C for a number of years. I have a vivid recollection of his shock when he was given the diagnosis. I encourage you to seek qualified medical advice in order to ensure that you take necessary steps to protect your health and wellbeing. This is a very complex issue and you need qualified legal advice to determine what your options are.

Wishing you all the best. Please let us know how things turn out for you.

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I'm so sorry I didn't see your replies sooner and thank you! So, after all that, I just needed the hep B boosters and I started CNA training this week so all good - whew! :woot:

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I can not donate blood because I have hep b antibodies but no active disease and have been tested 3 times. I hope it doesnt slow down my application process.... Im curious why they would have you get a booster though since you already had antibodies then whats the point of the shot?

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