I just got accepted to the nursing program at my school. I've been there for about year doing the pre-req's and got accepted for Summer entry!
Part of the requirements clinical is to get all my vaccinations up to date and a TB test.
I'm not a believer in vaccinations. I filled out the paper work to attend college in the first place without getting vaccinated. At the time they called it a religious exception, so while that wasn't the reason I went with it because they didn't ask any more questions.
I'm just not interested in being injected with all the extra crap in the vaccine. The preservatives, the mercury and all the other junk. The high levels of failure of the vaccine as well as the toxins in the vaccines.
This is not a discussion about vaccines and anti-vaxers... this is about my clinical application to nursing school. I understand the hospitals want it because of our exposure to patients but I simply don't want that crap in my body.
Is there a way to get out of the vaccinations for my clinical?
Again no debate on why... I just want to know about possibilities to still enter my clinical without the vaccines.
Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.
What does it mean to "not believe" in vaccines?
Vaccines aren't a thing that you believe in or don't believe in. You believe or don't in God, Santa Clause, angels.
You know vaccines exist.
With regard to vaccines you either accept the evidence that they work very well (with some exceptions) and that they are safe (also with some exceptions) and that they protect us from death, disability and serious illness or you don't accept the evidence.
If you don't accept evidence, then you don't belong in nursing because nursing is all about evidence.
Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.
3 hours ago, Horseshoe said:
Don't you people get it? These anti-vaccine folks are lions in the face of infectious disease. Though, for some reason, they seem to be delicate dandelions in the face of an infinitesimally small particle of killed or weakened virus and bacteria in vaccines.
Don't forget about ALL THOSE PRESERVATIVES. Did you know there's as much mercury in a flu shot as in a tuna sandwich? When I heard that, I threw away all my tuna fish. I give the fish counter a wide berth as well. Can't be too careful.
The school may be fine with it but clinical sites won't be. You need clinical hours to meet the requirements to sit for NCLEX and you're at the mercy of whatever clinical sites work with your program.
Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
9 hours ago, Horseshoe said:
As a working RN (almost 23 years), I have never been required to show proof of any vaccine. It was only in nursing school that I had that requirement.
My facility does require vaccine proof. Additionally, they notify us if it's been 10 years since last TdaP and we either can get it for free from employee health or need to provide documentation.
My facility does require vaccine proof. Additionally, they notify us if it's been 10 years since last TdaP and we either can get it for free from employee health or need to provide documentation.
I imagine geographical location plays a part. I never even was required to get a flu shot, though we were encouraged to do so and could get one for free at employee health. But no requirements beyond having a TB test done once per year.
Nursing school was far more strict, requiring proof of all the usual vaccines or titers. I had the measles as an infant, so I would have tested positive, but it was just easier to get the vaccine, so I did that instead.
Nurses must provide education to patients that is based in evidence, and the anti-vaccine position is unfortunately contrary to the evidence, as has been proven many times over. Also, we must be able to think critically and understand benefits versus risks of medications and procedures, knowing that everything we do in medicine carries some risk, no matter how small. Unfortunately the anti-vaccine position is also unable to effectively weigh risks versus benefits of vaccines. Therefore, how could you possibly be a good nurse if you do not possess these skills or this philosophy?
Edit: I am sorry if this comes across in any combative way, that is not my intention. It truly is to help you see that your views are not compatible with what nurses do, and you may have good intentions to become a nurse but will ultimately be dangerous if you do not accept evidence in your practice.
Pardon my French, but if you don't "believe" in vaccines, what in Merlin's pants are you doing going to nursing school? If you're unvaccinated, you will not be allowed to participate in clinicals or be hired as upon graduation, because your unvaccinated self will quite literally be a danger to vulnerable and immunocompromised patients.
Nurses operate using evidence-based practice, and there is no evidence that vaccines cause harm to the general public, including any of the malarkey you mentioned. Over and over, vaccines have been proven safe and effective. Over and over, we have seen the dangers of an under-vaccinated population (see news links below).
In less privileged areas, mothers line up around the block to get precious vaccinations for their children. In the US, we are incredibly fortunate to have ready access to a cheap (often free!) safe and effective tool to prevent the spread of illness.
If you go with the titers, discover you are immune for all requirements, and end up matriculating to nursing school, I sincerely hope that someone there has a come-to-Jesus talk with you. If you don't believe in vaccines, you have no business working in healthcare.
FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN
2,322 Posts
What does it mean to "not believe" in vaccines?
Vaccines aren't a thing that you believe in or don't believe in. You believe or don't in God, Santa Clause, angels.
You know vaccines exist.
With regard to vaccines you either accept the evidence that they work very well (with some exceptions) and that they are safe (also with some exceptions) and that they protect us from death, disability and serious illness or you don't accept the evidence.
If you don't accept evidence, then you don't belong in nursing because nursing is all about evidence.