5 answers
Aaliyah
Student
Upper Darby, Pennsylvania
3
Questions
Updated
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Would I be able to be a nurse if I can’t get vaccinated due to my religious beliefs?
I want to be a registered nurse but I don’t believe I’ll be able to do clinical.
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5 answers
Josh McCormick
Patient Care Technician
8
Answers
Springfield, Missouri
Updated
Josh’s Answer
Hey Aaliyah, due to the nature of vaccines in current modern medicine you’d be best served by relocating to a state that has more flexible policies regarding exemptions and vaccine requirements. Before that though, I would suggest researching various schools and clinical sites near you to see what they require before making a decision to pursue another career. If you have a passion for patient care then we in healthcare need you in healthcare.
Some would argue that if you’re not vaccinated you’re killing your patients which is wholly untrue. The best way to protect your patients is to use common sense (stay home if sick, wash your hands often, wear N95 masks in airborne rooms, etc.).
I live in Missouri and I was able to go through nursing school and radiology school clinicals with a religious exemption for the flu and Covid vaccines. If you have a sincerely held religious belief about vaccines then tell the schools that and see what they say. Hope this helps!
Some would argue that if you’re not vaccinated you’re killing your patients which is wholly untrue. The best way to protect your patients is to use common sense (stay home if sick, wash your hands often, wear N95 masks in airborne rooms, etc.).
I live in Missouri and I was able to go through nursing school and radiology school clinicals with a religious exemption for the flu and Covid vaccines. If you have a sincerely held religious belief about vaccines then tell the schools that and see what they say. Hope this helps!
Thank you so much !
Aaliyah
Sylvia Mum
Registered Nurse
37
Answers
Ashburn, Virginia
Updated
Sylvia’s Answer
Hello Aaliyah
I have worked in many nursing roles and I have never found one where I could get away with no vaccination. This may not be what you were hoping to hear, but it is the reality. Healthcare comes with many liabilities, and the person or entity owning the company is going to manage risk. An unvaccinated person dealing with immunosuppressed cancer patients is not advisable.
All the best.
I have worked in many nursing roles and I have never found one where I could get away with no vaccination. This may not be what you were hoping to hear, but it is the reality. Healthcare comes with many liabilities, and the person or entity owning the company is going to manage risk. An unvaccinated person dealing with immunosuppressed cancer patients is not advisable.
All the best.
Thank you for the advice.
Aaliyah
Martin Schoen
APRN
288
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
Even though this might not be the advice you're hoping for, it could be worth exploring a different career path. By choosing not to get vaccinated, you're putting vulnerable individuals at risk, as well as yourself. This was clearly seen during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic when medical staff unintentionally transmitted the virus to elderly and sick patients, resulting in numerous deaths. Furthermore, you're exposing yourself to potential harm from diseases that others might carry. It's not just about your safety, but also the well-being of your patients. Therefore, it's essential to make use of all available preventative healthcare measures.
Thank you!
Aaliyah
Gina Gill
Nurse
25
Answers
Vacaville
Updated
Gina’s Answer
Depending on where you live, you might consider relocating to a state with more lenient laws regarding healthcare workers and vaccinations. It's often a necessity in this field, given the exposure to various health risks like viruses, TB, and Hepatitis. Vaccination is not only a means of personal protection but also a significant part of your responsibility as a healthcare professional, which includes educating the public about its benefits.
That being said, you have the right to make an informed decision for yourself. You may need to find a hospital or region where the organizations align with your beliefs and do not enforce mandatory vaccinations. As a healthcare worker, you'll often find yourself balancing between science and religion, a situation created by our society.
If you hold strong faith in God or religion, you might see the education and advancement of humanity as gifts from your deity, underpinning our research and discoveries. This perspective could help reconcile your beliefs with the demands of your profession.
That being said, you have the right to make an informed decision for yourself. You may need to find a hospital or region where the organizations align with your beliefs and do not enforce mandatory vaccinations. As a healthcare worker, you'll often find yourself balancing between science and religion, a situation created by our society.
If you hold strong faith in God or religion, you might see the education and advancement of humanity as gifts from your deity, underpinning our research and discoveries. This perspective could help reconcile your beliefs with the demands of your profession.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Aaliyah
Morris Burns
12
Answers
Updated
Morris’s Answer
The best thing you can do is email HR reps at companies you see yourself at and ask about the religious exemption. It's going to be very challenging, especially in Philadelphia.
Thank you for the advice, Morris.
Aaliyah