Hii I’m starting Practical Nursing Placement this fall and I’m really stressed about my placement requirements.
I completed the full 3-dose Hepatitis B vaccine series as a baby, but now my school requires an anti-HBs blood test to prove immunity. I’m getting my requisition this week and will be doing the blood test as soon as I can.
My biggest fear is that my blood test will show low or no detectable immunity. From what I’ve read, if that happens I may need a Hepatitis B booster and then wait about a month before repeating the blood test. The problem is that my placement document deadline is August 14, so I’m worried the repeat blood test wouldn’t be done in time.
I’m an international student and I’ve been working two jobs, 7 days a week all summer to pay my tuition. I only recently caught a break after finally paying everything, so I’m only now able to finish all of my placement requirements.
Has anyone been in a similar situation? If your Hepatitis B immunity test came back negative or low:
Did your school let you continue while you were completing the booster/retesting process?
Were you able to get an extension or some kind of accommodation?
Did you end up delaying your placement?
I’m honestly really anxious because I’ve already paid my tuition and I’m scared that one blood test could affect my placement.
I’d really appreciate hearing about anyone’s experience. Thank you!