Any Nurses/Healthcare Workers on Forum? Advice needed re: vaccination for employment

[animalcule]

Sonographer?

I think AI is something for you to look into

To see if this job is indeed a good long term plan






This is just speculation or forward thinking on my part….

I did actually consider the effects of AI on the career. It didn’t concern me too much, perhaps naively, because the human element of actually operating the scanner can’t easily be replaced. I could see maybe some AI program interpreting the image for abnormalities? But the physical scanning bit will probably still be human. Growth is predicted to be high. Lab work is apparently going to become increasingly automated, so the associates level histotech jobs or whatever might go away. But idk, I wasn’t as concerned about sonography bc of the human hand element.

 

[Blossom]

@animalcule, yes indeed. I only wish I had known but very few people speak about the reality of it. Anyway I don’t think all jobs are as bad. It seems like PT, OT and Speech Therapy are fairly happy folks with better hours in general. They usually work 8 hour shifts and minimal weekends and holidays.

 

[laoa]

This article is a really good read that close to 100% reflects my work experience.

The Medical Care That Helps No One

My 10 years as an ICU nurse have shown me that futile care is confusing and traumatic for family members, demoralizing for doctors and nurses, and dehumanizing for patients.

www.theatlantic.com

...natural death is arguably becoming a privilege enjoyed by the few.

This is a heartbreaking reality.
I'd never want to receive the futile medical care I provide on an almost daily basis.

 

[Blossom]

@laoa, I hear you!

 

[animalcule]

I've decided not to pursue the sonography training after all. I don't think I want to have anything to do with the medical community, at least not in a hospital setting, not in an outpatient imaging mill, and not in a position where I could be terminated for noncompliance with vaccination or PPE rules. The thought of a high starting salary for only two years training really drew me in. But the negatives far outweigh the positives, and I don't think that I could hack it working in the field anyway. It seems like burnout is common, so whatever money there is to be made wouldn't be made by me anyway. I'm also fairly repulsed by the medical system, after reading some of what's been posted here and elsewhere, not to mention the workplace culture which seems to be notoriously toxic. It's possible I might avoid such a workplace, but given my background, I really don't want to put the time, energy, and money into the degree, just for a shot at working as a cog in a damaging healthcare system with potentially toxic/miserable coworkers.

Thank you, everyone who has participated in this thread. Appreciate the advice and insight.

 

[Peatful]

I've decided not to pursue the sonography training after all. I don't think I want to have anything to do with the medical community, at least not in a hospital setting, not in an outpatient imaging mill, and not in a position where I could be terminated for noncompliance with vaccination or PPE rules. The thought of a high starting salary for only two years training really drew me in. But the negatives far outweigh the positives, and I don't think that I could hack it working in the field anyway. It seems like burnout is common, so whatever money there is to be made wouldn't be made by me anyway. I'm also fairly repulsed by the medical system, after reading some of what's been posted here and elsewhere, not to mention the workplace culture which seems to be notoriously toxic. It's possible I might avoid such a workplace, but given my background, I really don't want to put the time, energy, and money into the degree, just for a shot at working as a cog in a damaging healthcare system with potentially toxic/miserable coworkers.

Thank you, everyone who has participated in this thread. Appreciate the advice and insight.

You have my respect.

Not hyperbole.


Living by your convictions might feel hard
But
Compromising them is much more damaging

Good on you

 

[Dolomite]

I've decided not to pursue the sonography training after all. I don't think I want to have anything to do with the medical community, at least not in a hospital setting, not in an outpatient imaging mill, and not in a position where I could be terminated for noncompliance with vaccination or PPE rules. The thought of a high starting salary for only two years training really drew me in. But the negatives far outweigh the positives, and I don't think that I could hack it working in the field anyway. It seems like burnout is common, so whatever money there is to be made wouldn't be made by me anyway. I'm also fairly repulsed by the medical system, after reading some of what's been posted here and elsewhere, not to mention the workplace culture which seems to be notoriously toxic. It's possible I might avoid such a workplace, but given my background, I really don't want to put the time, energy, and money into the degree, just for a shot at working as a cog in a damaging healthcare system with potentially toxic/miserable coworkers.

Thank you, everyone who has participated in this thread. Appreciate the advice and insight.

It sounds good on paper but in real life it isn't that easy. I am glad you are reconsidering.

 

[animalcule]

You have my respect.

Not hyperbole.


Living by your convictions might feel hard
But
Compromising them is much more damaging

Good on you

Thank you

 

[animalcule]

It sounds good on paper but in real life it isn't that easy. I am glad you are reconsidering.

Thanks. Your comments were helpful. I don't know what I'm going to do instead, but at least I can close the door on this path without reservations.

 

[Dolomite]

@animalcule The hours are not great and there is traveling involved but if you have any interest and aptitude for instrument repair, I think even with AI there will be a need for that kind of technician. Laboratory instruments require maintenance and repair and the companies who manufacture and sell the instruments hire the technicians. And it isn't always necessary to have a four year degree. Even the copy machine manufacturers have their own crew of technicians. You mostly work by yourself and have to be self reliant. My state has a technical college that has 2 year degrees that are very practical.

 

[foodandtheworld]

Respiratory Therapist

I haven’t done anything comprehensive in one place yet but I can work on it this coming week because I have some time off.

Thank you for considering it.

Thanks. Your comments were helpful. I don't know what I'm going to do instead, but at least I can close the door on this path without reservations.

Just based on this thread and the topics of the medical field and/or transitioning away from it, I'm sharing this Youtube channel I came across from one former ER nurse who is now trying to get into the software/internet security field. https://www.youtube.com/@trshpuppy/videos

 

[bloooeh]

I've decided not to pursue the sonography training after all. I don't think I want to have anything to do with the medical community, at least not in a hospital setting, not in an outpatient imaging mill, and not in a position where I could be terminated for noncompliance with vaccination or PPE rules. The thought of a high starting salary for only two years training really drew me in. But the negatives far outweigh the positives, and I don't think that I could hack it working in the field anyway. It seems like burnout is common, so whatever money there is to be made wouldn't be made by me anyway. I'm also fairly repulsed by the medical system, after reading some of what's been posted here and elsewhere, not to mention the workplace culture which seems to be notoriously toxic. It's possible I might avoid such a workplace, but given my background, I really don't want to put the time, energy, and money into the degree, just for a shot at working as a cog in a damaging healthcare system with potentially toxic/miserable coworkers.

Thank you, everyone who has participated in this thread. Appreciate the advice and insight.

Appreciate you sharing your story. There’s definitely a need for sonographers but many are burnt out and injured due to poor ergonomics and crazy busy schedule. Diagnostic medical sonography has many modalities. Some are very stressful. Others are less. Depends which modality you choose. Ultrasound labs can vary as far as work environment. General ultrasound dept that have many sonographers most likely have a lot of drama and can be toxic… The job looks easy if you watch a sonographer scan a pt but when you actually do it, it’s a whole different story. It takes some time (yrs) to get better at scanning skills. Many sonographers aren’t great or passionate at their job. They just do the job to get by and make the money but their images are suboptimal. This also applies to sonographers that have been in the field for many yrs because they stay at the same level and never improve their skill… Glad you made your decision. It’s not for everyone.

 

[Kray]

I successfully made it through 4 times at different healthcare/medical jobs during covid by getting religious exemptions from the vax but my husband who is in a similar role (but in management) succumbed to the treats so I think unfortunately it just depends on the situation and who you’re dealing with. I’m not sure about schools/training programs but hopefully someone has some insight.

Hi Blossom, a family member is being asked about Hep B status on an employment application for dental assistant. Would this fall into the same category as other vaccines where you would have requested exemption for religious reasons? Any advice would be helpful. My family member does NOT want to get vaxxed for employment.

 

[Blossom]

Hi Blossom, a family member is being asked about Hep B status on an employment application for dental assistant. Would this fall into the same category as other vaccines where you would have requested exemption for religious reasons? Any advice would be helpful. My family member does NOT want to get vaxxed for employment.

Where I live you simply have to sign a declination form.

 

[Kray]

Where I live you simply have to sign a declination form.

My family member was just informed she may decline. Do you know if there is a real risk of exposure in the dental field, any more than the medical field, and can I ask if this is a vaccine you declined? If you don't wish to answer, I understand. I just don't have enough information "outside of the box" to know if it's unnecessary from a risk standpoint. Thank you-

 

[Blossom]

My family member was just informed she may decline. Do you know if there is a real risk of exposure in the dental field, any more than the medical field, and can I ask if this is a vaccine you declined? If you don't wish to answer, I understand. I just don't have enough information "outside of the box" to know if it's unnecessary from a risk standpoint. Thank you-

About 28 years ago (for clinicals) I took the first HepB dose but didn’t go back for the second one simply because I didn’t tolerate the first one. It was my first real hint that something was up with vaccines. Dental hygienist are often considered one of the highest risk job categories or at least they were during covid. My field (respiratory therapist) came in second which surprised me because we weren’t shut down like most dental offices were but whatever. Anyway for years after I always had good immunity to HepB when they would draw my titer. I haven’t checked lately though. If she’s really worried and feels she needs it she could try taking one shot and see how she tolerates it and if it’s enough to give her immunity before taking the second. She could also research to see if they make any of them in a hypoallergenic version which supposedly has less toxic additives. They don’t give them out regularly because they are more expensive. I know they have done that with the flu shot because one year before covid hit I was forced to take the flu shot for work and I requested the hypoallergenic version. I actually didn’t have any noticeable reactions to it like I had had in the past fwiw. I still don’t take them but that’s a highly personal decision.

 

[Kray]

About 28 years ago (for clinicals) I took the first HepB dose but didn’t go back for the second one simply because I didn’t tolerate the first one. It was my first real hint that something was up with vaccines. Dental hygienist are often considered one of the highest risk job categories or at least they were during covid. My field (respiratory therapist) came in second which surprised me because we weren’t shut down like most dental offices were but whatever. Anyway for years after I always had good immunity to HepB when they would draw my titer. I haven’t checked lately though. If she’s really worried and feels she needs it she could try taking one shot and see how she tolerates it and if it’s enough to give her immunity before taking the second. She could also research to see if they make any of them in a hypoallergenic version which supposedly has less toxic additives. They don’t give them out regularly because they are more expensive. I know they have done that with the flu shot because one year before covid hit I was forced to take the flu shot for work and I requested the hypoallergenic version. I actually didn’t have any noticeable reactions to it like I had had in the past fwiw. I still don’t take them but that’s a highly personal decision.

Thanks, I appreciate your sharing. One thing that came to mind about your story- what if you would have had the same level of immunity upon testing even if you hadn't received a dose? It's so hard to know what to believe about any of the vaccines after COVID.

By the way, my family member would be a dental assistant, not a hygienist. I don't know practically what difference that would mean as far as potential exposure or risk goes, but it does give me pause to throw caution to the wind with your comment about the dental industry being #1, and yet if that's the case, why would the office have dismissed the exemption issue as no big deal if it's high risk? Do you think it's a subject my family member just needs to feel comfortable asking more about at the time of her interview next week for a reality check, before she commits to the job? She has already said she would not take the job if required to get the vax, but now she needs to decide if she's willing to accept potential risks, unprotected, if it's a viable issue. Hmmm, what to do.

 

[Blossom]

@Kray, Dental Assistant is lower risk than hygienist and I’d suspect using the appropriate PPE would be adequate. The problem is always those rare times when a person might be in a rush and get lax and then have a blood or body fluid exposure which in her case would most likely be saliva. I think she should probably ask about the office policy on vaccines so she’s not wasting time on starting somewhere that’s not a good fit.

 

[Blossom]

@Kray I looked and dental assistant was third on the list fwiw. I think most places of employment realize how hard it is to get and keep people working in these fields and have started respecting people’s choices more since the covid debacle.

 

[Kray]

@Kray, Dental Assistant is lower risk than hygienist and I’d suspect using the appropriate PPE would be adequate. The problem is always those rare times when a person might be in a rush and get lax and then have a blood or body fluid exposure which in her case would most likely be saliva. I think she should probably ask about the office policy on vaccines so she’s not wasting time on starting somewhere that’s not a good fit.

Thank you for translating that into more simple terms for me, Blossom! But, it is assuring to know the relative risk is lower.
Again, I appreciate your timely and helpful response!

As to your last post, when you say "third on the list", do you mean overall occupations, or just in a dentist office setting?