Am I now the enemy?

[Crazybean]

I just got a new FT job and I recently started several weeks ago. I've been trained and am finally on the floor. I've been working with OB patients and when that is slow, I get to do IMMUNIZATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just found out today- AHHHHHHHHHH. At least I can educate those who look unsure but I still feel like the enemy. This was a fear of mine but I guess I have to put my ethics aside and do it to feed my family. My husband lost his job and this was the only FT job I could find that was during the days m-f...

[FernG]

Sorry. Maybe you can make sure the patients get the package inserts and understand how many vaccines their kids are getting. Even if the choose to get all of the shots when you see them, maybe realizing how many vaccines are on the schedule and actually getting a little informed consent will make them question the schedule later.

[mysticmomma]

"OK, so today the doc has me giving x,y,z. Here are the inserts and possible side effects. Is that ok with you? We can always wait."

[xmasbaby7]

Originally Posted by mysticmomma

"OK, so today the doc has me giving x,y,z. Here are the inserts and possible side effects. Is that ok with you? We can always wait."

:

That approach should help you sleep at night. A job is a job, I do understand that part. View this as an an unusual opportunity, because you will possibly make people think about something they wouldn't otherwise.

[Sileree]

I don't think you are. It's not like you are forcing people to get vaccinated or coercing them with false information or fearmongering.

[MittensKittens]

I am sorry you are having to do something you object to. However, I think you are now in a unique position to educate people on not vaxing. You might make lots of people question vaccines. I don't think you are the enemy at all, you're just using... guerrilla warfare ?

[rabrog]

My mom's anti vax and gives flu shots. When she's asked questions she gives her honest answer. She doesn't get one herself.

I totally agree with using the above statement with every person you vaccinate.

In these economic times, a job is a job and you do it the best you can for as long as you need to.

Jenn

[denimtiger]

You're not the enemy.. especially if you can be a friendly face to a parent who is questioning what they're doing.

I was reading Colorado's immunization laws the other day, and was shocked to read that healthcare providers who are administering immunizations are actually required to inform parents that there are religious and philosophical exemptions to receiving immunizations. I've never once heard of a healthcare provider actually doing that! I doubt all states have laws that say that, but it would sure be nice if providers did it!

[anewmama]

I feel that you should try to be as neutral as possible. Don't make the mistake that doctors and nurses make all the time and that is to make patients feel like there are no options. If you come at them trying to subtly move them towards not vaccinating, then it really is the same thing that the medical establishment is doing only they slant towards vaccinating. Provide the information, provide information on options but don't try to unconsciously coerce make them into making medical decisions based on how you make your own. That would not feel right to me. The most you can offer to them is to present them with all of the inserts, with some possible tools to help them research and with some information on exemptions and then it really is up to them. The last thing you would probably want on your conscience is for them to feel intimidated by how you present information (not saying that you would, but you know how it goes to be on the end of the vax discussions with medical folks), have them not vaccinate and then have them get an illness that might have been prevented and have them blame you (even if you feel that a vax might not have helped nor would have been the best option).

[JollyGG]

It would also be nice if you looked ahead at what the next set of vaccines will be and gave them the information sheets for the next visit.

I'm pro-vax but even I would have appreciated time to look over the information sheets at my lesure at home BEFORE the shots.

[amnesiac]

I don't think it's my job to convince parents either way. Inflicting our own personal beliefs onto patients just isn't appropriate no matter what the issue. It's most beneficial to provide them with information objectively and allow them to decide for themselves.

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