Surgical employment and HCV

[trustjesuscsfa]

Dear Dr,
I was treated 15 years ago for HCV and have had routine RNA tests which have come back non-detectable. I have had 3 RNA tests from 3 different labs over the past 6 months with the same results. I am a surgical assistant and have been offered a job, which I accepted from a very large hospital institution. I have now been waiting 6 weeks for them to decide on whether or not I am eligible to start orientation. The employee health nurse states that the virus could return at any moment, which I know is false. Is my 30 years experience as a surgical assistant over? This is devastating to me ans my family. I cannot seem to convince the decision makers that antibodies are not contagious. I was honest on my post offer healthcare questionaire because I had a letter from my gastro who stated I was cured and of no risk for transmission. Do not know what to do. Please help.  

[dontworry_behappy1]

Kelly is right.  People that work in the medical field are at a much higher risk.  
A surgery assistant would be an increased risk and if you has a viral load this could be an issue.   But you don't!...and it makes no sense your being denied
based on the fact your Hepatitis C positive without a viral load.  

The 3 RNA tests in the last 6 months may have something to do with why the claim of the virus could return at anytime.  When was your last RNA test?

Any responsible hospital  institution in going to test you for Hepatitis C and give you an RNA test if positive. Their not going to rely on what you gave them.   This is complicated for insurance/employment.  It takes time to get all the records needed for something like this.   6 weeks isn't that long.  Yes you could be starving but that's not their concern.  Safety is their concern. Don't give up on this job.  Large institution are notorious for slow walking paperwork.  I use to get upset about it.   Now I except it as a way to not rush things and miss something in the process.  

[kelly55]

I know for a FACT THIS IS NOT TRUE OF ALL HOSPITALS  keep your head up!  If you are denied the job, get copies of why and how there decision making chose to eliminate you from the position.  I'm not sure how you got the virus but statiscally being  in the medical field puts you at  a much higher risk.  God forbid that's how you contracted it, and then to be denied a job because of it.  Good Luck Kelly

[dontworry_behappy1]

Can you tell me why you had 3 RNA (Viral load test) in the last 6?  Where you recently exposed at work?

[dontworry_behappy1]

That would be hospitals that hire those who tested positive for Hepatitis C Antibodies only that don't have a viral load? The answer to your question is major University Hospitals.  Guess there's something to be said about higher education.  

I do know requirements in Nursing & Nursing education have recently changed or about to change.  I don't know how this will effect your state.  On the west coast it will require updating nursing education to a higher level to
continue working in that field.

Best to you

[trustjesuscsfa]

Could you name any major healthcare institutions who would hire surgical assistants/nurses who have had PAST HCV infections who are now considered cured with non-detectable RNA testing?

[dontworry_behappy1]

You might want to contact the American Civil Liberties Union before you start throwing your money at a discrimination/employment attorney.  You may find out you don't have a case before.   The issues are...you weren't an employee and your not disabled.  Tough situation.

Best to you