Registration by the NMC in the UK possible as a nurse with a Hepatitis C -infection

[Pernell1504]

Hello,

I am searching for informations in the web since weeks,but didn't found any  more detailled Information yet!
I am having a big problem -and I am really worried about this:

I am living and working as a nurse in hospital in Germany right now-but wanted to move to England the next 1-2 years ,if working in my Job as a nurse (Palliative care!)will be possible there-because I am having a Hepatitis C-infection.
Here in Germany it is possible.
Although there are also prejudices ....there is no legal right against it!But I take it always very seriously,to work always extremly save and I am knowing how to work safe and I am knowing the safety-guidlines to get sure,there's no Chance that I will infect patients!(For example I am always by every contract wearing double-gloves).
I also know,that I mustn't work as an Operation-nurse,or as a chirurgical nurse-where there would be a higher possibility ,that I hurt myself for example-and my blood gets into an open wound of the patient!)

Now in the UK I have to registrate by the NMC....Council for Nurses and midwifery.
I need for becoming registrated,a good health and a good character by a doctor.
Also I read in the web,that the NMC don't take Nurses in England by having a hepatitis C-infection???!
It is so sad....my sister Lives already in London...
and here in Germany we(Me and my 12-year-Old son)don't have family -only have my sister ,who is living in London.

I am working here since 15 years in different hospitals now-
And I am having no Hepatitis C-symptomatik yet.
I am very fit and work always really hard,because I Love my nursing Job and there is no other work,I want to make...I am a good nurse-I think so;)-and have a lot of empathie for my patients!

So I am still hoping,that the NMC allowes me to work in the UK as a adult-nurse....
Because I and my son-we are feeling so very well in England
.It is our whole  life now,depending on the NMC-Registration!!!!!

When here someone has experiences by working with Hepatitis C in England/or getting registraterd by NMC with Hep.C as a  nurse(especially in hospitals/but also in the Community...!)-I would be so thankful for every information I could get here!!!!Thank you a Lot and all the best to all of you ;)!!

[Kristina538]

Hi Anke - if you google hepCTrust you'll see one English support group.

I can't comment as much about the newer treatments, but certainly, you could start a 'new thread' about your possible options as a G1b looking for non-interferon options.  

Once again, so sorry I have no idea whether medical tx can be undertaken in England or Germany for you, and also, I did mention working here, but again, have no idea whether overseas medical qualifications are accepted.  I did go to a Chinese physiotherapist not long ago, who, in China was a qualified surgeon!!

Stay on board with us here; you're sure to find some similar stories as your own.  My son was 17 when I started tx, and I understand your concern re lack of support.   I'm glad you appear to be seeing a dr already - the disease can accumulate as time goes on and I was surprised when I realised my 'minor discomforts' here and there, was actually the disease progressing - but it can progress very well on its own with no discomfort.

All the best for your search - I hope others can chime in with interferon-free options.

[Pernell1504]

Thank you so much Kristina538 for your comment!!
I have Genotype 1b-I am a single-educating mom and I am worried about the side effects of the Interferon-therapy-because I had depressions in the past...and so my doctor said,that a study with an interferonfree medication would be better for my situation???But there I don't know,if it will work against the virus?...or I make the tripple-therapy with Interferon and Ribavirin plus Boceprovir.
Oh thats interesting with the anti-discrimination of Nurses with Hep.C in NZ...could you Tell me,if there are also other countries,where such local HCV societies do exist?!
Thanks a lot for your help and I wish you a good time ;)...New Zealand....would be worth also a visit...such a Nice Country there I think...;)
Yours,
Anke.

[Kristina538]

Hi Pernell,  Hopefully you'll get a reply from someone - there are not too many members on board from England, but certainly some.   I'm in NZ and I know that you can work as a nurse here, although obviously with the same restrictions that you have already (operations etc).   Not being a nurse I'm not sure; however I would expect there to be an local HVC society in England? who may be able to answer your query.   We have a local HVC society here, but this board is very 'internationally' up to date with regards treatment.

BTW did you find out your genotype?  Or have a biopsy yet?   Check also whether tx is easier for you to obtain in Germany, perhaps, before you go?  If the damage is not great, you may be able to still work while on tx (I didn't, but some do).  Best wishes