The nursing school sent out a Jan. 15 memo that said its affiliated hospital, Trinitas Regional Medical Center, also based in Elizabeth, requires all students and faculty “have received the complete COVID-19 vaccine series before the start of clinical.”
The mandate is for the safety of patients and staff at the hospital, a spokesperson told WLNY-TV, acknowledging that staff are not yet required to get the vaccine.
Several students have signed a petition against the mandate. The school said it will provide a waiver to students with valid exemptions or those who tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days.
“I’d rather not have my rights taken away like that,” a student told WLNY-TV.
Students who don’t take the vaccine by the deadline “will be given a seat in the fall semester following the same process for registration,” according to the memo.
More articles on nursing:
Kentucky nurse fired after attending Capitol riot
Chicago nurse was under the influence while treating patients, stole hospital equipment, officials say
Nursing students return to COVID-19 frontlines in Maryland
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.