JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Becoming a nurse is a career and personal goal for Kaitlyn Hevner. However, a recent setback could prevent that from happening.
"I have concerns and I am worried for our community," she told First Coast News.
Hevner is set to graduate from the University of North Florida in December, but she was told in order to begin her clinicals, she would need to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Citing religious reasons, that's not something she plans to do. "I would never expect anyone to be forced to take the vaccine or not take the vaccine. I believe that people should have the right to choose what's best for their body," Hevner explained.
In email exchanges with the nursing faculty, Hevner was told the university's hospital partners, "Don't accept religious exemptions for students" and forgoing getting the vaccine, "Will not allow you to progress in the program."
Hevner has until next Tuesday to update her medical records, including vaccination status. "Being pressured to do that I just think is wrong," she said.
She's spoken with a lawyer, who is working on an official religious exemption.
Hevner knows at least two other students who are also asking for that exemption and believes it should be her choice.
"This is for everyone's right to choose and everybody's right to stand up for God, and religion and freedom," she said.
In a statement about vaccination requirements, a UNF spokesperson told First Coast News:
"Several of the hospitals that UNF relies on for nursing students' clinical placements are requiring our students to be vaccinated. Other local healthcare facilities are also beginning to announce similar requirements for students in many of our other health-related programs. UNF expects all students to wear a mask and be vaccinated but does not require it."