I usually do not indulge too much in what is going on in the world. But occasionally I come upon something that is mind boggling. It is stories that I would read in a fantasy or sci-fi book where I know it is fiction. But more and more does the realm of fiction become reality. And it is not even the kind where a theory is discovered to be a scientific fact. Just a “I believe it is so, thus it is reality.” “I feel so, thus it must be true.”
I bring this up because I have worked as an aide for over 10 years. I have cared for and tried to comfort the people I took care of and their family members. I am educated and continue to seek to understand what is going on. Because of that I know more than people who I higher up on the ladder in healthcare and they are baffled that I would know what I know.
When Covid came we, even in long-term care, were confused as to what was the right procedure. The standards were ever changing. The residents were confused and wondering how long this would go on. They were missing their family and friends that were one of the few things they could look forward to.
Then came the promise of the vaccine that would return everything to normal. But even that became a nightmare. There was coercion, manipulation, blaming, threatening towards anyone who did not want to take it. People lost their jobs and even doctors lost their reputation and license. I was fortunate to be allowed to work from signing a religious waver form. In that form their was no lengthy questions that made you really have to have a solid answer.
At the beginning of April I applied and got a job offer at a different facility with a strictly TCU unit. They gave me their COVID waver form and it was basically the same question, worded differently as to why I was declining. Come this Monday they asked me to come in again and refill it out. I was blindsided by their form the first time so I had only given short answers. Now I have it written out almost essay style.
The one thing I do not like about the religious waver form is that it solely focuses on a persons religious beliefs. As a Christian, certain sects are pro-vaccine. Some are not. Even though the Catholic Church says pro-COVID vaccine, many catholic Christians don’t believe or don’t want to take it. The bible does not address vaccines because it was not invented.
So now I feel like I have a fight on my hands that no should just be no. I feel like we should not have to justify or quantify our choices to someone. Especially just to be hired or have a procedure. My sister-in-law pointed out the pro-choice woman’s slogan of “My body, My choice.” I found it funnily ironic that I am basically making the same argument.
At this point I am not afraid of getting COVID again. I have had the flu worse than COVID. Concerning getting patients sick; healthcare workers are supposed to wear masks, wash hands. That is all you can do. The vaccine has been proven to not prevent the spread or acquiring of COVID. Those who get the vaccine have to take boosters. But with each booster the length of time that it is effective and found in the body shortens. Those who had COVID still had antigens for up to 18 months before it started waning.
When it comes to writing my exemption again, I feel that I am arguing not merely from a religious view, but also scientific, moral and ethical point. I do not know if they will accept it. But if they don’t, I have decided that it is just another door that God is choosing to close. At the very least, if I come up against this kind of questioning, I will have a quicker response than last time.
The Black Cherry Azalea 