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San Diego registered nurse QUITS over California's vaccine mandate

'I was no problem working in the healthcare system over the last 18 months without a vaccine. But now, all of the sudden, I’m a threat to public health?,' asked a nurse who identified herself as Heather

The vaccine mandate is getting on everybody's nerves and now even healthcare workers are pushing back - taking everyone by surprise. During a County Board of Supervisors meeting on August 17, 2021, a registered nurse in San Diego criticised policies that required healthcare workers to get the vaccine in order to keep their jobs. She also revealed that she quit her job as a result of the mandate and added that politicians are single-handedly creating a healthcare crisis.

In the YouTube video shared by County San Diego, the woman, who identified herself as Heather, blasted the Board of Supervisors during the meeting and revealed she resigned from her job this week “because of this state mandate to be vaccinated.”

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"I was no problem working in the healthcare system over the last 18 months without a vaccine. But now, all of the sudden, I’m a threat to public health? Tell me where this makes sense," she began her speech. "All of you sitting up here with your masks on, you know that those masks don’t do anything," she said, gesturing toward the Board of Supervisors. "As a healthcare provider, we are taught how to use PPE. We’re taught universal precautions, and we know how to implement them when we’re dealing with patients who have a viral infection," she continued. "I don’t understand how you guys don’t see the bigger picture here."

"What you’re doing is you’re creating a healthcare crisis,” the nurse declared, pointing out how America is already seeing a nursing shortage across the country. "So now, in San Diego County, I know for a fact there’s several hospitals that are operating an all bed crisis. [Do] you know why we’re doing that? … Because we have a nursing shortage, and you know that," she said. "These numbers are skewered. The testing is skewered. This needs to stop. I don’t understand," she said.

You can watch the entire 6 hours 44-minute long public meeting here. Heather's speech begins at the 4 hours 33-minute mark. 

As per reports, California was the first state in the country to mandate vaccines for healthcare workers. Earlier this month, the California Department of Public Health made the announcement, and California’s public health officer Dr. Tomás J Aragón issued the order forcing healthcare workers to get vaccinated. They have until September 30 to complete the vaccination series.

“As we respond to the dramatic increase in cases, all health care workers must be vaccinated to reduce the chance of transmission to vulnerable populations,” the August 5 order reads. Exceptions are reportedly limited - granted only on the grounds of religious beliefs or a qualifying medical reason. Those who are granted an exemption will be subjected to government testing at least once a week and must wear a mask.

On social media, this meeting is causing quite the stir. But is also something that is being mocked by many. "You pick a field which requires you to put others needs first. A field where science is key and neither actually matter to you. Good choice leave nursing go into something your actually qualified for," one user wrote. Another taunted, "You certainly have the right not to get the vaccine. You just need to live with the consequences. Like not working."

Another user wrote, "There are exceptions. What a drama Queen. Look at me!"