A nurse is suing Exeter (N.H.) Hospital, claiming she was wrongfully terminated and denied a religious exemption over her refusal to get a flu vaccine, according to court documents.
According to the complaint, Melissa Tripp, RN, joined Exeter Hospital in 2019. The lawsuit alleges Ms. Tripp worked in her office behind 8-foot partitions and her role did not involve direct patient care. She claims the hospital had previously granted her a religious exemption, but when she requested one in 2020, the hospital asked for more details, including filling out a form for review.
When the nurse declined to fill out the form, citing privacy concerns and the "right to religious liberty," she was allegedly threatened with termination, according to the complaint cited by the news outlet. Ms. Tripp told her employer that she objected to fetal tissue, canine kidney cells and other additives. The lawsuit claims Ms. Tripp's religious exemption was denied Nov. 27 and that she was terminated Dec. 1. The nurse is seeking unspecified damages for religious discrimination and wrongful discharge, among other allegations.
The complaint was originally filed in state court in February and was moved to the New Hampshire District Court on April 5. Exeter Hospital declined NH Business Review's request for comment.
Editor's note: Becker's has reached out to Exeter Hospital and will update the report if more information becomes available.