[ilstu99]

We don't allow anything below the elbows for our department staff and visitors. Also, no nails over 1/4 inch, and no nail polish. Most of the staff pins their rings to their tops, but I find it gets in the way of snuggling the big babies.

My biggest gripe is usually staff from other departments that have a less stringent policy than ours. Usually, they don't even stop to wash their hands. Gross. Who knows who they touched last.

Isolette covers are changed whenever they are soiled, or once a week....whichever comes first. We have to call linens on a regular basis to get our specials back, though.

[NICU_babyRN]

Our nurses are not allowed ANY rings or watches below the elbows. No watches, and we don't let the newly engaged or newly wedded staff wear their rings either. We wear our own scrubs but we must change in the hospital and we do a surgical scrub for at least 3 minutes before the start of our shift and sometimes a few times during the shift (MRSA babies if they are unable to be cohorted especially). No artificial nails and I think we are supposed to only have clear nail polish. The polish color is not enforced too much but that is only b/c we clean in and around our nails with the surgical scrub.

The same goes for our docs and NNPs. We make sure they all scrub in. Visitors also scrub, wear an isolation gown but are unfortunately NOT required to take their rings off while visiting.

[tampa,rnc-nic]

In this NICU, we can wear only a plain band. Of course, germs don't know the difference in jewelry but plain bands don't have facets and grooves that germs are likely to adhere to. We cannot wear bracelets or watches ever or even long-sleeved shirts or jackets during pt care.
We change our isolette covers if they fall, when we change the isolette (q wk) or if we find a cuter one.
We cannot wear fake nails and if we wear nail polish on our no-longer-than 1/4 in nails it must be neat and free of chips/peeling.
Also, we don't use scrub brushes but rather a special soap for our 3-minute scrub. Scrub brushes cause microabrasions.

[NicuGal]

One wedding band and a watch, no long sleeves for patient care, no fake nails (staff or moms...they have to glove). We do a 3 minute entry scrub and wash and purell in between. Visitors scrub in.

[Florida NICU RN]

I work in a Level III NICU in Tampa, FL and we don't allow rings of any kind, either. (Applies to all --- staff, parents, students, visitors, etc.) Everyone also has to do a 3-minute scrub. Staff change in to hospital scrubs (prior to scrub) and anyone who's not staff have to wear a gown after scrubbing in. Staff are absolutely not allowed to have artificial nails - that's hospital-wide policy...gross if you think having artifical nails in a hospital anyway.

[FlutterbyNurse]

Our policy allows no jewelry from the elbows down for staff or visitors. Staff and visitors must do a 3 minute surgical scrub before any patient contact occurs.

Isolette covers are changed bi-weekly when we change the isolette or PRN (if they fall on the floor or are visibly soiled).

[AjaRN]

Originally Posted by Sweden

Our unit has changed a lot regarding fabric care since we sent samples to infection control. There were LOTS of germs growing on the sheets and other things close to the baby, even if it was just washed. One baby actually had mold growing on her back, and that was the thing that started the whole investigation.......

Anna

Yup us too. our unit recently outlawed our little stash of donated clothing because the laundry was such an issue. We still take the clean clothes when donated but they stay with that kid, the parents have to take them home and wash. And no, no rings allowed, ever.

[MandaAnda]

The only jewelry below the elbows on our unit is a plain wedding band. I've never seen any staff with acrylic nails, long nails or nail polish - it's just common sense really. Same goes for hair - anyone with long hair ties it back.

I'm American and never thought about it before moving to the UK - but why is the US ok with wrist watches in a medical environment? I'd never go back to that now. In the UK, nearly everyone wears a fob watch if they have a watch at all.
Although, when not nursing, I have to consciously remind myself to look at my wrist to check the time - I'm sure it looks odd to strangers and friends that I automatically look at my left boob when I want to know the time!

[littleneoRN]

What exactly makes a wedding band acceptable and not other rings? We definitely do no rings in our unit, along with no watches, or other anything below the elbows. Unless your wedding band has a magical germ-free bubble around it...

[MandaAnda]

Not excusing it, but I suppose it's assumed that a smooth wedding band can easily be washed whereas a ring with stones and grooves can harbour more bacteria. Incidentally, I am not married so therefore wear no rings whatsoever when at work.