[onco gal]

Sorry but fake nails do not belong in this profession. It is a proven fact that they harbor fungus as well as bacteria, not to mention the potential harm that can be caused to the patient's skin integrity. I saw a CNA scratch a patient very badly during repositioning because she was wearing a ring on every finger. This type of adornment as well as nails do not belong in patient care.

[mattsmom81]

Are fake nails OK in this profession? Nope.

Do I still see lots of 'em out there? Yup.

Too many studies out there showing the dangers for a prudent nurse to err on the side of vanity, IMHO.

[anon&me]

My real nails were forever cracking and tearing and leaving bleeding areas, and they scratched my babies when I could not afford to keep them on maternity leave. My acrylics are smooth and sturdy and only come off when they get crushed with the rest of my finger in the equipment at work. I can use my chain saw at home with more safety because it is better maintained that the ambulance bay doors. As for fungus, my toes suffer and they are kept purely natural.

[Streamlined]

Just so you know, Cletus, I'm female and still I don't get the nail thing. Almost 50 years old and never had a manicure in my life. I had no idea there were so many weak-nailed ladies out there, splittin' and crackin' and bleedin'. Sometimes I'll look admiringly at a nice conservative French manicure, but that's as far as I go.

[suzielee]

Why do you want to wear something that risks the lives of you and your patients? To look good? Do you really want to bring home all that bacteria? Whats wrong with you?

[Jean Roberson]

Since the The CDC published recommendations last Oct. that nurses NOT have artificial nails if involved in pt. care, & this was based on extensive research, many hospitals are in the process of outlawing them.
The original research was bsed on NICU infants <1000Gms., but apparently it was followed up with additional research on adults.
Personally, I believe handwashing is the REAL issue, esp. if acrylic nails are well taken care of, and if you scrub under the nails.

[jayna]

What this fake nails about.. do people don't like thier real nails..sorry

[tazzyjo]

I think acrylic nails are just fine, IF the nails are properly maintained, and a fungicide is used when getting fills done. I don't agree with having them super long, but neatly manicured and cleaned thoroughly there is less chance of passing along infections...this goes back to the very basics of hand washing. Many people with fake nails don't scrub their nails with a nail brush underneath and this would go a long way in getting rid of any nasty bugs. I had them for many years prior to nursing and never once had a fungus as I had a very good nail technician who cleaned everything and took the extra steps to stop fungus before it had a chance to take hold.

[Scavenger'sWife]

OK OK OK......I am growing mine off. I have cut them down shorter and it will take a couple months, but I have decided to go cold turkey~

[SmilingBluEyes]

Originally posted by Streamlined
What is it with nails, anyway? Why do gals need to adorn their nails, sometimes so grotesquely it besmirches their characters? Yes, it's fun to color-up yourself, but do those nails really need to be two inches long and have little diamonds imbedded in them? And what does it say about you that you would spend your money and your time having layers of petro-chemicals applied to your fingertips as you inhale the fumes ? Somebody, please, explain the nail thing to me.

I AM FEMALE and could not agree w/this post MORE. I always wonder the same things.