Do you wear rings at work?

[CareBayer]

I go ring-less at work (not even my wedding ring.) It grosses me out that some minute microbe could plant itself within the ring's crevasses. Does anyone know about any research articles pertaining to the hygiene of wearing rings in our profession?

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

No rings. Just a bracelet I cant take off without cutting it and sometimes a watch.

[Dianne27]

No I don't wear my engagement ring to work. You are not suppose to expose stones and metals like diamonds and gold to any harsh chemicals bc it can cause them to oxidize and become dull and discolored. We have a really strong chlorhexidine soap at work and I'm sure a strong hand gel too to prevent nosocomial infections. I also remove it when cleaning the house or going to the pool (household chemicals and chlorine are really bad for them as well). My fiance worked hard to get me a gorgeous ring and I want to take care of it!

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

No I don't wear my engagement ring to work. You are not suppose to expose stones and metals like diamonds and gold to any harsh chemicals bc it can cause them to oxidize and become dull and discolored. We have a really strong chlorhexidine soap at work and I'm sure a strong hand gel too to prevent nosocomial infections. I also remove it when cleaning the house or going to the pool (household chemicals and chlorine are really bad for them as well). My fiance worked hard to get me a gorgeous ring and I want to take care of it!

Also, some stones (emerald and opals in particular) are not supposed to be cleaned with ultrasonic cleaners because of the treatments on these stones (totally accepted treatments by the gem/jewelry industry). Emeralds have been 'oiled' to enhance the shine and help fill fissures; opals are made of water and silica- the play of color is like the prism effect of rainbows- red being the most expensive flashes. :)

[nightengalegoddess]

Wow, Dianne 27. I think I will take off my plain ring now. I didn't realize all the foam and gel could be ruining it. Guess my eyes will just have to say "I'm taken". Thank you for the info!!!

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

I wear my wedding band, which is plain white gold. No stones to ruin and no crevasses that can't be cleaned easily. If I stopped wearing it, it would stop fitting me: I have an indent on my finger where it has trained the flesh to not grow.

The husband wears his wedding ring around his neck on a chain.