Do you wear rings at work?

jessiern, BSN, RN · Mar 4, 2008

I do wear my engagement ring and wedding band, but that is only because the first day I went to work without it after my husband proposed he almost had a fit. So, since it is that important to him that I wear it, I just take it very often to have it cleaned.

ScoopsPerson · Mar 5, 2008

No I don't wear any rings or braclets. My "jewelry" consists of a 5.00 watch from WalMart with a vinyl band I can scrub down after every shift. My clinical instructor put the fear of "microbes" into me when I was a student and the thought of bringing home these bugs keeps me from wearing rings. :bugeyes:

SaraO'Hara · Mar 5, 2008

Just my wedding ring, only because when I took it off I lost it for six weeks. I make sure to wash carefully on and around it.

Blee O'Myacin, BSN, RN · Mar 5, 2008

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?

I wear a plain gold wedding band. I wash my hands and ring before and after patient contact - and the band doesn't invite the intrusive comments regarding my marital status. I'd probably wear one at work even if I wasn't married.

pattycakeRN · Mar 5, 2008

here's an idea, i plan to wear my engagement ring and wedding ring on a necklace.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 5, 2008

I don't wear rings to work, only because I know I'll fidget with them when I become anxious or nervous. My workplace jewelry consists of a wristwatch and white gold necklace with pendant. The jewelry that I wear to work is simple, minimal, and can be easily cleaned.

jenn27 · Mar 5, 2008

I wear my wedding band and a watch. last time i wore a necklace it got ripped off. I do remember my nursing instructors preaching no jewelry. But i don't work in a hospital, we had some sickness going around so left it off a few weeks.

hcmanp, NP · Mar 5, 2008

Only post earrings, no dangles to avoid ripped earlobes

No necklace to avoid strangulation

My husband bought me a special "work" wedding ring after he found out about the "no elevated diamonds" rule. It's a very small band with diamonds embedded (like an anniversary ring), which has served to eliminate any questions about whether or not I was married, and I never scratched anybody with that ring.

The research I am aware of includes fake nails, stethoscopes and neckties: and they all DO carry bacteria, so eyuck, yes, I would bet on rings carrying bacteria, but yes, I would wear that ring anytime I had clinical/hospital duty.

Kiren · Mar 5, 2008

i don't wear a ring during my clinicals but it makes me uncomfortable. when i graduate in two months (and have a real job), i plan on buying a plain gold band to wear to work. that way i will have no diamonds to lose and no germs to bring home.

Bella36RN · Mar 5, 2008

I wear my engagement ring and a watch and when i rub my hands with alcohol and wash them...i make sure to wash under it

pfongk · Mar 5, 2008

I just wear my wedding ring which is a rounded,9ct yellow gold band.