Nursing and body piercings

Alnamvet · Feb 17, 2004

that judgemental, intolerant remarks that make mention of 'professionalism' are made by people with the likes of a cartoon princess or a fluttering angel as a personal icon. I think that anyone referring to another human being as 'trashy' based on their appearance needs to find another line of work; I somehow doubt that an attitude like that doesn't come across to a patient they happen to not approve of.

Perhaps you have a problem with adversity...my posts have made it clear....you may be trashy, but in no way does that impact the standard of care...you won't be part of my circle of friends or family if you are "trashy", but I will care for you like family. Is that so difficult a concept? A healthcare provider's job is not to approve or disapprove...a patient may look and behave like a neo-nazi, but my job is to take care of the pr**k; I may not agree with his/her racism, but that problem needs to be dealt with outside of the health care arena. So lighten' up child...just accept the fact that I have major issues with tats and piercings...issues that I will not deal with, 'cause I ain't gonna change my mind. :rolleyes:

Jrnalist2RNinOR · Feb 17, 2004

I think wearing a tongue piercing is fine as long as you dont clang it around in your mouth and it isnt overly visible - any other facial piercing is a no-no and earrings should be small and if worn should come out easily in case they are grabbed (or should not be loose and dangle-ly)

CCU NRS · Feb 17, 2004

Thanks for the post about respecting other's opinions, it was definitely called for here. Our differences are what make us unique and what makes this board interesting. Lets be nice to eachother :)

And Bravo well said Sadie we should all be nicer to each other.

On another note, ALnamvet wrote about racism, I actually took care of a guy one that had many tatoos and one said 100% Cracker and another said N word must die. He was being taken care by a wonderful lady that just happened to be black and he started with his racist crap, I don't this B**** to be my nurse and I won't have no N touching me. I went and gave him a little peice of my mind while I put him in 4-point restraints D/T his behavior. After that we did follow his wishes and did not assign african americans to be his nurse. The thing is the nurse that was assigned to him was very professional all the while and I asked her doesn't make you angry to see the things he has tatoo'd on himself and she said No he is the one that will have to live with them, I just do my job!

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Feb 17, 2004

She handled that very well.

happystudent, RN · Feb 17, 2004

Whats A "low rent nurse"?

jstanrs · Feb 17, 2004

Perhaps you have a problem with adversity...my posts have made it clear....you may be trashy, but in no way does that impact the standard of care...you won't be part of my circle of friends or family if you are "trashy", but I will care for you like family. Is that so difficult a concept? A healthcare provider's job is not to approve or disapprove...a patient may look and behave like a neo-nazi, but my job is to take care of the pr**k; I may not agree with his/her racism, but that problem needs to be dealt with outside of the health care arena. So lighten' up child...just accept the fact that I have major issues with tats and piercings...issues that I will not deal with, 'cause I ain't gonna change my mind.

A problem with 'adversity'? Please explain that; I define 'adversity' as hardship or misfortune. Do you mean 'diversity', as in difference or variety? All I know is that I'm not calling anyone trashy or a pr**k. I believe that what you have major issues with is acceptance, or lack thereof. One can accept without approving or agreeing; however, it does tend to preclude derogatory remarks, particularly those that target character versus behavior. Unfortunately, I have little doubt that you ain't gonna change your mind.

iliel · Feb 17, 2004

Alnamvet...there is a difference between a person who has the N word tatooed on him and some one who has a flower..don't you think? Also, how can you sit there and call everyone who has a tat trashy when you don't even know these ppl? It's like assuming I'm a stripper since I live in Vegas or assuming a male nurse couldn't make it as a Dr. You are discriminating against ppl and maybe it dosn't come off that way in your care but how do you really know? For all you know there maybe someone in your circle that has a tat that you can't see but is afraid to tell you for fear you would think they are trashy? Also, how would you like it if I found out something about you and called you trashy or your loved ones trashy, low class, low rent?

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Feb 17, 2004

Alnamvet...there is a difference between a person who has the N word tatooed on him and some one who has a flower..don't you think? Also, how can you sit there and call everyone who has a tat trashy when you don't even know these ppl? It's like assuming I'm a stripper since I live in Vegas or assuming a male nurse couldn't make it as a Dr. You are discriminating against ppl and maybe it dosn't come off that way in your care but how do you really know? For all you know there maybe someone in your circle that has a tat that you can't see but is afraid to tell you for fear you would think they are trashy? Also, how would you like it if I found out something about you and called you trashy or your loved ones trashy, low class, low rent?

VERY well said!!

Alnamvet · Feb 17, 2004

A problem with 'adversity'? Please explain that; I define 'adversity' as hardship or misfortune. Do you mean 'diversity', as in difference or variety? All I know is that I'm not calling anyone trashy or a pr**k. I believe that what you have major issues with is acceptance, or lack thereof. One can accept without approving or agreeing; however, it does tend to preclude derogatory remarks, particularly those that target character versus behavior. Unfortunately, I have little doubt that you ain't gonna change your mind.

I meant adversity since I am of the opposing position...it seems that the right to self expression is OK only when one agrees with you, or is it limited when one disagrees with you? AND, I suggest you refrain from false accusations, since I did not single out any member and call them trashy or a p***k. :stone ...so please mind your manners :angryfire

iliel · Feb 17, 2004

the right to expression is always OK, even if I agree with it or not. A tat on someone dosn't harm you or me in any way. and while you may not think you've singled out any single member by calling them trashy, you have singled out all the memeber who have tats.

nurse 4 christ · Feb 18, 2004

I would have to say that multiple piercings are ok only in the ear. the tungue is questionable? but eye brow piercings and lip are out of the question. and also believe that the ear rings sould be studs and not long dangling pieces that a pt can rip out. I have been around some very strong confused pt's and they will grab and pull them out if able to reach them. so for your own safety studs only and no other piercings in site if the pt.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Feb 18, 2004

I meant adversity since I am of the opposing position..

Is the word perhaps "adversarial(?sp)"?

As unnecessarily defiling the human body is considered wrong by my spiritual beliefs, I do not pierce or tattoo anything. I have my own personal biases regarding tattoos/piercings. But those biases stay with my home/personal life, and do not enter into the work arena. I may not date them, but I can respect their abilities at work.

I personally do not think that jewelry should be worn/in view at work (I usually work Onco/BMT/ID units). That means ANY jewelry! And the reason has to with infection control/injury issues. But that is my belief (yes, you could wear your wedding ring, on a chain under your shirt) and I cannot force it on anyone.

Yes, people use tattoos and piercings to make points about themselves. So do those that have 4 inch fingernails, dayglow thongs under white scrubs, and my favorite, those that wear 5 gold neck chains, rings on every finger, 8 bracelets, 4 ankle chains and 5 pairs of earrings. We may not like the message, but it is to the employer to regulate it, not to us. And if that message is so important to you that you would risk your employment status, that is your perogative.