Nursing and Piercings?

Wuiteroz · Apr 5, 2003

Originally posted by yodakelly
Wuiteroz,

Wow, i don't know where to start, but i'll try.

Thanks

yodakelly · Apr 5, 2003

No problem. I can let you know where to get some good retainer stuff online if you don't know anywhere already. :saint:

Wuiteroz · Apr 5, 2003

Originally posted by yodakelly
No problem. I can let you know where to get some good retainer stuff online if you don't know anywhere already.

That'd be great :)

Do you think you could give me some sites?

mark_LD_RN · Apr 5, 2003

I feel any visible piercings except ears ( with single or maybe double piercings) have no place in nursing or any other profession. it gives a very unprofessional appearance. A tougue piercing my be able to slip by but that is as far as i goes in my book:)

ShandyLynnRN, BSN, RN · Apr 5, 2003

our hospital's policy basically states that you can only have 1 earring in each ear, "tasteful" make up and hairstyles (no punk type stuff or green hair) no wild nail polish or nail art and no visible piercings (other than ears) or tattoos.

I recently asked this question on this board too, because I wanted to get my tongue pierced, and I don't agree with the policy. For that matter, if they were to discipline me if I did have it done, then they would have to discipline probably half the nursing staff for 2-3 earrings or more in each ear, or a barbell through their ear, or wrinkled clothes, or wearing perfume... yada yada....

I can totally see how it is a professional image question, because I know how my grandmother feels about those type of things. Much of the population, expecially the elderly, seem to relate body piercings and tattoos with rebels, or druggies, or other "non-professional" behavior.

On the other hand, I think I should be allowed to express individuality, and many of those things, tongue piercings, etc, aren't something that you can just decide to take out for your shift at work. If you do, then it will grow over.

I say, let my actions and nursing abilities show my professional demeanor. Unfortunately, that's not how it works.

Still, I think tasteful piercings, as long as they aren't in excess, aren't a problem. I don't even think "funky" hair is a problem. Alas, the rest of the world doesn't all agree. And even though we try to teach our children to be individuals, and judge people based on their actions and not their looks, we still have to comply to these types of policies... it almost seems like it is a "do what I say, not what I do" type of philospphy.

Oh well. I guess until we all start being self employed and the world stops judging people based on their appearance, these types of issues will always come up. I guess I could think of WORSE things to worry about.

yodakelly · Apr 5, 2003

I PM'd you w/ info Wuiteroz.

I totally agree w/ your beliefs ShandyLynnRN. Sometimes I feel like I should just wear my nosering and provide the same care I always do and perhaps break a stereotype or two. Unfortunately, I think I'd be up against so many obstacles that it just wouldn't be worth it.

Wuiteroz · Apr 5, 2003

Thanks a lot guys

ShandyLynn I read your previous post thanks to kids-r-fun :)

We're on the same boat.

kimmicoobug · Apr 5, 2003

I actually like the eyebrow rings, but being a conservative type, it would probably just seem out of place on me. I have seen some with tiny nose rings and think that they are actually very tasteful. My thing is I like big silver hoops on my ears. I almost feel naked without them. Think Nelly Furtado, and then think bigger.. that is how I like them. My smallest set is about an inch and a half in circumference. What is too big for earings? I just don't wear them now since I am in my clinicals, but just curious what would be acceptable when I am in the field.

obeyacts2 · Apr 5, 2003

Here is our agency policy: tattoo's should be covered by clothing, only 1 earing per ear, all other piercings must be removed on duty, no wild makeup or perfume, no fake nails, if hair is long, must be restrained at the neck, no denim clothing (some assignments allow street clothes, skirts should be knee length.

This is also noted: our patients are often elderly snd have a different sense of what is appropriate attire. Caregivers should keep tis in mind when selecting clothing to wear to work.

I agree with this policy wholeheartedly.

laura

kids · Apr 5, 2003

Originally posted by yodakelly
...I totally agree w/ your beliefs ShandyLynnRN. Sometimes I feel like I should just wear my nosering and provide the same care I always do and perhaps break a stereotype or two. Unfortunately, I think I'd be up against so many obstacles that it just wouldn't be worth it.

OK, so I'm being lazy tonight and went and copied this from where I posted it before:

I have 9 tattoos, 1 is visable in scrubs: my right hand.

I have 12 piercings: 10 in my ears, my tongue and 1 under my clothes.

I've worked with people for literally years who didn't know my tongue is pierced (I use a 5/8 barbell, not the more common 1"). My multiple ear piercings has never been issue as long as I wear small earrings (I wear small graduated silver hoops).

I was hired as a Corp. Case Mgr and did it for 18 months- the only difference between then and now is that then I also had my nose pierced.

This was several years ago when it was a newer thing, employers were (I think) afraid to say anything.

mario_ragucci · Apr 5, 2003

What you want to do to your your body in the way of art is a freedom. The way a person looks is not an indication of how they are as a person. Piercing can be considered any way you like. Tatoos and piercing are popular, and many folks enjoy doing this. How they measure up as a healthcare team member is seperate. I could not "cast a stone" to anyone who likes tatoos or piercings. To each their own.

semstr · Apr 5, 2003

My students have all kinds of piercings, ears (multiple), nose, eyebrow, lips, tongue, between their teeth, navel and I guess other places too.

They also have all kinds of haircolouring, from bright red, pink, green to blue.

Some have tattoos visible on their arms or hands.

No, I personally don't like it looking like a christmas tree, but times have changed.

My own daughter looks pretty weird to me with her pink hair and nose and navelpiercing, but well, I looked pretty weird to my mum with my "big hair" looooooonggggg time ago!

I hope,they are going to be good nurses, no matter how many piercings, tattoos or haircolour they have.