Small nose piercings at work?

Nurses General Nursing

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I am currently in college to become a nurse and also thinking about getting my nose pierced. Nothing huge, just a little stud or gemstone. I am worried that when I do have to attend clinicals or get a job at a hospital the dress code will require me to take my nose piercing out. I am interested in hearing about your experiences with this! Thank you! :)

How did we go to talking about nose piercings to lack of respect?!? While I don't have a nose ring, I do have an industrial in my one ear (see pic for those not familiar. http://http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OL2Ptf0ANLA/S8bDu4VUo-I/AAAAAAAAABk/FuHzPRKe4oo/s1600/bar_piercing.jpg&imgrefurl=http://industrial-piercing.blogspot.com/2010/04/what-is-industrial-bar-piercing.html&usg=__wwq7M3xOQrvBU77o08GbFhpXp00=&h=478&w=449&sz=15&hl=en&start=0&tbnid=il8DG4CpYXNpnM:&tbnh=119&tbnw=118&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dindustrial%2Bbar%2Bpiercing%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1366%26bih%3D565%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=118&vpy=89&dur=4944&hovh=232&hovw=218&tx=100&ty=122&ei=JLpnTJSVE4aglAf6nJWfBQ&oei=JLpnTJSVE4aglAf6nJWfBQ&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=26&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0

I did not have the piercing in nursing school as I was well aware I would have to take it out everyday for clinical. As soon as I graduated, I got my piercing and I've had no issues. Sure, pt's and families notice it sometimes, but I hope they are judging me on my pt care and my character and not on one piercing I have. If anything, 90% of people ask me "did that hurt?" I feel that majority of of people have no issues with it. I do try not to draw attention to it at work, but when I have my hair up, it tends to be visible more.

That's what I'm saying. Ok there are some piercings that would make someone not want to be helped by you, but if it's nothing drastic or even if you have tattoos showing but you are competent with you job...what's the problem? And as far as a safety issue...well patients can pull on your earring of your ear too. So why does it make a difference whether there is one on your nose vs. your ears?

Specializes in LTC Family Practice.

To the OP, I'd wait until after nursing school to have it done that way it won't be an issue. Once out, then you can re-assess without the hassle of dealing with being not allowed.

When in LPN school our policy were

fingernail had to be natural (no acrylics, silk wraps ect) and could not be long enough to be be seen over the tip of the finger.

only one plain wedding band, (no stones, engagement rings either)

hair had to be above to collar

piercings could only be ear LOBE piercing and plain studs only. And it specifally stated NO nose rings, lip rings, eyebrow rings.

tattoos had to be covered by something..sleeves, bandage etc.

I'd hold off on doing any new piercings while in school. That goes for getting any tats that are visable

Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.

Even the smallest facial piercing is not allowed. only one ear peircing. All tats must be covered. We have no, no exceptions to these rules.

Anyone with the above, is looked negatively upon in an interview, and other candidates possibly chosen over them. my personal feelings aside, (I don't mind them one bit and have none {except a leg tat that is always covered}, we don't play.

Just food for thought.

What does your nursing student handbook say? In mine there is a strict jewelry policy: 1 pair of studs and one plain ring with no stones.

Yep, mine too. Along with minimal, natural makeup.

Even the smallest facial piercing is not allowed. only one ear peircing. All tats must be covered. We have no, no exceptions to these rules.

Anyone with the above, is looked negatively upon in an interview, and other candidates possibly chosen over them. my personal feelings aside, (I don't mind them one bit and have none {except a leg tat that is always covered}, we don't play.

Just food for thought.

I think its safe to say that most nursing schools don't play. The nursing school at the university where I received my Bachelor's is super strict with pretty much everything that pertains to nursing students. Very old fashioned.

Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.

we are professional registered nurses, many facilities uphold the standard of appearing professional. we don't have the ability to debate our own personal thoughts as to what that is. if the standard is set, it's up to us, if we want to be gainfully employed to present that. end of story, my own opinions aside. it is what it is.

i can debate my personal philosophy to management until i'm blue in the face. the policy is policy. want to work... conform. end of story.

that's what i'm saying. ok there are some piercings that would make someone not want to be helped by you, but if it's nothing drastic or even if you have tattoos showing but you are competent with you job...what's the problem? and as far as a safety issue...well patients can pull on your earring of your ear too. so why does it make a difference whether there is one on your nose vs. your ears?
Specializes in Vascular Access Nurse.

my nursing school was a bit different, they allowed piercings anywhere in the ear, and small piercings in the nose or eyebrow. tattoos were supposed to be covered due to institutional policies, but most of the time that wasn't enforced, unless the tattoo was large or offensive. then again, my school didn't have us writing care plans either (other than 1 or 2 the first year just so you knew how), so they were definitely more progressive in many ways.

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