Let's talk about acrylic nails ...

Nurses Professionalism

Published

You are reading page 2 of Let's talk about acrylic nails ...

llg, PhD, RN

13,469 Posts

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Regardless of what any of us think, the CDC has recommended against them, based on the most current research. My hospital will be outlawing all nail adornments except for intact polish as of June 1st. No ifs, ands, or buts.

llg

delirium

629 Posts

They're against policy at my hospital. Also at my nursing school. So guess who doesn't have acrylic nails?

My nails are nice and strong, though. Attractive.... but what I wouldn't give for a full set with a french manicure... :D

(Or is that a freedom manicure?)

Heather333

206 Posts

Originally posted by CHICKTOEAGLE

I must disagree with Heather (WITH RESPEST) . Short, cracked, bleeding nails &problem cuticles can be much more of a transmission vehicle.Icertainly disagree w/ 1-1/2 " claws but feel that well maintained manicured nails are not a problem. CHICK

Perhaps if you are having that much trouble with your nails then maybe your Dr. can help.

I agree that excessively long nails (even natural ones) are a hazard in themselves (ie accidentally scratching a patient). But acrylic nails, no matter what the length, are a breeding ground for organisms. It is much easier to clean natural nails, even if they are cracked, by proper handwashing. JMHO.

Heather

jschut, BSN, RN

2,743 Posts

I think as long as they are of a decent length and kept nice, why not?:)

SmilingBluEyes

20,964 Posts

Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

GET RID OF THEM...vanity is not as important as infection control. I won't let any dagger-wearing nurse near me or mine if I have any say about it. LONG thread about this previously, as you see above. If you must wear them, then do NOT do direct patient care. Simple as that.

Heather333

206 Posts

Originally posted by SmilingBluEyes

GET RID OF THEM...vanity is not as important as infection control. I won't let any dagger-wearing nurse near me or mine if I have any say about it. LONG thread about this previously, as you see above. If you must wear them, then do NOT do direct patient care. Simple as that.

AMEN Deb!!!!!!

oceanblue

94 Posts

I think that as long as they are a "decent" length & color... GO FOR IT, I see them all the time on nurses.

OBNURSEHEATHER

1,961 Posts

Originally posted by llg

Regardless of what any of us think, the CDC has recommended against them, based on the most current research.

Thank you.

SC RN, RN

185 Posts

Okay. I've read the LONG thread that was before this one and I've thought about it and you know what? They're not worth it. I don't want to deal with the hassles and possible problems. My vanity is fighting valiantly to make me decide otherwise but I want to be a great nurse more than I want to have beautiful nails.

Thanks for all the great replies! :)

SmilingBluEyes

20,964 Posts

Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

GOOD FOR YOU! that is a smart decision!

kittyw

312 Posts

SC RN -

If you don't take a multivitamin, you may consider starting one.

Also, if you use nailpolish or some sort of hardener when you don't have fake nails, you may want to try to go without it for a while. Your nails may be sensitive to some of the chemicals in them, so instead of improving your nails they may actually make your nails weak and brittle.

:D

K O'Malley

136 Posts

Our hospital has a policy against acrylic nails and so they should. Another thread on this subject brought up the fact that bacteria under acrylic nails spread infection in a hospital nursery and several babies died. I sure wouldn't want to be responsible for causing something like that.

+ Add a Comment