A Nurse and A Go-Go Dancer

Nurses Professionalism

Published

Hello,

I am a nursing student (LVN/LPN). Before stepping into the nursing world I've always thought of becoming a go-go dancer. Why do I want to go-go dance besides nursing: it's because I love dancing and performing on a stage. I am almost done with my school and I was just wondering if a nurse can also be a go-go dancer at the same time without hurting his/her license.

Thanks in advance!

Maybe just stick to dancing and wear a nursing out fit. Heck some dancers get paid more then nurses...plus tips you cant beat that. : )

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Keep in mind that even if your BON would be fine with it (i.e., no "moral turpitude" clause to deal with), your EMPLOYER might not be, just as someone has already pointed out. While go-go dancing is not quite the same as being a stripper or exotic dancer, employers concerned about how the sideline career of their employee can reflect upon their organization as a whole.

If you decide to do this, I would keep your nurse and go-go dancer lives as separate as possible. I would strongly suggest that you use a stage name for dancing and not reveal any personal info about yourself. You may also want to consider not dancing in the same town that you work in.

Best of luck whatever you decide.

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Specializes in Pediatric.

I would maybe pass on doing this, or wait until your older. Some things I thought were an AWESOME idea at age 22, seemed like a not so wonderful idea 5 years later. (I'm 29)

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Where exactly is the line between personal and professional life?

Don't dance, no tattoos, don't have a life? Am I going to get fired for having a firearm or being a single mom next? Sheesh!!

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Where exactly is the line between personal and professional life?

Don't dance, no tattoos, don't have a life? Am I going to get fired for having a firearm or being a single mom next? Sheesh!!

You could get fired for having a firearm if you do not have a permit to carry or if you bring it to work.... ;)

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I knew a nurse who use to dance and actually danced occasionally no more than 15 miles away from the hospital. She didn't go around broadcasting it to everyone and the most issues she had was other nurses being jealous of her because she was pretty or them trying to talk about her parenting style or choice for friends, aka typical nursing drama. Also, I have tattoos(visible), have worked at a strip club(waitress), and been pregnant and single and I am happy to report that I may be judged by other nurses but my work ethic and patient care speaks for itself. I have never had an employer even after a background report ask about my job at the club and I work for the federal government. I also don't tell them during the interview *HEY!I use to work at a strip club! Hire ME! LOL* Live your life and don't be sloppy!

Good luck!

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I've always thought about this as my friends and I go to concerts and festivals quite often, but I have to agree that I'd be worried about people finding out. There are so many photographers at these events who take pictures of everything and then post it on the artists' or venues' Facebook pages---it's easy to recognize people.

Maybe down the line if you're in a very stable position at your job... I mean, it's up to you and your institution, but I would still try to be as discreet about it as possible.

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Nothing wrong with dancing!

I'd keep this to myself and definitely change my look while poerforming... to ensure absolutely no one knew about it or would recognize me.

Good luck!

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
I would... wait until your older...

Most prefer a younger go-go dancer... let's be real here!

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Specializes in MICU, SICU, CICU.

Agree with everyone who said change your look, no FB, no social media, keep it totally separate from your nursing career.

Do not tell anyone connected with your place of work.

It will be hot gossip and you will have every creep in the hospital hitting on you.

Take it out of town.

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Specializes in Family Nursing & Psychiatry.

I'm a go-go. Works out great.

----------------------

UCLA FNP Class of 2016

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I like Jadelpn suggestion. Being an exercise instructor gives you the opportunity to be on "stage" and teach dance exercise to the public. Another area that you might investigate is local theater. The term "go-go dancer" came from the mid to late 60's when on shows like Laugh-In there would be "G0-G0 dancers" off to the sides of the main stage on a separate upper level stage or in a suspended cage, it was like seeing multiple acts, the featured band would play their music and the dancers would be doing their interpretive dance to that music. It was not stripper music at that time but, I can see how these can become intertwined. You need to feed your creative/inner child to maintain some form of normalcy when you are in the medical field. We neglect this part of ourselves because we are so wrapped up on our day to day work/careers. If we have an outlet through creativity it will help us get through those very demanding shifts a little better. I also agree with finding out what your state BON rules/code of conduct-ethics regulate.

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