Shocked by facial piercings at work

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

So occassionally I'll see a nurse or doc with a nose ring, or tongue ring. If it is not for cultural purposes, I personally find that it truly takes away from the professional look we are supposed to have while at work.

I'm a fan of nose rings, I think they are cute and I thought about getting one however I thought it wouldn't be a good look for work. I also would not was to bother taking it in and out.

Anyway, during my share time at a hospital yesterday I was shocked to see that a nurse midwife was allowed to wear a facial piercing at work. She had a piercing above her upper lip.

Is this becoming more common in your work places? How do you all feel about facial piercings in the health care setting?

[Altra, BSN, RN]

Yes, fairly common where I work.

[healthstar, BSN, RN]

I think that is unprofessional! I am a makeup artist as well as a nurse, makeup to me is art! When I go out at night I wear heavy smokey makeup, but at work I use neutral colors, very light makeup! I iron my scrubs( no stained scrubs) , I take care of my face and hair- always pulled back! It shows that you are a clean person and are able to take care of yourself. Just my opinion

[SaoirseRN]

I think that is unprofessional! I am a makeup artist as well as a nurse makeup to me is art! When I go out at night I wear heavy smokey makeup, but at work I use neutral colors, very light makeup! I iron my scrubs( no stained scrubs) , I take care of my face and hair- always pulled back! It shows that you are a clean person and are able to take care of yourself. Just my opinion [/quote']

Just pointing out that the existence of a facial piercing doesn't mean (or show) that an individual is unclean and unable to care for themselves.

They may have similar makeup, hair, and scrub habits as you, plus a nose ring. I'm not seeing how a small piece of jewelry could make the difference between professional and unprofessional in and of itself.

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

The midwife's face ring was not small. I don't know, maybe it just me.

[SaoirseRN]

The midwife's face ring was not small. I don't know maybe it just me.[/quote']

I think it's a cultural thing, perhaps, that we automatically find this "different". But look a the rest of the person -- was she clean and tidy? Does she do her work in a professional manner? Do her patients speak highly of her? I don't necessarily like facial piercings myself, however, to me it takes more than the presence of one for me to deem a person unprofessional.

[klone, MSN, RN]

We have OB residents with nose piercings. One of our charge nurses has an eyebrow piercing.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

What does the dress code say? My facility used to have a no facial piercings policy. However, attitudes change, and now the dress code permits facial piercing up to a certain size (1/4", I think?). Anything larger must either be removed or covered. Personally, I think the bandaid covering someone's face is more distracting that some of the piercings they cover.

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

If it is not for cultural purposes

Here's the thing- facial piercings, tattoos, unusual hair cuts and colors....those are ALL cultural. Wearing light, conservative makeup is cultural. If the Indian woman's gold stud nose piercing is ok, why not the American woman's Marilyn Monroe lip piercing?

[msjellybean]

I have a nose piercing and two wrist tattoos, that I do not cover when going to work. I'm one of the few nurses who actually showers in the morning, before coming in & am usually one of the most put together looking as well.

My make-up is tasteful and my hair is almost always off my shoulders.

[kguill975, MSN, APRN, NP]

Keep in mind, everyone was outraged at the thought of nurses wearing any color other than white, now Royal Blue has pretty much become signature. I think individuality is a good thing, Lord knows I never would've become a nurse if we still had to wear those hats. I'm an OR nurse, so I ended up wearing a hat at work anyway.

[anotherone, BSN, RN]

not shocked at all. and if another person's nose ring is accepted due to "culture" someone elses sure as hell better be too! same with head coverings. the nose rings look just the same on Indians or white hipsters from brooklyn. every body piercing is cultural as is "acceptable" hair color , jewlery and make up. i never got the "natural haircolors only" . most people that due thie hair blonde or red look anythiny but natural!