Advice On Appropriate Head Covering For A Transgender Nurse

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Hi everyone! I'm an LPN who works in a SNF. I'm also a male-at-birth who is about to come out as transgender and begin transitioning in the next several months. I have naturally very advanced male pattern baldness, I use both wigs and head scarves. If possible I'd like to use one or the other while working since they do help me look and feel a little more like me, but I wouldn't want to cause a scene or put my patients at enhanced risk. I personally don't know any other nurses who use either so I do not have a good feel for what might be acceptable both formally and informally. I'm also not sure if not being a woman legally at this time would affect my options. Any thoughts on what I can/should/am allowed to do? I could ask my management or HR about policy but I'm super wary of outing myself before I'm ready, so I feel it's best to prepare ahead of time on this. 

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Don’t have an answer for you except sending you love and support in your journey 

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

The women that wear head scarves in my area tend to be Muslim. On the other hand, there are scrub caps that are also worn (more by women). There are 2 general styles, one is the buffount (which is poofy) designed more for tucking long hair, and the other is a standard cap that is close-fitting. These days, both styles can often come with buttons to attach masks. There are many patterns. I am a female with a lot of thinning hair, and used to wear simple scarves/headbands, but am more comfortable wearing the scrub caps since they gained popularity with Covid.

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Honestly I've seen women wear both over the years, it's no big. (I suppose that is my opinion and couldn't say what policy was). I wouldn't think they'd cause a scene, per se, but I don't know the culture of your workplace. Only you know that. So many people nowadays are wearing scrub caps like the above poster mentioned. Good luck ?

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Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

Wish you all the best, I agree with others that scrub caps and head scarves are seen regularly in my hospital. Whatever makes you feel more comfortable will probably be appropriate. I'm not sure the HR aspects, but they cannot discriminate against you for any issues related to your transition. I hope you find a supportive environment as you navigate your journey. Good luck!

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Never heard of anyone having an issue with either except make sure the scarf isn't long enough to use as a ligature. 

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Specializes in Ambulatory Care, Community Health, HIV.

I am in a similar position to you, OP. I wear scrub caps almost daily, and the other days I wear scarves. I do know a few of the other nurses wear wigs. I wouldn't bring it up or make it a big deal with HR unless management says something. Just wear whatever you feel most comfortable in. Please know you are supported. If you ever need to talk (I am nonbinary), feel free to reach out.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

I worked with a woman who was an Orthodox Jew and she wore very real-looking wigs at work, rather than a head covering. 
 

I think either would be fine. Best of luck to you in your journey!

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Specializes in Community health.

I often wear a scarf on my head. (I don’t work in the hospital so I don’t know about dress codes for infection control.)  I’m white, not Muslim, not wearing it for cultural or religious reasons. It doesn’t cover all my hair, I just sort of wear it like a headband with a long tail. It looks so cute. Occasionally someone will ask me if it’s cultural but mostly everyone just takes it as a fashion statement. You can try it! 

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Congratulations! I would go with a pretty scrub cap

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Specializes in Emergency.

There are so many awesome scrub caps out there and so very washable!

Nothing wrong with a wig, just make sure it's easily washable as well, I've worked LTC and know how things just get dirty over the course of the day. 

Congrats on being your own true self!

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Specializes in Physiology, CM, consulting, nsg edu, LNC, COB.

I have a friend who has a collection of wigs and they’re all fabulous, very natural looking and becoming. Good luck!

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