Are nurses allowed to have facial piercings?

[cascadingbeauty]

This might be a silly question, so I apologize in advance if I sound stupid. (I also apologize if it's in the wrong forum, I'm new here!) I turned eighteen two months ago and I'm currently a senior in high school, planning on becoming a RN some time in the future. I've been looking into it a lot lately and someone recommended that I volunteer at the hospital. I went on the website today for the hospital near me and as I was applying for volunteer work, I skimmed over the rules on the page and it says:

Jewelry (where allowed) is to be minimal and worn in moderation. Body piercing, other than ears, must be covered at all times. Tattoos must be covered at all times.

That brings me to wonder, are nurses not allowed to have nose piercings? Are they looked down upon for it? I got my nose pierced when I was sixteen because I've always struggled with self-esteem issues. I always looked in the mirror and thought to myself that I had a fairly large nose, so I got it pierced and it made me feel better about it. I don't have a nose ring, it's a small diamond stud and believe it or not, most people don't even notice it because again -- huge nose here. Going into nursing is something I really want to do but I don't want to take out my nose piercing, honestly. I know if I even make it through nursing school, I won't be a nurse until I'm in my twenties but still. Would they force me to take it out? Because if so, my main issue is that it'll close up and I don't want that. I know a few people who've had their noses pierced for years now and whenever they take their studs out, the hole starts making a go for it. How would one go about covering facial piercings anyways? I could manage with a clear stud kind of thing, if they'd allow that. I don't know. I struggle to see how a nose piercing could cause me to appear unprofessional. It's small, extremely clean and like I said, you can't see it unless you really stare at me. I don't have any tattoos and no other piercings besides my ears. My hair isn't dyed either.

I don't want to make a big deal out of this, it's just that I'm afraid I'll be forced to get rid of my piercing entirely and that it'd really bring down my self-esteem. Do any of you have facial piercings? Or know any nurses with them?

Also, sorry again if I seem silly or over the top. I have social anxiety (please don't lecture me on how SA + nursing don't mix) and I over-think a lot.

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

It's entirely dependent on the facility you work at and what their policy is.

I've worked for facilities that make you cover your tatts and take out facial peircings. I currently work at one where they couldn't care less.

[cascadingbeauty]

Ah, thank you, that made me feel better about this.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

There are some hospitals that have a dress code that includes rules about various peircings, tattoos, hair color and the like. These kinds of rules are not reflective of how good or bad of a nurse one is, rather the "image" they want portrayed in a particular facility.

I would be mindful that SOME (not ALL, SOME) nursing schools are also very strict (sometimes stricter than the hospitals) about clinicals and how one is to portray themselves. Literally, in LPN school clinicals, we all had to wear our hair out of our face, off our collar, it had to be a "color found in nature", we could wear 1 pair of small stud earrings only, a watch, and a wedding band. That was it. Anything else and we were asked to go home. Which doesn't bode well with passing a clinical rotation. Others presently in the program state the same restrictions.

I think it is awesome that people are who they are and reflect that in their personal style. Unfortunetely, you may fine that the nursing academic world and most all faciities do not feel the same.

[cascadingbeauty]

I had no idea nursing schools had dress codes, wow. Kind of scary to think some of them are stricter than hospitals. I want to argue that it's just school and you're not actually a nurse yet but I don't think I can, given they're preparing you to be a nurse. I also read somewhere that someone was asked to take out her piercings during clinicals and she explained why but I don't remember what the reason was. Anyways, thank you for letting me know. At least now, if it happens, I won't be surprised because I'll know what to possibly expect.

[babyjRN]

Just get the clear plastic studs. It probably won't grow shut anyway in a 6 hour clinical or even a 12 hour work day. You could also always carry a stud in your pocket and when you use the restroom or take a break just poke it through quickly.

Trust me, this will be the least of your concerns once you get accepted into a nursing program

[VANurse2010]

Piercings in general are frowned upon in almost all adult professional occupations (we're supposed to be professionals, but that's another thread entirely). That's just the way of the world.

[NicuGal, MSN, RN]

Even if the school is somewhat lax, you have to adhere to the dress code dictated by the hospital where you do clinicals. The students who come to use a clear stud in their nose. No biggy and not worth arguing over since there are many who are waiting to jump into your spot.

[Bouncyball]

I agree with a PP. Just buy a clear or flesh colored stud to wear to work or school and you will be fine. That's what I do and it has never caused any problems. I actually suggest getting multiple pairs so you will never be without if you forget it at home. I keep one in my car, one in my purse, and have 2 sets at home.

[loriangel14, RN]

I found that school was more strict than work actually is. The facility that I work in allows facial piercing and visible tattoos and odd hair coloring.

[gonzo1, ASN, RN]

Not to be mean, but it's very sad that your self esteem needs to be boosted by a nose ring. The thing with nursing is we come in contact with people from all walks of life and we need to have a persona that plays to the masses in a neutral way.

Perhaps some counseling may help. I bet you are a cutie and don't even realize it. I know more than a few people who would be considered shall we say ugly, but once you know them you love them because they are good people.

[kcochrane]

It does depend on the school, the facility and the area of the country. In this area, nose piercings are common in the young and the old. When I went to visit my mother in S. Carolina, I did not see many adults with them. Both my LPN and RN schools made you limit jewelry to wedding bands and one stud in the ear. All the facilites I have worked at did not mind facial piercings as long as they weren't huge. I currently work as a supervisor and have a nose piercing. I asked if it was ok when I was hired and they told me the small studs were ok in my nose. No one evens notices much of the time.

I have dealt with social anxiety and general anxiety on and off for the last few years. I work nights so that I can avoid crowds and chaos in general. You can be a nurse and still have anxiety issues. I wish you luck on your future career.