Artificial nails?

bethin · Feb 23, 2006

Technically, in my hospital they are not allowed. It's in the handbook. But people still wear them and nothing is said to them. I think it's a huge infection control issue. I have what look like artificial nails, they grow long and thich and have that rounded look. But they are real. When I took my CNA classes we were told to turn our hands around so that our palms our facing us and if we can see our nails then they are too long. Since then when I cut my nails I follow that rule. If you have long nails, even if you wash your hands often you're not taking a scrub brush to get underneath your nails. I did get artificial nails (before nursing) for prom. I spent more time worrying about one falling off than I did anything else. At the time I was working in a restaurant and something was said to me about it. If you can't have artificial nails in a restaurant then you shouldn't have them in nursing. Our policy also states that nail polish needs to be either clear or a light color. That too isn't enforced. If it is a JACHO rule then you would think it would be enforced.

I personally like my nails short. I feel that it makes me look more professional than having bright red artificial nails. Plus, what if one would break off when caring for a patient? It seems also that it would puncture your gloves more easily. Also, you could easily scratch a patient.