Beard as a male nurse?

Nurses Men

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Hello everyone. I will be starting school for my RN degree in January. Coming from the IT field, it hasn't ever really been an issue for me to wear a beard to work, short or long. In Nursing, I'm not sure if it will be allowed or not. I have heard some yes and no answers, but wanted to get some firsthand opinions from real nurses. I'm including a picture (not sure who it is, just found the picture of this guy on a Google search), but the picture demonstrates about how long I usually like to wear my beard. I have heard that you have to be able to pass the respirator test and you can't with a beard, but I've also heard that it's possible to wear the full face mask instead. I don't know for sure though. Any help?

Specializes in Hospice.
Better a beard on a "male" nurse than a "female" one................................just sayin'

Just wait until you hit menopause...

Ok, back on track. I would rather see a male with well cared for facial hair than some of the nasty polyester weaves and extensions I've seen dangling over shoulders, perilously close to open wounds and body fluids .

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I work in an ICU where all the men have some sort of beard and we wear the papr respirator with TB patients - NBD. Also if your institution can't provide a papr in a timely manner before you are assigned the PT you can legally refuse to care for that PT.

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Have papr will travel. No issue with the beard. In the ED most of us are exposed to TB before anyone can say N95 ;)

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Specializes in ED.

If I'm ever called out on my beard the facility will have several more issues to address i.e. Perfume, excessive jewelry, inappropriate clothing etc.

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Specializes in Ped ED, PICU, PEDS, M/S. SD.

May I simply add, nice beard

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Specializes in ER, Med/Surg.
Your beard is impressive.

Several of my colleagues wear beards.

BTW, you probably shouldn't identify yourself as you are.

May I simply add, nice beard

The picture is not the OP!!

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

I work with a Sikh nurse that has a turban. I doubt he would ever be called on the beard

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nice hedge man :). i have had no problems from anyone what so ever. i have a large beard, dreadlocks and just a glimpse of my tattoos when my uniform is on.

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I had one all throughout school and since I became an RN, never once had a problem

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