Can a Muslim wear a headscarf and long dress while working as a nurse?

[Nurse Beth]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I wanted to apply for a nursing degree to study at university. I just have one concern, and although it sounds small it is quite a big issue for me, unfortunately. Basically I am a Muslim and a practising one. I wear a headscarf and also a long dress which covers my whole body. Can I not wear such a thing being a nurse? if not, what are the alternatives may I ask? Is there a uniform dress that I could wear instead? Thank you so much for your time and effort!

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Dear Concerned about Headscarf,

In this day and age, it should hardly be a real consideration. Talk to the program manager at your school.

There shouldn't be a problem as long as your clothing does not restrict your mobility or pose a risk of infection, or prevent you from doing your job. The school will most likely have a color code which you'll need to follow.

I work with several Muslim women at my facility.They wear the hijab (head and neck covering), and some are quite beautiful. A Peds RN I know wears a long sleeved shirt under her tunic, with matching scrub pants underneath.

The Muslim nurses I know do not wear dresses or skirts, but I think that's their choice. Skirts are allowed, because I know some Pentecostal RNs who rock their Danskos wearing long skirts over leggings :)

I was at NTI convention recently and a very nice nurse recruiter from the Cleveland Clinic in Abu Dhabi gave me a personal handwritten note which I am looking at now.

It says maashalaa :) I'll add good luck!

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

[FloridaLpn2015, ASN, LPN, RN]

This is simply NOT true. I work in psych and I wear a head scarf. As long as it is tucked in and secured you are fine. It does pose a risk, however, an employer cannot say you cannot wear it. At my interview and job, it has never been an issue and I work with mandated individuals. I do however wonder if a correctional nurse is allowed to wear it due to the fact that it is a major secure place but most of all it tells the inmate something about us. A headscarf is just like a belt, or similar, on my thinking...you don't take your belt off, even though it can be used as a weapon...therefore why make me take off my scarf?

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

A headscarf is just like a belt, or similar, on my thinking...you don't take your belt off, even though it can be used as a weapon...therefore why make me take off my scarf?

Ease of access: it's far easier to grab a headscarf off of someone's head than it is to grab a belt out of someone's pants. I've seen it happen. Plus there's a greater risk of injury to the person wearing the headscarf than the belt.

I still stand by my statements though, and feel that the safety risk of wearing traditional scarves/coverings is significant and alternative head coverings should merit serious consideration. If you're able to make wearing a traditional scarf work for you in your work place, good on you! But do be careful.