Can you have piercings in the nursing program?

WookieeRN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 30, 2015

Honestly, depending on the program, they might require you to completely remove it. You'll have to reach out to your program for specifics.

allnurses Guide · Jan 30, 2015

Definitely for clinicals, and a lot of our lab time counts as "clinical hours", so you'ld have to remove it here.

FlyingScot, RN · Jan 30, 2015

I'm betting just flipping it up isn't going to cut it for clinicals what's more I seriously doubt you'll be able to keep that particular piercing while working. I've never worked anywhere that would allow that. That's not to say that there isn't some hospital somewhere that would. It will be difficult to find one I'm sure.

catlovingRN, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2015

Personally I feel like if you can't see it when it's flipped up no one should even know you have it so I can't really see any issue. I have 4 piercings in each ear and they're a pain to take out with jewelry like that so I understand where you're coming from. :)

anh06005, MSN, APRN, NP · Jan 30, 2015

Is it that jewelry that makes taking it out an issue or is it difficult in general? You MIGHT can get by with flipping it up. Might. But he nursing programs are sticklers because you are not only representing the profession but also the school. As much as some hate to hear it it is difficult to be viewed as a professional with tattoos and piercings. Before you think I'm a negative Nancy over here I have 9 tattoos and have had several piercings. I finally got tired of messing with my lip piercing so I just left it out. I got up to around a 4 gauge on my ears but have left them out now. My tattoos are hidden with normal clothes and scrubs.

If the jewelry is the issue you could also leave one of the balls off so you can slip it in and out easily (sure wouldn't look great but hey) or try one of those with the tapered ends.

I do sometimes miss my lip piercing. It was cute. But nearing 30 and (at the time) completing my MSN I just decided it was time to officially be professional and express myself in other ways (deep purplish hair, funky glasses, etc)

vanilla bean · Jan 30, 2015

It does vary by program. Mine allowed earrings only in 1 piercing per ear (and only studs in those). No other visible piercings allowed to have 'hardware' in them.

iPink, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2015

As previously stated, we can tell you what is and isn't allowed in our programs but the best thing you can do is inquire with your OWN program. Trust me they'll have a policy regarding all piercings and tattoos.

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NicuGal, MSN, RN · Jan 30, 2015

Even if the school says okay, you have to abide by the hospital

policy where you are doing clinicals.

queserasera, RN · Jan 30, 2015

Protip: Get a septum retainer. They are small and look like the shape of a long staple. That way you can keep it open and still have it flipped up without so much jewelry in your nose.

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2015

You are entering a field where professionalism and appearance MATTER. This is not working at Hardees. You may be end up becoming the best nurse on the planet, but perception by docs and patients and patients families is important. Not to mention job interviews. As a new grad it is hard enough to get a job..may as well stack the odds in your favor. Never give "freebies" to management to get on you for. Life is hard enough.

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jan 30, 2015

I dated a girl for awhile that had one. She would flip it up when she had to be "Professional" and you would never even know it was there.

That being said, only your program will be able to tell you what they do or do not allow.