Could what I wear outside of work be a fireable offence?

[browneyed_girlie]

I graduated from my nursing program in April (Canadian program) and am currently working at a LTC facility in ON. I was just hired at a hospital as well (they are both part time positions) and am looking forward to beginning my position as an RN there in August.

I had a question about the impact that beginning my career as an RN will have upon my personal life. My main question is regarding the way I dress outside of work hours. I have never had anyone accuse me of dressing unprofessionally at work (I worked for years as an admin assistant and always dressed business casual). But I reserve the right to wear whatever I would like outside of work. For example, I like to wear crop tops when it's warm out, or go to the grocery store in sweatshorts and my sports bra, mostly because my home doesn't have AC and I'm always overheated in the summer months. Recently a friend suggested that I could get in trouble at work if one of my patients or their families ever saw me dressed like this. They suggested that if my patients saw me like this, I could get fired. I didn't really believe her, because in Ontario it's even legal for women to walk in public spaces with no bra on at all (not that I am planning on doing that, public nudity isn't really my thing). I just wanted to know if anyone has any experience with this or knows of an RN who got in trouble for something like this. I want to be a professional and respected RN, but I also don't want to be afraid to go out in cutoff shorts and a halter top if that's what I feel like wearing outside of work hours. Thoughts?

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Your friend apparently needs to study anatomy because he/she doesn't know his/her rectum from his/her cranium.

[adventure_rn, MSN, NP]

Your friend apparently needs to study anatomy because he/she doesn't know his/her rectum from his/her cranium.

Idk, maybe I'm just paranoid but I could see it being a problem. Most companies (not just healthcare) seem to have a mentality of, 'You work for us, therefore you represent our public image,' even when you're not on the clock. Its the same reason why people get fired for posting pictures of themselves partying on Facebook (even though they're off the clock, and obviously not partying at work). I think that healthcare workers may be held even more strictly to the 'public image' standard because a) nursing/healthcare is a relatively conservative profession, and b) healthcare organizations are subject to a lot of lawsuits (even though a lawsuit would never be related to your attire outside of work...). Think about how most hospitals have policies against 'non-natural' hair colors and visible tattoos; these have no actual impact on care, but do impact the hospital's 'public image.'

Your situation will depend on your employer; maybe they'll care, maybe they wont. If you're in a small town where you run into patients/coworkers frequently while running errands it's probably more of an issue than living in a big city where you'll rarely run into patients/coworkers. Your hospital or union may have protections in place to prevent unfair termination, or they may be allowed to fire you at the drop of the hat without giving a reason. Regardless, I'd be extra-cautious during your probationary period (usually 3-6 months after hire), since nearly all hospitals have a clause that you can be terminated for any reason (or without even giving a reason) during that time.

Best of luck!

[Lipoma, BSN, RN]

I am always curious as to why I see so many posts in regards to new nurses or nurses overall being so worried about what their employers may think when they are clocked out and off the clock and living their personal life.

Is the culture of being a nurse or a provider that serious to the point we put our personal life on the back burner because "we", we as a profession are afraid of the what ifs? As a future nurse am I suppose to not go to clubs, bars, or a day in town and live on the wild side?

We all can agree that we represent our employers out in public but are we suppose to go into hiding when we clock out? From my personal friends to reading this board, most nurses are so timid about losing their license or getting fired. I for one would not want to work for an employer who thinks I'm all about work and no play.

I follow a few providers (RNs, PAs, NPs, MDs, RRTs, etc) on Facebook and snapchat and they all have uploaded pictures and videos of them partying and having fun out in town and yet they are still employed.

BTW, no you won't get in trouble for wearing a sports bra.

[vanilla bean]

We all can agree that we represent our employers out in public

This statement is not accurate, "we all" cannot agree on that. I only represent my employer out in public if I am at an event that is sponsored by my employer or if I am at an event where I have agreed to be there to represent them as their employee.

OP, generally speaking, your friend is wrong. I wouldn't worry about what you wear while off the clock and living your life. That said, I realize that there are some *very* small communities out there where 'everyone knows everyone' and in those types of environments, it is possible that little Joey's conservative mom (whom you took care of in the ER after he broke his arm at little league practice) could bump into you at the grocery store and be scandalized by your bare midriff and above the knee skin exposure and mention it to her bestie from high school (your now supervisor) and you could hear about it at work. Is that the environment you're dealing with? If not, then I wouldn't give it another thought.

[vanilla bean]

Think about how most hospitals have policies against 'non-natural' hair colors and visible tattoos; these have no actual impact on care, but do impact the hospital's 'public image.'

Yes, and their concern is how you appear *at work* as a representative of the hospital.

[the_murse_factor]

Brutal honesty here.....

If you work for an employer who cares what clothing items you wear outside of work when off the clock then you probably should look for a new job.