Dressing up on Halloween... unprofessional?

Nurses Professionalism

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What are your thoughts? I wonder about this every year..

Specializes in Psych, Pediatrics, GI, Diabetes.

I work at a pediatric hospital...it's pretty much required to dress up, hehe... ;)

We had a fairy theme this year on our floor...so we were all wearing wings and lots of glitter butterfly tattoos, hehe...the kids thought it was hilarious... :)

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
. . . Now that I work in a cardiology office I still decorate our office...

I brought in a life size automatronic zombie and everyone took their picture with him......

You just happened to have the perfect life-size automatronic zombie laying around in your closet and said "omg!! This!!" :lol2: Sorry it just struck me as funny! I love zombies!

The talk about Halloween and other countries reminds me of our string of Halloween skeleton lights that came in a box "made in China" The skeleton lights in the picture were strung on a Christmas tree! :confused: lol! I'm sure it was a perfectly logical deduction to make --- but were they wondering why those crazy Americans put plastic skeletons on a pine tree? No matter! Next!

I think earrings or a pin are enough. What I really can't stand is the greasy unnatural colored Halloween make-up so often worn with the costumes. The look of it nauseates me -- not that I want it to - it just does.

As to the origin - didn't the Catholic Church co-opt all the pagan holidays and replace them with their own? I have a friend who celebrates "Samhain" the ancient Celtic holiday.

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Firstly, a very happy Halloween to all American members.

I think the USA is the only country that recognizes All Hallows Eve as a holiday, so the question of "costume or not?" is uniquely yours. As several posts have mentioned, there are certain areas where dressing up is definitely not appropriate, so a simple Happy Halloween sign at the door or nurses station is quite sufficient.

There are certain units where it might be a good idea to dress up. We have a "Casual Day" once a year for charity fundraising, and we've had a lot of fun with that-one year it was school uniforms, another year it was rugby teams-and both patients and doctors thought it was great fun.

Have a great day, and post pictures of your outfits if you decide to wear them!

Thank you, and just a clarification: while it is a day that folks celebrate (mostly kids trick-or-treating, or Halloween parties) it's not a a proper bank holiday like Christmas, or Easter.

I just didn't want to leave the impression that we all had the day off to stock up on our sweets :D

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Some people just happen to think a lot of the "holiday cheer" is just plain stupid. And, while you're busy ignoring people who typically are pretty quiet about their distaste for the rampant consumerism and stress surrounding a holiday, you're also shoving it in their face.

Aww, but who am I kidding? It's the holidays and your opinion and comfort are what matter most! Screw everyone else!

Also, it's pretty insensitive and ignorant to tell those who suffer from depression (and SAD is legit) to "get over it." You have a lot to learn.

ETA: To stay somewhat on topic, I think it's unprofessional as well. Pumpkin earrings, a festive tee-shirt, or something understated can still show that you acknowledge and celebrate a holiday, without going overboard. My opinion is also based on hospital nursing. In an office or LTC setting, things may be different.

I have SAD, so I do understand it. I am not the only person that enjoys the holidays. Lots of people do. I stated earlier in this thread that a great majority of our patients and their families enjoy our decorating and holiday spirit. I would never force anyone to participate in the holidays, but they should not hold others back from doing so. How is wearing a costume or being excited about Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, etc. forcing anything on anyone? If you think the holiday cheer, etc. is stupid then you can choose not to participate. Some people are just unpleasant year-round and if they wish to be that way then so be it. Please don't involve those of us that enjoy life and living. Holidays are joyful for many people and they only come around once a year. If people are enjoying themselves and are happy why does it bother you so much? It seems that perhaps you have a lot to learn.

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I have SAD, so I do understand it. I am not the only person that enjoys the holidays. Lots of people do. I stated earlier in this thread that a great majority of our patients and their families enjoy our decorating and holiday spirit. I would never force anyone to participate in the holidays, but they should not hold others back from doing so. How is wearing a costume or being excited about Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, etc. forcing anything on anyone? If you think the holiday cheer, etc. is stupid then you can choose not to participate. Some people are just unpleasant year-round and if they wish to be that way then so be it. Please don't involve those of us that enjoy life and living. Holidays are joyful for many people and they only come around once a year. If people are enjoying themselves and are happy why does it bother you so much? It seems that perhaps you have a lot to learn.

Yeah, where did I say others should be held back from celebrating? I was presenting a different view point and chastising a poster who thought everyone who didn't like the holidays or who had bad associations with holidays should just "get over it." Sorry, that's just not something you tell someone who may have, let's say, had a miscarriage recently during a holiday, or had their child pass away, or has depression. I'm glad you've overcome your SAD. Just because you have though, doesn't mean that everyone who suffers from SAD has.

And your assertion that those who don't enjoy certain holidays are unpleasant year round is just absurd. Some people do not enjoy what others enjoy. Why would you take issue with those who have a different viewpoint from you from expressing their viewpoint? Is it verboten to say "I think Christmas is silly?" People have different view points and are allowed to express them even if you don't happen to like it. If the fact that other's do not like a holiday ruins a holiday for you and prevents you from celebrating it, then that's something you may want to look into.

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Specializes in pulm/cardiology pcu, surgical onc.

I think the holidays are becoming soooo commercialized it's pathetic. While I do not mind if other's participate in dressing up and spending way too much money on frivolous things I usually treat it like any other day.

And no I'm not the Grinch, just my opinion.

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Yeah, where did I say others should be held back from celebrating? I was presenting a different view point and chastising a poster who thought everyone who didn't like the holidays or who had bad associations with holidays should just "get over it." Sorry, that's just not something you tell someone who may have, let's say, had a miscarriage recently during a holiday, or had their child pass away, or has depression. I'm glad you've overcome your SAD. Just because you have though, doesn't mean that everyone who suffers from SAD has.

And your assertion that those who don't enjoy certain holidays are unpleasant year round is just absurd. Some people do not enjoy what others enjoy. Why would you take issue with those who have a different viewpoint from you from expressing their viewpoint? Is it verboten to say "I think Christmas is silly?" People have different view points and are allowed to express them even if you don't happen to like it. If the fact that other's do not like a holiday ruins a holiday for you and prevents you from celebrating it, then that's something you may want to look into.

I never said that anyone should be forced into celebrating (or enjoying) any holidays, at any time. You are the one that said I am shoving the holidays in people's faces, when in reality I do no such thing. I just think that people that don't enjoy the holidays should let people enjoy them that do enjoy them, though - I don't press others into dressing up on Halloween, or going to Christmas parties, or anything like that. I do enjoy decorating our unit for the holidays, and many of our patients and visitors like it too. FTR most of the sad things that have happened to me in my life have unfortunately happened around the holidays. Two years ago my beloved FIL died of severe alcoholism 12 days before Christmas - just the last in a pattern of many family members that have died between November-December. We also have a lot of December birthdays in my family so we especially miss those folks (that have passed) during this time of year. I am an adult, I can control my emotions, and I choose to be happy, though, regardless of what has happened. This is the only life I get, and the holidays can be a special time if I let them be. I just enjoy keeping with the holiday spirit. If someone chooses not to get involved I have no issue with that at all, as long as they don't get in the way of those of us that are enjoying ourselves.

I also never said that 'others who don't enjoy certain holidays' are unpleasant year-round - I said that 'some people' are unpleasant year-round, and that is the truth. If you never noticed that some people are unpleasant year-round then you must not be a nurse. :lol2:

One thing I do agree with you about is the rampant commercialism present at this time of year. Some of my family's happiest holiday seasons have been the ones where we have been the most broke. I feel that those that think the holidays are about money and buying are seriously missing the point.

As far as the last part of your post goes - I think I have made it quite clear that nothing and no one can ruin my holiday season. I have far too many good holiday memories - with plans of making many more - to ever let that happen.

Have a nice day.

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I never said that anyone should be forced into celebrating (or enjoying) any holidays, at any time. You are the one that said I am shoving the holidays in people's faces, when in reality I do no such thing. I just think that people that don't enjoy the holidays should let people enjoy them that do enjoy them, though - I don't press others into dressing up on Halloween, or going to Christmas parties, or anything like that. I do enjoy decorating our unit for the holidays, and many of our patients and visitors like it too. FTR most of the sad things that have happened to me in my life have unfortunately happened around the holidays. Two years ago my beloved FIL died of severe alcoholism 12 days before Christmas - just the last in a pattern of many family members that have died between November-December. We also have a lot of December birthdays in my family so we especially miss those folks (that have passed) during this time of year. I am an adult, I can control my emotions, and I choose to be happy, though, regardless of what has happened. This is the only life I get, and the holidays can be a special time if I let them be. I just enjoy keeping with the holiday spirit. If someone chooses not to get involved I have no issue with that at all, as long as they don't get in the way of those of us that are enjoying ourselves.

I never suggested you said that anyone should be forced to celebrate the holidays, btw. But, it is pretty common for anyone who isn't acting like they're lobotomized around Christmas to be labeled a "scrooge." Anyway. You say that people who don't care for the holidays shouldn't "get in the way" which I largely agree with, but there should also be some give and take. If you're allowed to shout Merry Christmas! to everyone you see, put up a tree, hang signs, organize a secret santa (which people often don't feel they can opt out of), hum carols, etc (I'm not saying you specifically do all these things.) then people should be allowed to express their distaste. And, if you don't think all that is overbearing, your kidding yourself. Why shouldn't someone be allowed to suggest that all that may be too much? Why shouldn't someone be allowed to come to work and not have all this stuff in their face constantly?

I'm not against decorating a unit, but I think it should be recognized that not all people celebrate Christmas, and that there are other holidays worth acknowledging, too. I think the decorations should be visible, but not cover every inch of wall space and the nurses station. It's one thing to show that you enjoy celebrating a holiday; it's another to turn the hospital into a Chistmas-pital.

Besides, I often notice that, while there are many holidays, this season, only one is really ever celebrated. I've never seen Chanukah decorations on any floor in any hospital I've been in. Ever.

I also never said that 'others who don't enjoy certain holidays' are unpleasant year-round - I said that 'some people' are unpleasant year-round, and that is the truth. If you never noticed that some people are unpleasant year-round then you must not be a nurse. :lol2:

Okay. So you made on off the cuff generalization that had nothing to do with the discussion at hand? What was the point of it, then?

One thing I do agree with you about is the rampant commercialism present at this time of year. Some of my family's happiest holiday seasons have been the ones where we have been the most broke. I feel that those that think the holidays are about money and buying are seriously missing the point.

As far as the last part of your post goes - I think I have made it quite clear that nothing and no one can ruin my holiday season. I have far too many good holiday memories - with plans of making many more - to ever let that happen.

Have a nice day.

The problem with this time of year is that Christmas commercials and items in stores start showing themselves around late September. Christmas is no longer a holiDAY. It's a holiseason. It's too much. It's obnoxious. If Christmas didn't start until the day after Thanksgiving like it used to, I doubt as many people would have such an issue with it. As it stands, it's Chistmas! in your face, wherever you go for the better part of 3 months. God help you if you work retail.

Besides, it's supposedly a religious holiday, which really should be more of a personal, private celebration at home or with your congregation, imo. And frankly, I don't see how celebrating a religious holiday in hospital that isn't religiously affiliated is appropriate. We don't celebrate or acknowledge Jewish holidays, or Muslim holidays. Just something to think about.

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I never suggested you said that anyone should be forced to celebrate the holidays, btw. But, it is pretty common for anyone who isn't acting like they're lobotomized around Christmas to be labeled a "scrooge." Anyway. You say that people who don't care for the holidays shouldn't "get in the way" which I largely agree with, but there should also be some give and take. If you're allowed to shout Merry Christmas! to everyone you see, put up a tree, hang signs, organize a secret santa (which people often don't feel they can opt out of), hum carols, etc (I'm not saying you specifically do all these things.) then people should be allowed to express their distaste. And, if you don't think all that is overbearing, your kidding yourself. Why shouldn't someone be allowed to suggest that all that may be too much? Why shouldn't someone be allowed to come to work and not have all this stuff in their face constantly?

I'm not against decorating a unit, but I think it should be recognized that not all people celebrate Christmas, and that there are other holidays worth acknowledging, too. I think the decorations should be visible, but not cover every inch of wall space and the nurses station. It's one thing to show that you enjoy celebrating a holiday; it's another to turn the hospital into a Chistmas-pital.

Besides, I often notice that, while there are many holidays, this season, only one is really ever celebrated. I've never seen Chanukah decorations on any floor in any hospital I've been in. Ever.

Okay. So you made on off the cuff generalization that had nothing to do with the discussion at hand? What was the point of it, then?

The problem with this time of year is that Christmas commercials and items in stores start showing themselves around late September. Christmas is no longer a holiDAY. It's a holiseason. It's too much. It's obnoxious. If Christmas didn't start until the day after Thanksgiving like it used to, I doubt as many people would have such an issue with it. As it stands, it's Chistmas! in your face, wherever you go for the better part of 3 months. God help you if you work retail.

Besides, it's supposedly a religious holiday, which really should be more of a personal, private celebration at home or with your congregation, imo. And frankly, I don't see how celebrating a religious holiday in hospital that isn't religiously affiliated is appropriate. We don't celebrate or acknowledge Jewish holidays, or Muslim holidays. Just something to think about.

Okay, we actually agree on much more than I realized. I never tell anyone Merry Christmas - I always say Happy Holidays. I agree that it is rude to assume that everyone celebrates the Christian holidays. I don't think that anyone should ever make anyone feel that they must participate in Secret Santa, etc. - that is also just plain rude. Yes, I have worked retail during the holidays, and yes it can get overwhelming. I agree with you there. I am one that likes to do Christmas-y things after Thanksgiving only, and never before. FTR we decorate our unit for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. It is a very lovely, diverse display and we are very proud of it. :)

As far as the unpleasant comment, I only made that to point out that some people are unpleasant all year long (I was not referring to you or any other poster) and that we don't make an effort to try to conceal our happiness all year long. That is the reasoning behind that.

Anyway, I agree with a lot of what you said. I sincerely hope that you and yours have a nice holiday season, no matter how you prefer to celebrate it (or not celebrate it at all). :cheers:

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Okay, we actually agree on much more than I realized. I never tell anyone Merry Christmas - I always say Happy Holidays. I agree that it is rude to assume that everyone celebrates the Christian holidays. I don't think that anyone should ever make anyone feel that they must participate in Secret Santa, etc. - that is also just plain rude. Yes, I have worked retail during the holidays, and yes it can get overwhelming. I agree with you there. I am one that likes to do Christmas-y things after Thanksgiving only, and never before. FTR we decorate our unit for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. It is a very lovely, diverse display and we are very proud of it. :)

As far as the unpleasant comment, I only made that to point out that some people are unpleasant all year long (I was not referring to you or any other poster) and that we don't make an effort to try to conceal our happiness all year long. That is the reasoning behind that.

Anyway, I agree with a lot of what you said. I sincerely hope that you and yours have a nice holiday season, no matter how you prefer to celebrate it (or not celebrate it at all). :cheers:

Kudos to y'all for including other holidays! Seriously, I've never seen it. I do hear a lot of "I don't git why there's all this Happy Holidays crap. It's Christmas, and if they don't like it they can leave! Jesus is the reason of the season, y'all!" Ugh.

This is why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday this time of year. You hang out with your family and friends, eat way too much good food and just enjoy each other (or fight if that's your thing.) There's no pressure (unless you're doing the hosting), no gifts, no ********.

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
Thank you, and just a clarification: while it is a day that folks celebrate (mostly kids trick-or-treating, or Halloween parties) it's not a a proper bank holiday like Christmas, or Easter.

I just didn't want to leave the impression that we all had the day off to stock up on our sweets :D

This is true! No one that I know of ever got work/school off for Halloween. The main action occurs between 5 and 8pm anyway. After that it's obnoxious pumpkin-abusing, egg-throwing, TPing jerks!

In our family we send the kids up to stranger's doors to stock up on the sweets, come home and dump out the haul onto the living room carpet. That's when Mom picks through taking out the good stuff and leaving the Milk Duds and **** hard candy, because as everyone knows -- Hershey's Fun Size chocolate bars are bad for the children.

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