Facial Hair

marshpit23 · May 8, 2010

To shave or not to shave that is the question.
After years of clean shaven, I decided to regrow my goatee.
Is this frowned upon? I'm meeting withing the DON for my entrance interview and want to put forth the best foot so to speak.
Shave the grey goatee? Or go the wild man?

I think a well-groomed goatee will be 'smiled upon'! Clean shaven or not, good luck with entrance interview with the DOT!

groovy jeff, RN · May 8, 2010

shave for the interview! you can always grow the thing back. unless your trying to cover-up a whole lot of ugly, then go in clean shaven!

red2003xlt, LPN · May 9, 2010

I shaved, my goatee is coming in grey. I'd prefer not to look 60.

Anoetos, BSN, RN · May 9, 2010

lol, so funny. I had a goatee until recently and I shaved it off for that very reason: now days it grows out about 80% white.

As far as the OP goes, a neatly trimmed goatee has become a very acceptable facial hair standard in most places, but I think that unless you know for certain that it will not prejudice your chances you should go shaven.

keithjones · May 14, 2010

I'm kind of in the same position, I have been clean shaven for over a year doing prereqs. I have a job at the hospital as a CNA on nights and was considering growing it back, but I start Nursing School in the fall and I have heard much about prejudiced teachers and the more masculine a male you appear the more prejudice you get from those types. I don't think I can go 2 whole years without growing it back.

shiccy · May 18, 2010

I vote for shave. In my world, it commands respect.

Obviously you're not going with a ratty 4" long goat on your chin, but if you really wanna wear it make sure it's trimmed nicely.

Also shaving, for many, make you look younger. If you're older, then this may be beneficial b/c you may appear more lively.

NurseGalen · May 19, 2010

Shave the goatee for the interview. If you keep the goatee and don't get the job you'll always wonder if it was an unspoken factor. No goatee, no question...why risk it, you're dealing with unknown personal preferences on the part of the DON or other administration.

Once you're hired you can always grow it to your preferences, assuming you're planning on a well-groomed goatee.

I'm a male nurse, 52 yrs old, salt and pepper look, who started with a goatee, then grew a (closely trimmed) full beard. I've been working at the same (Catholic) hospital for over 5 years. I also had a pony tail that entire time, (recently cut,) including my initial interview.

C2Allen11 · Jun 7, 2010

I say there's nothing wrong with a trimmed, well kept beard. I personally don't leave home without it :)

djaychris · Jun 7, 2010

Keep the facial hair. I have been fortunate enough to work in many different settings in many different facilities, and my trusty goatee has never caused me any problems. It you have a giant beard down to your chest with yesterday's french fry crumbs in it, you may want to consider doing something about that. I think the nurses rolling around with sleeves of tattoos climbing up and down their necks and arms have more to worry about during an interview than those of us with simple/well trimmed facial hair do.

Registered Murse · Mar 18, 2013

I'd like to resurrect this thread, I'm almost 30 and I look young for my age, I could pass for 23, I think middle age men get treated with more respect than "kids" so I think I gona keep a beard, any ideas/opinions on which type of beard looks respectable?

MrChicagoRN, RN · Mar 19, 2013

I shaved, my goatee is coming in grey. I'd prefer not to look 60.

That's why they make dye for men's beard. Stays in up to 2 weeks.

Do you look good in a beard?

If so, go for it. De-gray it for the interview, then gradually let it go natural if you prefer