Facial Hair

[red2003xlt]

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?

[newFNP2015]

I rocked a well groomed beard back in the days of interviews and now it's anywhere from well groomed to reasonably unruly. I just try not to look like a ragamuffin. I've never had anyone complain.

[pacjeffery]

I carry a full beard. Clean cut, neatly trimmed. First I take a razor and hit the edges and neck. Then I take a beard/mustache trimmer and the closest guard attachment & shave. That's how I go around the job. I am 37 and a CNA in a hospital.

[TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP]

Keep it trimmed, make sure it can fit under your institution's N-95 masks without ruining the seal, and go for it - though if you've an interview coming up, perhaps shave it until after you're hired/admitted.

[kalevra, BSN, RN]

So long as you dont look like a dirty hippie, your ok.

[stillforward]

N95 mask is something to consider -- I actually had to go back to occupational health twice because I had a goatee the first time. Then later you can let it grow out more....course you'll be the first to get TB when that hacking patient comes in... ;^)

But really -- it's easier for people's first impression to be without facial hair, and they see your whole face. Then as you grow it back, they still know what's under there. But if you reverse that situation and go hairy to naked? People are like, "Whoa! who's this guy? Security!!"

[exit96]

With all the idiotic tattoes out there today, my beard is a non issue. Hair grows naturally on my face, ink doesn't come natural...ever.

[IThinkICan100]

Haha, Registered Murse! I am 19, but with my facial hair I look like I am in my mid 20s. That, plus I act more mature than most males my age.

Almost any facial hair style, as long as it's kept clean/trimmed-up and not a mustache, should be okay. (Seriously, no mustaches!) I have a goatee and I haven't had any complataints from my nursing school or my hospital. Infact, two of our male house supervisors have goatees!

[IThinkICan100]

You might also check with your nursing school or place of employment, they almost always have dress codes that dictate facial hair.

[BeAwesome]

I shaved my goatee so I could look more professional. I guess that I could never pull it off because I am a female. lol

[pacjeffery]

I have a beard at work. Yes, off work too, lol. Seriously, I fit the N95 ok. Don't let that tip the scales. How often will you wear one?

[bigbearnurse, MSN, RN]

Does anyone know if bearded guys can safely care for TB patients if they have been test fitted for a respirator (eg. 3M 6300 model half facepiece)?? I have a beard and was told by employee health this would suffice, but have heard from others that a PAPR/full hood is required for us bearded folk when caring for airborne precautions. Anyone with a definitive answer out there? Thanks in advance!

[S.G.]

Does anyone know if bearded guys can safely care for TB patients if they have been test fitted for a respirator (eg. 3M 6300 model half facepiece)?? I have a beard and was told by employee health this would suffice but have heard from others that a PAPR/full hood is required for us bearded folk when caring for airborne precautions. Anyone with a definitive answer out there? Thanks in advance![/quote']

Every facility I've worked for had a policy that a full hood was required for bearded employees. A correct seal is unlikely with an N95 mask (which is what we've used). It was the same policy in my nursing school. I suppose if you pass the fit test... They didn't test bearded men, just told them to wear the full hood according to policy.