Gel Nails

[er.mere]

I know that this may seem like a trite topic, but our local hospital has just created policy that gel nails are unsanitary and has banned their use. It seems to me that gel nails aren't much different than regular nail polish, other than it lasts much longer/looks better. What's the general consensus on whether or not gel nails are unsanitary/inappropriate for the workplace?

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

Unfortunately, the persistence by those who feel passionately about continuing to wear some type of covering on their nails seems to create the continued need for research.

I'd like to see a recent evidence based study that it is a risk to my patients if I bring my dogs to work. I hate having to leave them at home for 12+ plus hours. Plus, let's face it, they are really cute and can bring a smile to patients' faces. Until someone shows me research that details the risk of bringing your dogs to the hospital, I am bringing my dogs.

[PhillyRNtoBe]

I think after several days of having a manicure the risk goes up and that is when they can tell the difference once the lifting starts. If they are actually checking. Other women who have had gel nails professionally done before can usually tell when another women's manicure starts to look funky.

Side Note: Although, I don't think they should have to waste time doing inspections, if the expectations were laid out then people shouldn't risk breaking hospital protocol. I think the burden of proving it's not a risk is on the people challenging the rules. Go find a study that says there is NO infection control risks and present it to your employer. My employer would fire you if you broke Protocols, claimed they are wrong and then demanded they had to provide the burden of proof to explain it to you. If people feel that strongly about nail polish, they should do their own research. Let us know what you find, but I tell you what, my Microbiology class told me everything I needed to know when all the girls at my bench stuck their finger tips in that Agar. The MOST colonies of bacteria in the room came from 5 girls with 3 different types of manicures. There was more growth than the dollar bill I stuck on the pertri dish. Beyond disgusting.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Even if the risk of infection transmission is low with gels, it's still higher than no covering at all. Maybe someone can explain how they reconcile the desire for gels in spite of the potential risks? I just don't understand the fierce commitment to this.

For me, it's not about having a policy. It's having a policy that's arbitrary and not based on evidence. I am totally okay with a "no polish, period" policy. It's when they say "regular polish, okay. Gel polish, bad" that I'm all "whaah?" And until there is research comparing the two (of which there is not, as far as I know) I will continue to go "whaah?"

[ixchel]

I'd like to see a recent evidence based study that it is a risk to my patients if I bring my dogs to work. I hate having to leave them at home for 12+ plus hours. Plus, let's face it, they are really cute and can bring a smile to patients' faces. Until someone shows me research that details the risk of bringing your dogs to the hospital, I am bringing my dogs.

You know actual research on the effects of dogs in hospitals has been done, right? 😂 Turns out they're great!

Wish I could bring my kids. I'm going broke paying a sitter.

Edit to add: Creating a Therapeutic and Healing Environment with a Pet Therapy program

[ixchel]

For me, it's not about having a policy. It's having a policy that's arbitrary and not based on evidence. I am totally okay with a "no polish, period" policy. It's when they say "regular polish, okay. Gel polish, bad" that I'm all "whaah?" And until there is research comparing the two (of which there is not, as far as I know) I will continue to go "whaah?"

That makes sense. Ultimately, both should be prohibited.

[blondenurse12, MSN, NP]

I like to wear nail polish though I don't care for the gel polish. It's really rough on your nails to have it removed (imo). I don't really understand the big deal, though. Maybe this is a bit off topic but what about wedding rings? There is absolutely mountains of research that supports wedding rings and watches as being carriers of bacteria in the hospital setting. Yet I've never seen any hospital dress code forbid the wearing of rings or watches. Instead they focus on nail polish? Seems a little weird to me, but okay, whatever floats your boat.

[Bezoars]

This is kinda gross to think about…but, who is to say that the people you encounter at the grocery store or church do not have C diff, etc. on their hands? It great that you glove and it sounds like you are diligent with your hand hygiene. However, don't be fooled into thinking that you won't come into contact with potent germs if you are not in the hospital.

Absolutely. I get it... but I can't go around wearing gloves ALL the time in my daily life and/or not being friendly to people (well, I guess I could, but I won't). I wear nail polish, but not when I'm working.... unless it's clear or flesh colored which we are allowed to have at my hospital.

[ixchel]

Absolutely. I get it... but I can't go around wearing gloves ALL the time in my daily life and/or not being friendly to people (well, I guess I could, but I won't). I wear nail polish, but not when I'm working.... unless it's clear or flesh colored which we are allowed to have at my hospital.

How about instead of clear polish, you get one of those nail buffer blocks? When you do a good job, they'll look like they are polished, but they'll be bare.

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

Absolutely. I get it... but I can't go around wearing gloves ALL the time in my daily life and/or not being friendly to people (well, I guess I could, but I won't).

I agree with you…I was simply saying that you will encounter "germs" everywhere, not just in the hospital.

[RNewbie]

Well right now I'm wearing a gel sandwich. Its a UV gel base and top coat with regular polish sandwhiched in between. I wonder what this is considered. Gel or regular polish? Sometimes I wear Non UV gel top coat over my regular polish. Would that be gel or regular? Sometimes I wear stick on nail polish with UV gel top coat. I just don't think that people who don't know much about nail treatments and polish would be able to enforce something like this. I agree with those who say it should be an all or nothing kind of rule.

[Angeljho, MSN, NP]

I don't know the differences between types of nail polishes (I didn't even know there were different types, only different colors). Anyways, can't you just remove the nail polish before going into work? And then when you're outside of work, you can do whatever you want with your nails. While researching and seeking EBP is fine... its just... why get all "cute" just to come into work?

[caliotter3]

newboy the type of nail polish being discussed is not the regular old kind that was easily removed with regular nail polish. This is a high falutin' substance that has a process to it that is not easily dealt with. That is one reason why it costs more.