Gel polish

Published

Not sure if this is the right place for this question...but is gel polish ( not gel tips) sanitary ?

BeachsideRN, ASN

1,722 Posts

Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology. Has 9 years experience.

We were told it was not by our faculty

JustBeachyNurse, LPN

1 Article; 13,952 Posts

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager. Has 13 years experience.

It's not perfect and can have microscopic chips and as such not sanitary. While more durable than typical polish it's still kit permitted in many units/facilities.

AJJKRN

1,224 Posts

Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Float Pool/Stepdown. Has 6+ years experience.

The ladies, and a few gents, at my facility wear something called shellac polish. I don't know much about either because I really haven't painted my nails in a decade.

Specializes in ER.

You'll have to look at your policy to see if it is allowed. To be honest, some facilities are more lax than they used to be.

heron, ASN, RN

3,777 Posts

Specializes in Hospice. Has 51 years experience.
You'll have to look at your policy to see if it is allowed. To be honest, some facilities are more lax than they used to be.

Thal'll last until they get their first superbug outbreak, then watch out!

klone, MSN, RN

14,572 Posts

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership. Has 17 years experience.

Well, it's no less sanitary than regular nail polish.

klone, MSN, RN

14,572 Posts

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership. Has 17 years experience.
The ladies, and a few gents, at my facility wear something called shellac polish. I don't know much about either because I really haven't painted my nails in a decade.

That's what gel polish is. Shellac is just a brand of that.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN

1 Article; 13,952 Posts

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager. Has 13 years experience.
Well, it's no less sanitary than regular nail polish.

Most facilities, or at least high risk clinical areas such as NICU, PICU & oncology don't allow any kind of polish because microorganisms like to grow in the small chips/cracks.

BmoreOrioles

8 Posts

Specializes in SNF,LTC,LTAC.

That's what I figured that it was unsanitary. I was hopeful because it lasts longer but not going to risk it. I start a job this week in LTAC and I guess I'll start it with naked nails. :) thanks every one for replies.

SallyTheCamel

14 Posts

One good thing about home health! I am allowed to wear polish. I get a manicure every 1.5-2 weeks and keep my nails very short (not past fingertips). I do work with a couple of ladies that have tips and very elaborate designs (crystals, charms, designs).

Specializes in Utilization Review. Has 4 years experience.

I work on a med surg unit who is pretty laid back about nail polish but most days I still take mine off. Special occasions I might get them done but I would say get a feel for your unit first and know that you should always of course wear gloves when it comes to patient contact :). I see some nurses who get the little gems on their nails and that to me is a HUGE no-no... but the polish as long as it's not super chipped I think would be OK if you're gloving.