Disturb you to see a tongue pierced?

Nurses General Nursing

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  1. Is it okay to wear a tongue-ring at work?

    • 252
      No, under no circumstance at work
    • 49
      Yes, but only if you have no direct patient contact
    • 187
      Yes, it's okay

488 members have participated

Do you think it's okay to wear a tongue-ring to work as a nurse, or other direct patient services aspect?

Specializes in Interventional Pain Mgmt NP; Prior ICU and L/D RN.
Originally posted by Mel D

I whole-heartedly agree. I don't have any tattoos or 'extra' piercings, but who am I to dictate what others do with their bodies? We live in a diverse world, and there are people from all walks of life in this country. Nurses shouldn't be discouraged from expressing themselves just because they're taking care of people.

As far as the risks, that's their choice and as long as they're making an informed decision, I think it's okay.

Thanks Mel.....I would have the same mentality whether or not I had tat's.

As far as the unprofessionalism goes...I am as professional as the next person...I dress appropiately and act as such also. I don't intentionally show my tattoo's at work, but sometimes my armband may show or my backpiece if I reach or bend for something.....they are covered up otherwise while at work...

unfortunately people do judge you by appearance...but that is their problem. If they can see past "the markings on my body" and that I am a excellent nurse caring for them they have the problem of being prejudice. And that's fine also, I will still give them 100% for I am not prejudice....

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I worked with an ENT and saw horrible results from tongue piercings..not to mention rotten teeth from the loss of enamel because of the piercing rubbing on the back of a previously healthy smile.

Just say "NO"

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Lol, thanks. When I was in my 20's, my dentist strongly recommended i have all my wisdom teeth removed, but I was so disturbed with that alteration, I only let him take out the tops, and that was a big psychological ordeal for me. Now, at 38, my bottoms are poised to give me trouble, and I risk *nerve damage* with removal now.

I think if you show anything people will judge you, and it all ties in with the "eat them" idea. Like, if 10 female nurses had tattos and one did not I would bet my life that the one w/o would be picked on and snided. I am right? Lol, I don't know.

Whats so funny about peace, love and understanding?

"elvis costello"

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Specializes in Interventional Pain Mgmt NP; Prior ICU and L/D RN.

I think if you show anything people will judge you, and it all ties in with the "eat them" idea. Like, if 10 female nurses had tattos and one did not I would bet my life that the one w/o would be picked on and snided. I am right? Lol, I don't know.

I think that is unfair. Everyone is different and we should respect that....both ways!!! I would never pick on someone b/c they DON'T have a tat or piercing...that's childish

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Once upon a time multiple earrings were not socially acceptable...but the more they were worn and seen, the more they were integrated into the norm. Such will be, I believe (and hope), the case with other piercings. Basically once someone in administration has an "alternative" piercing then suddenly they will be okay. ;)

My nose is pierced and I wear a small diamond stud. My nursing school compromised and let me cover it with a small piece of bandaid while in clinicals. My job asks me to cover it but doesn't always enforce it nor do I really comply. No patient has EVER complained about it. I've gotten lots of compliments even from elderly people! Don't underestimate the ability of the older generation to adapt to new things. Besides, if people are never forced to deal with these type of things, then they will never learn to cope with diversity. If you go in their room with piercings and/or a tattoo and do a great job, then they may leave with a completely different view of people with those adornments.

To answer the questions of Mario:

~ Ears do not bleed when pierced

~ Tongues are only pierced vertically

~ You can do anything with a tongue piercing in, including eat

(however you might have to wait a few days after the

piercing to eat solid food because it may swell really bad)

~ You can wear them as long as you want but they can cause

dental damage from banging against your teeth (mostly in

those people who like to run in along their teeth a lot)

~ It IS possible for all those horrible things to happen (nerve

damage, drooling, infection) but that's why you research

your piercing artist ahead of time and the facility in which

they work

One last thing to think about - What the heck has a tattoo/piercing got to do with how well I do my job anyway?? Aren't there more important things at stake here? So trifling....

Peace ya'll......... :cool:

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A pt on our unit had a ring in her tongue. She had to take it out before surgery, of course. Afterwards, she put it in her mouth to moisten it before reinserting. You've probably guessed what happened: she swallowed it.

So we had to inform the M.D., who ordered x-rays and follow-up. I'm assuming everything came out all right in the end. :rolleyes:

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I have got my tongue pierced and have had for 2 years plus 2 tattoos. My tattoos are in places where they can be covered like my ankle. My tongue ring is pink and i have been a student for 18 months now and no one on the wards have actually noticed them, I dont think its fair to be judged on what a person looks like. Patients often come in with tattoos and piercings so why cant a nurse, it doesnt mean that you cant do a job properly or that you are not a caring person. As long as they are discreet yhen i dont think it matters

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For me it is just a personal thing, they gross me out. I don't condem the person or think differently of them it just gives me the willies.

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you could pierce your nose

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I worked with a CNA who had tattoos on her neck of vampire bites with tattooed blood running down her neck. Sorry, but I am not into the highly visible tattoos. I can see having a small one on your ankle, or somewhere hidden.

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you hardly see a tonque piercing ,so what's the problem!

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I also have a small diamond in my nose and I admit that I was nervous that my patients may look at me funny or say something. The cool thing is that the only comments I have heard, are good ones. The older generation folks have given the compliments, the kids may feel more comfortable and the 20-30 ish crowd has never- ever said anything negative. I am in clinicals right now in a after-hours trauma unit and not a word has been said. I also have my belly pierced (10 years ago) and got my first tattoo last year. I think that professionalism is the key, you can not look like a freak. The tongue is okay if it is not distracting and a ton of people have them and they are not even noticable.

That is my opinion-

I would get my tongue pierced if I had the guts- Too chicken!

jen

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