Disturb you to see a tongue pierced?

[mario_ragucci]

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

[suzanne4, RN]

My feeling is that it should not be permitted to be seen while at work. Simple as that. Tatoos need to be covered. Any other body piercings need to be covered or removed for work, if they are visible, and that definitely included that.

[MaleRN2B]

"If their perception of the nurse is that she might not be competent (it doesn;t matter what the truth is, the perception of the patient is what matters) or if the patient is frightened of the nurse because the nurse, by having a piercing represents something to the patient that scares the bejeezus out of them, then IMHO, it is wholly inappropriate. And we never know when we might run across that patient. It is better to leave the personal at home."

I think geekgolightly hit the nail on the head. I don't think anyone should be limited in personal expression but if I decide to stretch my earlobes so that they swing when I walk or have a pentagram tattooed on my forehead, that might be repulsive to some. I have a tiny problem with tongue piercing when people play with them or it alters speech. A private tatoo or piercing is kind of sexy and interesting even if I don't get to see it. I considered piercing a nipple before such piercings became cool until I found out that it can sometimes kills sensation or the nipple extrudes the foreign object.

As for doing your own Prince Albert, I have known 2 men with that one and one didn't mind showing it to me. I can't imagine anyone doing that to himself! I didn't ask but it also seems like that would interfere with the normal flow of urine because it would follow the ring and make a mess. No thanks on that one!

[DDRN4me]

personally, i think they are an invitation for infection, along with nose rings...both my dds tried it without my permission, and i brought out the 6" kelly clamp and suggested i remove it for them! i do have a tattoo..got it when i turned 40..but its on my ankle so it doesnt show unless i want it..and it shocks some people when they see it (only a small flower),JMHO,though!

[Nurseinthemaking]

hmmmm, I don't think I would respect a dang word they said. Try having a nurse look at you with a ring in their tongue and tell you that you really need to do things healthy.

[LilRedRN1973]

I didn't ask but it also seems like that would interfere with the normal flow of urine because it would follow the ring and make a mess. No thanks on that one!

Had to laugh at that one because it took me several months to find out why my then-boyfriend almost always sat down to pee. LOL....apparently, the Prince Albert can turn the normal flow of urine into a sprinkler system of sorts. Not all men experience that, but some do.

Melanie = )

[PC]

unprofessional

[lady_jh_98]

I think it's alright to have a tongue ring as long as it doesn't interfere with your job. We had a conversation at work about tongue piercings and when I mentioned I had one my co-workers were shocked. I've worked with these people for a year and a half and no one had ever noticed. I don't have a habit of walking around with my tongue hanging out; I don't show it to anyone; and I don't have a speech impairment. My patients have never noticed and my co-workers found out when I told them. As much as society tries to deny it; we judge people based on appearances. I am offended by people who says it unprofessional but everyone is entitled to their own opinion. To those people who think that tongue piercings have a purpose. Get your mind out of the gutter! I surely didn't get my tongue pierced for a purpose. But I can't speak for others. LOL It's interesting to find out how healthcare providers view tongue piercings.

[tattoonurse]

Where I work has a policy against it, but it hasn't kept half the staff from having one. My pts. are always asking what it is in the persons mouth

[NursesRmofun, ASN, RN]

I really don't have any opinion about tongue piercing except to say I can't come up with any solid reason why it would be disallowed.

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

I really don't have any opinion about tongue piercing except to say I can't come up with any solid reason why it would be disallowed.

Because it looks unprofessional was solid enough for the facility i work at to strictly enforce it.

[simao pt]

Frankly, I don't see how it would be a problem for a nurse to use a tongue pearcing near a patient. It makes me wonder what kind of work would she be doing to make it a problem? It's inside the mouth!!

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

USE a tongue piercing???