Nursing and Piercings?

wv_nurse 2003 · Apr 5, 2003

Originally posted by kimmicoobug
I actually like the eyebrow rings, but being a conservative type, it would probably just seem out of place on me. I have seen some with tiny nose rings and think that they are actually very tasteful. My thing is I like big silver hoops on my ears. I almost feel naked without them. Think Nelly Furtado, and then think bigger.. that is how I like them. My smallest set is about an inch and a half in circumference. What is too big for earings? I just don't wear them now since I am in my clinicals, but just curious what would be acceptable when I am in the field.

The problem I see with large hoops earrings is getting them caught on my stethoscope--and patients giving them a "tug"

I think I stopped wearing earrings almost all together when I had KIDS!!

emily_mom · Apr 5, 2003

Originally posted by saccharin
what does makeup have to do with anything regarding nursing?

I think it has a lot to do with it. We have an LPN that has the big 80's hair w/ way too much makeup, and I think she loses a lot of credibility as a nurse. She looks like she belongs on a street corner.

You are working with the public, and you're representing your organization.

NicuGal, MSN, RN · Apr 5, 2003

No visible facial piercings or tongues where I work either. I think that to be treated like a professional, you should look like one, not someone who is going out clubbing or whatnot. Just MHO.

Agnus · Apr 6, 2003

I would be concerned about your safty. If you have ever had a patient grab and pull an earing or necklace you will appreciate where I am comming from. Unfortunately it does happen.

Hoops are just too big a temptation for some patients.

Second. It is true that these forms of self expression are not indication of anything except a personal fashion sense. That said the fact still remains that many people find it difficult to take seriously someone with a less concevative appearance.

We do judge by appearance and that will not change. Nurses have such a poor image problem as it is; I personally would not what to contribute or add fuel to this. Though I do not have any unusual permanent alterations to my appearance such as pericings tatoos etc., you can bet that my professional appearance and my private off duty appearance are different.

mario_ragucci · Apr 6, 2003

Originally posted by Agnus
We do judge by appearance and that will not change. Nurses have such a poor image problem

Tell it like it REALLY is! ROTFLMFAO!

They'll judge you on appearance, religion, gender, accent, race, shoes, color, car, etc. You betcha.

SmilingBluEyes · Apr 6, 2003

maybe it's the "old fart" in me, but i think multiple piercings and tats have NO place in a profession struggling so hard to be SEEN as a TRUE PROFESSION! (like pharmacy, phy. therapy, etc.) I have NO problem with people exercising their freedom to dress how they want. And I find some tatoos and piercings intriguing and attractive in the right setting.

BUT, If you want to look like Marilyn Manson, fine. Do it in a field other than nursing, where respect is short enough without us doing ourselves in with HUGE, numerous tats, multiple piercings, strong perfume, long, dagger-like germ factory fingernails, and loud makeup/hair--- no apologies here for what I am saying. :rolleyes:

Wuiteroz · Apr 6, 2003

Originally posted by SmilingBluEyes
maybe it's the "old fart" in me, but i think multiple piercings and tats have NO place in a profession struggling so hard to be SEEN as a TRUE PROFESSION! (like pharmacy, phy. therapy, etc.) I have NO problem with people exercising their freedom to dress how they want. And I find some tatoos and piercings intriguing and attractive in the right setting.

BUT, If you want to look like Marilyn Manson, fine. Do it in a field other than nursing, where respect is short enough without us doing ourselves in with HUGE, numerous tats, multiple piercings, strong perfume, long, dagger-like germ factory fingernails, and loud makeup/hair--- no apologies here for what I am saying.

OUCH!

All I mentioned was a little eyebrow piercing :rolleyes:

Disablednurse · Apr 7, 2003

Wearing jewelry is taking a risk in nursing. I wore a cross on a chain for a short while during the time I was in LTC. Had a patient grab the necklace and twist it up in my throat and tried to choke me to death. He had his bedrails up and was pulling me across the bed. When I told him he was choking me, he told me that he knew it. When I told him he was hurting me, he said good. Took three people to get him to let go. Needless to say, I quit wearing my necklace that night.

SmilingBluEyes · Apr 7, 2003

Originally posted by Wuiteroz
OUCH!
All I mentioned was a little eyebrow piercing

Wiuteroz----Perhaps you did, but last I checked, yours was not the ONLY post on the thread. The issues of tatoos and makeup as well as many piercings was brought up along the way. So I addressed these, not just YOUR comment. And it seems to me, one piercing or tatoo often leads to another and then another...til there are a lot of em. Fine, but it does not belong in nursing, is all I am saying. At home, do what you want to. :rolleyes:

Wuiteroz · Apr 7, 2003

It's really too bad that you can't just take off your piercing during work and then put it back on whenever you want to.

It's so painful, I wouldn't even try.

I guess there will always be issues with someone's professional conduct and how they present themselves.

But I understand the whole patient-might-harm-you when you're wearing jewelry at work, I never thought of that.

Do you get that a lot?

Why do people keep saying things like BluEyes..

do it in a field other than nursing, where respect is short enough without us doing ourselves in..

Is it really that bad..?

LoL I guess you're right that one piercing or tattoo most of the time leads to getting another .. :)

I don't think it'd be the case with me, though.

Wuiteroz · Apr 7, 2003

I wanted something like that:

debbyed · Apr 7, 2003

Our hospital just revised it's dress code and no facial peircing are allowed except for documented religious resons. All visiable tattoos must be covered.

Peircing and tattoos are a personal choice, but just be aware that they may limit your choices when it comes to places of employment.