Got a promotion because of my big...

Nurses General Nursing

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SMILE?

Background: I am a fairly new RN who has been working LTC for about a year. We have been in need of a unit manager for close to the entire time I have been there. I figured being so new it was out of reach, and I wanted to cut my teeth on the floor as much as possible.

A few weeks ago the DON approached me and encouraged me to apply for the unit manager position. I applied, interviewed, and waited. Week or so later I was informed that the higher ups wanted me to get more experience on the floor. I really couldn't argue with that. Then I found out the UM they did hire is a new grad...but with a BSN (I have an ASN). I felt some sour grapes but in this economy was happy to have a job period.

Few days ago the DON calls me up and with a few other managers in attendance tells me that if I was willing to wear dentures I would be promoted to Unit Manager....I thought at first they were joking and this was just a creative way to offer me the position after all..

They weren't joking.

I asked them was the only reason I was denied a promotion was because I didnt wear dentures and they spoke in the affirmative.

Now, I don't have teeth, and unless I told you, you would never know. My face hasn't fallen in on itself, my speech is perfectly clear, and I don't tend to give "toothy" smiles.

I own dentures, but never took to them. I lisp when I wear them, grimace a lot, and drinking anything hot really is a pain with them in.

So, I took the promotion but feel a little let down by my company that "teeth" are a pre-req for management. I know all about "professional" appearances and all...I keep my hair short, press and starch my scrub creases (Former Marine), cover my tattoos (again, former Marine) with a long sleeve scrub jacket, and try to keep compose myself as a medical professional.

Maybe I am making too much out of this but makes me wonder what else could have been asked...I have streaks of grey and white in my hair...hair dye?, I wear reading glasses sometimes..contacts?...I wear my laugh lines and crows feet proudly...botox?..I'm overweight...bariatric surgery?

Guess Im just confused and disappointed

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Specializes in ER.

wow. Just wow.

Instinctively, my knee jerk reaction would be to mention EEOC to these knuckle heads, as it would appear you are being judged on appearance... that would give them pause... pretty fast.

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Yeah- that stinks. If you had a reaction to the products needed to care for dentures, surely they couldn't use that as an excuse to pass you over....

I do not like these people :down:

I'm sorry you're having to deal with something so petty. If you're the best for the job, then you're the best for the job. :)

Is this an appearance-focused/biased society, yeah- and it stinks..... doesn't make it OK to put someone in a job who isn't the best qualified because of a handful of calcium and nerve endings.

Some will say I'm totally wrong- but I really don't think that you should have to have "dental qualifications" for a position. JMO. :)

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Specializes in LTC.

You realize dirty people like me took your title the worng way.

Speaking of wrongs, that was wrong of them

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Specializes in ER.
:lol2: I only clicked into this thread to see if it went down that one way dirty train to skank ville....
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Specializes in Critical Care.

I'm not surprised because it does seem that physical appearance is a major consideration in promotions to management. Well maybe with the raise you are hopefully getting you'll be able to get new dentures that fit better. Prosthodontists are dentists that specialize in good fit and of course now implants. Unfortunately implants for your whole mouth could cost close to a mortgage! I wonder how people are able to afford them. If the prices came down many more could get them and they are more comfortable than dentures. I've been told if you gain or lose even 10-15 pounds it can be enough to alter denture fit.

Well good luck with your new job!

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Specializes in FNP.

Perhaps you need new dentures. I don't think they are supposed to cause discomfort or make you lisp if they fit properly.

Gently, and with respect, I would suggest that it is possible more people notice than you are aware of. In the US in 2011, good dentition has come to be considered part of basic grooming. Right or wrong, an endentulous mouth is outside of societal expectations.

We may not like the fact that we are judged based on appearances, but as I've said on this forum 1,000 times (all together now): The way things are is the way things are.

We can stomp our collective foot and complain that it is not fair, and it isn't, but it is reality. My advice to most people in most instances is to deal with reality, and sometimes (a lot of times actually) that is going to mean conforming to societal expectations, even when they are shallow and unfair.

That said, I'm confused. What happened to the other individual you thought they had hired? Did she get a cavity?

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Ok, I was just reading, and had to activate an account just so I could post on this. I do have dentures. I know alot of people and nurses that have dentures. I also know some that do not wear their dentures. Even the ones that "think" that they look fine without them are wrong. Sorry, this is my opinion. When you are a professional you must look the part of a professional. You expect unit managers to come to work in clean cloths. not dirty hair, cloths that are not to tight or to big. All these things you may think... what? but really. If I was a patient and had the unit manager come in to talk with me because I had a problem with a nurse or dr or anything to that effect. I would think that you weren't professional.

If your dentures hurt you. You need to go back to the Dentist and get a new set. it takes several fittings to maake them work correctly.

I hate to sound so mean, but I am with your bosses here.

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Specializes in Home Health.

I would think your not having teeth could be seen a a type of disability. That might be covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. It would be worth a call to find out. I would go after them with all I have. I can't believe they did that to you. For all they know you might not be able to afford dentures or you might be allergic to the materials they are made of. God I am so sick of medical personnel genuinely not caring for others. Make me physically ill! Bless you heart, I am so sorry they did this to you.

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Specializes in FNP.

Isabelle, what is it you think that they did to the OP? They simply told him what it would take to be promoted, and left the choice to him. One could argue they actually did him a favor. They didn't threaten his present job in any way.

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Specializes in Trauma/ICU step-down.

I have to pipe in here! I completely disagree with those replying that "that's the way things are" or "maybe you need new dentures". Expletive-that! Its wrong, it's unlawful, and you do not need to take it. As I see it, one of the problems with our society as a whole is lack of accountability as individuals and as a community. As nurses, we protect and advocate for our patients (if your a GOOD nurse), why not protect and advocate for yourself and your profession, your community. Apathy is toxic. I'm not trying to incite a riot or flame on anyone, but come on.... When you need help, who's gonna stand up for you. Be the change you want to see in the world and all that! Trite but true.

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I agree with the others that say it was WRONG of them to dangle a promotion in front of you with a promise to wear dentures. It's just not right.

I would like to suggest, though, if you do decide to wear your dentures, get them adjusted or even replaced. They shouldn't hurt. Talking with a lisp is very common when first starting out, but over time, it should go away. Have you worn them consistently for a few weeks and still have a lisp? Then they are not fitted correctly.

I have to wear a partial. One of my front teeth was knocked out and I couldn't afford a dental implant. So I wear a partial because without it, it's glaringly obvious that my tooth is not there. One day, I will get the implant.

But anyway, I talked like Donald Duck for the first few weeks but it got better. I had to relearn how to pronounce a few sounds, especially S's, but now, no one can tell that I wear it.

Anyway, whether you decide to wear your dentures or not, I wish you the best of luck!

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