GUM! Can you chew it on shift?

Sl1011 · Apr 17, 2011

I have no clue.. never heard I couldn't. I chew gum all the time.

anotherone, BSN, RN · Apr 17, 2011

I chew it. sometimes obnoxiously . I don't think it is banned at my hospital. Many people do it.

linearthinker, DNP, RN · Apr 17, 2011

Do you think Ruth Bader Ginsbger chews gum on the bench? Come on, if you want to be treated like a professional, act like one and leave the gum at home.

Flo., BSN, RN · Apr 17, 2011

I chew. =)

MoLee228 · Apr 17, 2011

Do you think Ruth Bader Ginsbger chews gum on the bench? Come on, if you want to be treated like a professional, act like one and leave the gum at home.

Gimme a break :rolleyes: Chewing gum hardly makes you unprofessional. I find it much more unprofessional to have nasty breath when you are often required to be in close contact with your patients and their families...("That nurse's breath smells like crap. If she can't even maintain her own hygiene is she competent to take care of me?").

There's a way to chew gum discreetly and there's a way to be completely obnoxious and unprofessional. I chew gum at work because I don't want everyone to know what I had for lunch when I talk to them. Sure, I guess I could brush my teeth or use mints...but really there's no time for teeth brushing and I find most mints are weak (and many contain sugar which makes your breath worse in the long run).

As far as professionalism goes, keep the CHOMPING to a minimum and you should be fine.

SummitRN, BSN, RN · Apr 17, 2011

Do you think Ruth Bader Ginsbger chews gum on the bench? Come on, if you want to be treated like a professional, act like one and leave the gum at home.

I always carry a lot of nervous energy. If I'm not chewing gum, I start doing things like tapping my foot, tapping a pen/pencil, twisting hair, fidgeting, etc. I can't control it.

I never smack, crack, pop, or blow bubbles... and it is not like they give you enough time to brush your teeth to keep your breath fresh on a 12 hour shift... but apparently I'm unprofessional though... :eek:

Chin up · Apr 17, 2011

I don't think gum should be chewed at anytime. Never mind during professional duties. jMHO

linearthinker, DNP, RN · Apr 17, 2011

My mother always said only whores chew gum, lol. I think that is a little pejorative, but no, I don't chew gum and don't allow my kids to do so. It is unattractive at the very least. If you must, then do it in private.

Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN · Apr 17, 2011

I hate being around people who chew gum- the smacking, the chewing drives me crazy. I know gum chewers wills post about how discreet they are, etc, etc, but franckly. I hate gum chewers.

Personally, having to chose between chewing gum and having a job,I know which one I would chose.

ky_grl82 · Apr 17, 2011

Maybe switch to hard candies or breath mints if you need to replace gum. My instructor made a student spit out gum in class... felt like I was back in 3rd grade. I wouldn't give a second thought if someone taking care of me was chewing gum or not.

Juwon · Apr 17, 2011

i dont think its nothing wrong with people chewing gum, as people chew it for all type of reasons. However, if a person chew gum, the world shouldnt know they are chewing gum. Its not everyone's business whats in your mouth.