Heard a hospital banned gum... didn't say why. I think I'd have to quit a job that banned gum.Well? Can you chew gum? Why not? Do you do it anyways? Does anyone care?-A Gum Addict Edited Apr 17, 2011 by SummitRN 0 Likes
Sl1011 402 Posts Apr 17, 2011 I have no clue.. never heard I couldn't. I chew gum all the time. 0 Likes
anotherone, BSN, RN 1,735 Posts Apr 17, 2011 I chew it. sometimes obnoxiously . I don't think it is banned at my hospital. Many people do it. 0 Likes
linearthinker, DNP, RN Specializes in FNP. Has 25 years experience. 1,688 Posts 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. 0 Likes
Flo., BSN, RN Specializes in Developmental Disabilites,. Has 7 years experience. 571 Posts Apr 17, 2011 I chew. =) 0 Likes
MoLee228 Specializes in CVICU, anesthesia. Has 1 years experience. 118 Posts 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 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. 0 Likes
SummitRN, BSN, RN Specializes in ICU + Infection Prevention. Has 10 years experience. 2 Articles; 1,567 Posts 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... Edited Apr 17, 2011 by SummitRN 0 Likes
Chin up Specializes in Med surg, LTC, Administration. Has 26 years experience. 694 Posts Apr 17, 2011 I don't think gum should be chewed at anytime. Never mind during professional duties. jMHO 0 Likes
linearthinker, DNP, RN Specializes in FNP. Has 25 years experience. 1,688 Posts 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. 0 Likes
Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN Specializes in Gerontology. Has 36 years experience. 1,768 Posts 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. 0 Likes
ky_grl82 169 Posts 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. 0 Likes
Juwon Specializes in LTC currently. Has 2 years experience. 192 Posts 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. 0 Likes