Guys, do you wear your wedding band to work?

David's Harp · Dec 18, 2007

I keep mine tied on the drawstrings of my scrubs. I don't wear it because I figure it's better to have all surfaces of the hands clear for washing, and I figure should be no need to show proof of marriage in the workplace.

That said, I have gotten questions about it (naturally, in a mostly female workplace), but my reasoning is pretty straightforward and, since I'm never trying to be a player or anything anyway, folks put 2 and 2 together and it's not an issue.

The drawstrings idea works, though, as a way to keep from losing the darned thing altogether.

-Kevin

SteveNNP, MSN, NP · Dec 18, 2007

I could see myself untying my scrub drawstring in the bathroom, and "clink....plop"

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Dec 18, 2007

I am perplexed? Females wear plain gold/silver bands at work and seem to be able to get their hands clean, do dressings and txs, give meds, and any number of things requiring cleanliness. So why does wearing a plain band present a problem? I am not trying to be a jerk, I just don't understand why this is a problem.

RNDave · Dec 18, 2007

I am perplexed? Females wear plain gold/silver bands at work and seem to be able to get their hands clean, do dressings and txs, give meds, and any number of things requiring cleanliness. So why does wearing a plain band present a problem? I am not trying to be a jerk, I just don't understand why this is a problem.

I agree, barefootlady. I wear mine on the appropriate finger. No one in management or my coworkers has mentioned taking it off to clean. But, maybe we should. Who knows what nosocomial evils lurk there! :devil:

Dave

shodobe · Dec 19, 2007

I lost mine 31 years ago, 2 weeks into my OR orientation. I haven't worn one since. My wife doesn't care one way or another whether I wear one or not. She KNOWS I KNOW I am married. If you work in an area that requires more hand washing or scrubbing, such as the OR, then maybe it would be better not to wear it to work.

David's Harp · Dec 19, 2007

I am perplexed? Females wear plain gold/silver bands at work and seem to be able to get their hands clean, do dressings and txs, give meds, and any number of things requiring cleanliness. So why does wearing a plain band present a problem? I am not trying to be a jerk, I just don't understand why this is a problem.

I didn't say it was an entirely reasonable concern, just that it was a concern! Who knows, it might not be an issue - I'd just rather have it off and not think about it. If I could, I'd go without a watch, too, for the same reason, but that's a tougher workaround.

-Kevin

styRN · Dec 19, 2007

For those of you who wear your wedding band, do you wear it to work? I don't want to have to be constantly taking it off to clean it.
I'm thinking I will probably just wear it outside of work. What do you do?

I think your question would be better answered if we knew what type of nursing you were doing and the types of things you were exposing yourself (and your hands and your ring) to.

I wear my plain gold band everyday to work, but off it comes, along with my watch and medic alert bracelet for those few times a day I might need to perform a procedure with aseptic technique. Otherwise, good handwashing and alcohol-based hand scrubs in-between and I'm good to go.

I am responsible for monitoring all infection control practices at work and it's allowable as part of our nursing dress code, but common sense should dictate if/when it would be inappropriate and use your own judgement accordingly.

allnurses Guide · Dec 19, 2007

I've read threads about this off and on in the last few years. One was quite lengthy but I just did a search and cannot find it.

I don't wear my rings to work at all.

steph

callmekipling · Dec 23, 2007

I'm not a nurse (yet) and I'm not married (yet, but let's face it the odds are in my favor lol)..

But I always wondered, why not wear it on a string? it'd make kind of a cool necklace.

Unless you're working psych, that's a good way to get strangled.

luvschoolnursing, LPN · Dec 23, 2007

Hijacking the guys thread here. My husband is an auto mechanic so infection control would not be an issue, but he does wear his everyday. Maybe that's why he's on his 2nd band and getting ready for his 3rd! He said it doesn't get in the way, just gets beat up a lot.

socalpca · Dec 23, 2007

I wear my wedding band. I clean under & around it both with our alcohol gel & with our cida-stat soap. I haven't gotten it dirty, I haven't lost it, but it does get beat up a lot.