I recently graduated with a BSN and it's time for me to start thinking about interviews. I have been applying around and I want to be ready for when I get that first nursing interview.
I have a monroe piercing (a piercing above my lip similar to where Marilynn Monroe had her iconic birthmark for those who do not know.)
I've had this piercing since I was 17 and I am now 22. I still love it and I don't want to take it out and let it close. However, I would remove it for a job interview and for work if I was required to.
My question is do any nurses out there have any advice for concealing a piercing hole? I tried heavy concealer and it doesn't fill it it in. when the jewelry is out the hole is pretty obvious. Should I just leave the hole as is or try hide it? Would the interviewer even care if I had a hole in my face? Personally, I would not care if an employee had a face piercing as long as they followed protocol and removed it for work if necessary, but that's just me.
I would like to think that on a forum of (presumably) mature adults one would refrain from posting on a thread if they have nothing helpful to say. I want to cover up the hole so it isn't a distraction, not because I think it's a problem. I don't plan on wearing my jewelry during an interview or at work.
If I have a "chip on my shoulder" because someone who doesn't even know me feels like they can somehow pass judgement based on what's on my face and how it affects my ability to act in a professional matter, then so be it.
It's not realistic to ask a question on a forum and then get attitude when all the answers are not to your satisfaction. That's not how the internet works.
I think the freckle stud is an inspired solution for that particular piercing. I've been wanting to get my nose re-done but have to wait until LPN school is done. But now that I know freckle studs exist, that might be a way to keep it when I do a bridge program to RN later.
I was thinking about that freckle. I actually subscribed to this thread when I saw the OP because I'd love some good concealing ideas. I feel like a nose freckle will lead to a lot of "there's something on your nose". A Monroe freckle would likely go unnoticed.
I'm so glad that slowly the more educated and respected professions are starting to accept things like tattoos and piercings and more "alternative" styles in general. I know some awesome nurses with visible tattoos and piercings who I would rather put my life or someone I love's life into their hands rather than most of the more clean cut, "professional" looking nurses. I have a few large tattoos on my torso that are easily concealable, but the increased acceptance of them in the workplace is making me consider getting some in more visible places.
Honestly, I think in general patients like having real people taking care of them, not people wearing a mask and a uniform. I have a somewhat "alternative" look for a nurse and I feel like once patients realize I'm competent and professional and real with them then they open up and end up preferring my care over many of my coworkers.
I'm not a big fan of Monroe piercings, personally, but to me if there's no medical reason (patient or personal safety) not to look a certain way and you take care of yourself hygienically then you should be able to carry yourself how you want. It's about time we as a society do away with classist preconceptions of what certain people should look like. Anyone can clean themselves up and throw on a socially acceptable uniform and look whatever part they want to, but how you actually conduct yourself and do your job is all that ultimately matters.
It's not realistic to ask a question on a forum and then get attitude when all the answers are not to your satisfaction. That's not how the internet works.
I wouldn't have an attitude if I had asked for people's opinions on my piercing or whether or not they thought it was professional. There are plenty of threads on here that I do not agree with, however I refrain from posting on them because what I would say would not be helpful. I suppose what is truly unrealistic is to expect others to behave the same way.
I understand that it's the Internet, and sometimes anonymity gets the best of some people.
I would like to to thank everyone for the overwhelming positive responses to my question. You guys have given me some great ideas. Thanks again!
I'm so glad that slowly the more educated and respected professions are starting to accept things like tattoos and piercings and more "alternative" styles in general. I know some awesome nurses with visible tattoos and piercings who I would rather put my life or someone I love's life into their hands rather than most of the more clean cut, "professional" looking nurses. I have a few large tattoos on my torso that are easily concealable, but the increased acceptance of them in the workplace is making me consider getting some in more visible places.
Honestly, I think in general patients like having real people taking care of them, not people wearing a mask and a uniform. I have a somewhat "alternative" look for a nurse and I feel like once patients realize I'm competent and professional and real with them then they open up and end up preferring my care over many of my coworkers.
I'm not a big fan of Monroe piercings, personally, but to me if there's no medical reason (patient or personal safety) not to look a certain way and you take care of yourself hygienically then you should be able to carry yourself how you want. It's about time we as a society do away with classist preconceptions of what certain people should look like. Anyone can clean themselves up and throw on a socially acceptable uniform and look whatever part they want to, but how you actually conduct yourself and do your job is all that ultimately matters.
Well said. My grandpa had surgery back in January and his anesthesiologist had a full sleeve. When he came in to explain the anesthesia to him, he was kind, professional, and phrased everything in words that my grandparents could understand. I trusted him not because of how he looked, but because of how he conducted himself. It would be a shame if someone were to judge such a kind and conscientious doctor because of his tattoos.
It's not realistic to ask a question on a forum and then get attitude when all the answers are not to your satisfaction. That's not how the internet works.
I'm not sure that's a fair interpretation of what happened. It seemed that OP was pretty clear that removing their piercing was not the solution they were looking for. Posting to suggest something that was ruled out at the beginning is pointless at best.
Also, if we accept that OP made their preference clear that removing the piercing was a last resort, and that people disregarded that when suggesting it, then why does OP get flak and not the pointless posters? Certainly they should be just as responsible for controlling their need to offer less than helpful suggestions as OP is for repeatedly telling them they're not helping.
I would like to think that on a forum of (presumably) mature adults one would refrain from posting on a thread if they have nothing helpful to say. I want to cover up the hole so it isn't a distraction, not because I think it's a problem. I don't plan on wearing my jewelry during an interview or at work.
If I have a "chip on my shoulder" because someone who doesn't even know me feels like they can somehow pass judgement based on what's on my face and how it affects my ability to act in a professional matter, then so be it.
Repeat newsflash. A "distraction" is a problem.
As a nurse of 33 years, I have achieved some level of maturity. I strive to remain open minded, as I am from another generation. However, when I am speaking with a person with a piercing ( especially those lovely little diamond studs) it's DISTRACTING. I am thinking " why is there a diamond on your nose?"
Chances are, your interview will be with a "presumably"mature adult that may wonder what you are trying to hide.
I am not "passing judgement based what's on your face". I am passing judgement as to why you feel the need to to camouflage your appearance. You clearly realize facial piercings can be interpreted as unprofessional or signal something else.
I work with a few nurse with piercings and it is not a big deal at all. Just wear a small, neutral color stud and I would think that unless the prospective employer is super conservative it shouldn't be a problem. That seems to look better and more professional to me than trying to hide the obvious hole. Any cover up make-up would probably look more obvious than the piercing itself if it's not applied absolutely perfectly.
As a nurse of 33 years, I have achieved some level of maturity. I strive to remain open minded, as I am from another generation. However, when I am speaking with a person with a piercing ( especially those lovely little diamond studs) it's DISTRACTING. I am thinking " why is there a diamond on your nose?"
Chances are, your interview will be with a "presumably"mature adult that may wonder what you are trying to hide.
I am not "passing judgement based what's on your face". I am passing judgement as to why you feel the need to to camouflage your appearance. You clearly realize facial piercings can be interpreted as unprofessional or signal something else.
Best of luck with your career.
I understand that a lot of people in administrative positions (usually - not always) frown upon things such as piercings and tattoos. I'm not trying to hide anything, I'm just trying to find the best way to go about handling the 14 gauge hole in my face.
I'm not sure that's a fair interpretation of what happened. It seemed that OP was pretty clear that removing their piercing was not the solution they were looking for. Posting to suggest something that was ruled out at the beginning is pointless at best.
Also, if we accept that OP made their preference clear that removing the piercing was a last resort, and that people disregarded that when suggesting it, then why does OP get flak and not the pointless posters? Certainly they should be just as responsible for controlling their need to offer less than helpful suggestions as OP is for repeatedly telling them they're not helping.
DeeAngel
830 Posts
It's not realistic to ask a question on a forum and then get attitude when all the answers are not to your satisfaction. That's not how the internet works.