How important is your 'look' as a nurse

Ruby Vee, BSN · May 28, 2014

Im sorry, did you say there is no real successful way to get rid of extra weight? That is a cop out excuse that people make to convince themselves that being obese is okay. Its called EXERCISE. It's also called MAKING BETTER FOOD CHOICES and DEVELOPING HEALTHIER HABITS. Obesity ia a problem in America and as long as we have individuals condoning the over indulgence and gluttony of society, then it will remain an issue. I guarantee if you dedicated 6 months of your life to REALLY exercising the right way and REALLY eating the right foods, you too will see results. Dont make excuses. Beat average dude.

Your ignorance and prejudice are showing. Some folks try really hard to lose weight and are unable. The woman whose back injury, severe arthritis or otherwise ill-health which prohibits exercise can make all the healthy food choices in the world, but she probably isn't going to lose weight. At least not enough to be noticeable in six months.

For eight months, I followed the Weight Watcher's diet so strictly the only time I "cheated" was on my birthday when I had one slice of cake. At the same time, I was going to physical therapy three times a week and doing my back exercises faithfully twice a day. I didn't lose an ounce. Once the back injury was proclaimed healed, I started training to walk a half marathon. The day I walked the half marathon, I had lost less than 5 pounds in the preceding 8 months of Weight Watchers and intense exercise. I'm still, ten years later, within ten pounds of that weight.

Better food choices, healther habits and exercise aren't the panacea that you claim. Wish they were.

Delicate Flower · May 31, 2014

I agree this is ridiculous. If so-called professionals can't agree to disagree and *JUST LET IT GO*. not only is it annoying, it's inconsiderate and plain RUDE.

Inconsiderate and rude? How is it rude to respond to comments? Isn't that what a discussion board is about? It's part of the natural progression of a thread.

Delicate Flower · May 31, 2014

Im sorry, did you say there is no real successful way to get rid of extra weight? That is a cop out excuse that people make to convince themselves that being obese is okay. Its called EXERCISE. It's also called MAKING BETTER FOOD CHOICES and DEVELOPING HEALTHIER HABITS. Obesity ia a problem in America and as long as we have individuals condoning the over indulgence and gluttony of society, then it will remain an issue. I guarantee if you dedicated 6 months of your life to REALLY exercising the right way and REALLY eating the right foods, you too will see results. Dont make excuses. Beat average dude.

What now? We have another person who has SOLVED the obesity crisis in America! Turns out, you EAT RIGHT and EXERCISE!

The fact that 95% of people are not able to lose a significant amount of weight long term is because they are not REALLY dedicating their lives to it, and are too busy making excuses and over-indulging.

I am not promoting gluttony. I am saying that if it is HEALTH you want to focus on, then focus on health.

And I take Extreme offense at the idea that a fat person cannot be above average. And I am not a dude.

Guests · May 31, 2014

but...isn't nursing known for holding providers to high standards?

If you mean high standards of performance, sure... if you mean paragons of virtue and models of health... no... and why should we be? This is a job, not a mission or calling.

Long ago, I suppose, you would have been correct. Nurses were expected to be saintly. Now, we're expected to be professional.

we still, collectively, seem to feel that nurses should model good behavior regarding those issues.

Some of you, perhaps... not me. I expect a nurse to provide safe, quality, efficient nursing care. Beyond that, I care not one bit about their personal health habits.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · May 31, 2014

Yeah I always thought wearing acrubs to interviews would be more appropriate.

No....they are NOT the most appropriate to an interview. As a sophomore nursing student you will learn that dressing professional is of the utmost importance for an interview....scrubs are not amongst those options. In 35 years of nursing I have gone to ONE interview in scrubs...ONE.

I was a night supervisor and there was an huge explosion nearby...I did not leave my 12 hour night job after paperwork and patients were cared for...it was NOON. My interview was for 1 PM. I called the CNO a head of time to see if she wanted me to re-schedule so I could be in a more appropriate dress for the interview. She stated she admired my dedication to my present position and my uniform would be fine...sweat and all.

I brushed my teeth, freshened my hair and makeup...freshened up and went to the interview.

I did get the job.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · May 31, 2014

Im sorry, did you say there is no real successful way to get rid of extra weight? That is a cop out excuse that people make to convince themselves that being obese is okay. Its called EXERCISE. It's also called MAKING BETTER FOOD CHOICES and DEVELOPING HEALTHIER HABITS. Obesity ia a problem in America and as long as we have individuals condoning the over indulgence and gluttony of society, then it will remain an issue. I guarantee if you dedicated 6 months of your life to REALLY exercising the right way and REALLY eating the right foods, you too will see results. Dont make excuses. Beat average dude.

I think as a nursing student you have a lot to learn. There are many health conditions and medications that can affect one's ability to lose weight. I also believe you need to begin developing a more tolerant perspective towards others and those in your care.

I happen to have Cushings from long term high dose steroid use related to an auto-immune muscle disorder. I cannot walk more than 2 feet without assistance. I don't sit around stuffing my face with ice cream and bon bons.

Obesity is a complex issue and simplistic ideals are not applicable.

mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN · May 31, 2014

I am lucky that I work for an organization that embraces diversity. We have every size, shape, age, ethnicity, religion (or not). People are hired for their abilities not what they look like.

To be honest, there are more troubles with the cute, young nurses as they are hit on, treated inappropriately by patients and residents. I am lucky! I am old and overweight and don't have to worry about those things :laugh:

Crazed · May 31, 2014

I am lucky that I work for an organization that embraces diversity. We have every size, shape, age, ethnicity, religion (or not). People are hired for their abilities not what they look like.
To be honest, there are more troubles with the cute, young nurses as they are hit on, treated inappropriately by patients and residents. I am lucky! I am old and overweight and don't have to worry about those things

This made me think of a time when I met someone who is now my friend. She's a model (like seriously) and when I first met her I had this thought that she was one of "those" women. You know the type that had everything handed to her because she was beautiful, but I realized soon enough that she had her own insecurities and she always felt dumb.

So instead of building her up by focusing on her appearance I would tell her that she is smart, and a good nurse, and that when people know her they know she's more than just a beautiful girl.

Everyone has a demon or two in the closet.

Heliantus · May 31, 2014

My look is important to me, not only as a nurse but in everyday life as well. I like to always dress neat and professional. I iron my uniform to have a crisp look. I take pride in wearing it, and I think it's important to look like a professional. I think that more is less. I don't dress up my uniform with bling or bright colored stethoscope. Hair is always pulled into a neat ponytail or a neat bun.

Is this what you mean by "look as a nurse" ?

Hope I answered your question.

OCNRN63, RN · May 31, 2014

No....they are NOT the most appropriate to an interview. As a sophomore nursing student you will learn that dressing professional is of the utmost importance for an interview....scrubs are not amongst those options. In 35 years of nursing I have gone to ONE interview in scrubs...ONE.
I was a night supervisor and there was an huge explosion nearby...I did not leave my 12 hour night job after paperwork and patients were cared for...it was NOON. My interview was for 1 PM. I called the CNO a head of time to see if she wanted me to re-schedule so I could be in a more appropriate dress for the interview. She stated she admired my dedication to my present position and my uniform would be fine...sweat and all.
I brushed my teeth, freshened my hair and makeup...freshened up and went to the interview.
I did get the job.

When I was a senior in nursing school, I had an interview scheduled during my night shift rotation. I had to go to my interview in my blue pinstripe dress with white Peter Pan collar. I let her know I'd be coming in my student uniform, and she said that was fine. Of course, since I was not accustomed to working night shift, I was really tired. The nurse manager left the room fort a few minutes for something, and I nodded off. I woke up just as she came back in the room. She knew what had happened and just joked about it and made me feel better.

I thought for sure I wouldn't get hired, but I got (and accepted) the job.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · May 31, 2014

Have to say I'm a little surprised this thread has gone on this long.....and everything that was said in the first few pages is all that seems to have been needed to be said.

But still it goes on. I suppose those on either "side" of this will never really change their thoughts on it....so not sure if there's much to gain at this point?

Nola009 · May 31, 2014

My look is important to me, not only as a nurse but in everyday life as well. I like to always dress neat and professional. I iron my uniform to have a crisp look. I take pride in wearing it, and I think it's important to look like a professional. I think that more is less. I don't dress up my uniform with bling or bright colored stethoscope. Hair is always pulled into a neat ponytail or a neat bun.
Is this what you mean by "look as a nurse" ?
Hope I answered your question.

Actually, kind of. I have bee applying for this big hospital group in my area over. I graduated last May and would be willing to take almost any position they have to offer me. There is this one nurse the company utilizes for what seems like alllll of their nursing-related PR stuff. 'Nursing at ___', and 'Nurse Residency Program' ... there she is. The most incredibly clean-cut person I've ever seen in my life (I thought I was clean-cut, but guess I would look skanky next to her),,, anyways- She looks fit, has natural brown, perfect precision-cut hair ( & not one highlight), ideal weight, wire-rimmed glasses, and not a stitch of makeup. As a more experienced nurse, I'm sure your previous working experiences are the most important thing, but as a new grad, I started to wonder how important ones look really is!