How important is your 'look' as a nurse

[Nola009]

Especially when it comes to getting hired, pay raises and such things. I mean, I'm sure hospital administration can't possibly expect us all to look like super models, but isn't there some sort of 'look' hiring managers tend to gravitate toward?

[Delicate Flower]

Aha! You insinuated that it was rude and inconsiderate of us to steer the thread toward obesity/weight variation, as if that were not a huge part of "looks," and here you describe this PR nurse as being "fit" and "ideal weight."

[OCNRN63, RN]

If I went to interviews without a little makeup, they'd try to admit me. I'm pale, pale, pale with dark circles under my eyes. Even my lips are pale!

[brandy1017, ASN, RN]

I still stand by my comment about the double standard I see here. It's okay to make fun of the overweight or obese patient who needed 4 medical people to move them but you can't say anything bad about overweight or obese nurses. Fat bias works both ways.

There is nothing funny about this. It is a sad situation for all involved! I'm sure everyone wishes their was a real cure for obesity besides drastic measures like gastric bypass or extreme makeover! But we have to face the reality the best we can and as nurses we need a safe no lift environment such as ceiling lifts to move such patients without injuring ourselves. I've never laughed at someone like that, but I can honestly say I dread taking care of them because of the real threat of being injured because we do not have ceiling lifts and a no lift environment.

[brandy1017, ASN, RN]

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.

Personally I'm the opposite. I like the bling of a colored stethoscope and sparkly badge holder!

[Nola009]

Aha! You insinuated that it was rude and inconsiderate of us to steer the thread toward obesity/weight variation, as if that were not a huge part of "looks," and here you describe this PR nurse as being "fit" and "ideal weight."

You know when you go to the doctor's office and s/he shows ya the chart thingy that says 'hey so this is your ideal weight for ur height and bone structure thingy'?? That's what I'm talkin about. Personally, I couldn't care less what your weight or anyone else's is. And why would I?? Just wondering if EMPLOYERS are like, expecting a certain look, which may include weight. Ya know?

And steer where you want, I just thought the points were made on both sides (and more than once, lol) and so why not agree to disagree? You can't change everyone's opinion .

[Nola009]

If I went to interviews without a little makeup, they'd try to admit me. I'm pale, pale, pale with dark circles under my eyes. Even my lips are pale!

Meee too! I gotta have a bit of makeup, or else it's just not good!

[Nola009]

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?

Well, I don't know.

[Nola009]

Personally I'm the opposite. I like the bling of a colored stethoscope and sparkly badge holder!

I like sparkles, and I like makeup!!!

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Personally I'm the opposite. I like the bling of a colored stethoscope

Mine is neon yellow. All my trauma shears are bright colors. If im forced to wear bland scrubs Ill find a new way to bring some fun into it.

[applewhitern, BSN, RN]

Whether you are fat, skinny, or whatever, please don't wear scrubs to an interview, unless you simply have to. Every article I have read on "how to dress for an interview" says not to wear scrubs.

[lindajean]

I think the actual statistic is that only 5% of people who are categorized as obese actually meet their goal and maintain it. I am a fat person and I gave up trying to lose weight after my mother died in part because of habits she developed from a lifetime of trying to meet and maintain an unrealistic (for her) weight goal. Obesity definitely is a health risk but I agree that until we really find "the cure" and no, "eating less and exercising more" is not the answer, maybe a little compassion would be a more appropriate response.

[malenurse69, MSN, NP]

I think the actual statistic is that only 5% of people who are categorized as obese actually meet their goal and maintain it. I am a fat person and I gave up trying to lose weight after my mother died in part because of habits she developed from a lifetime of trying to meet and maintain an unrealistic (for her) weight goal. Obesity definitely is a health risk but I agree that until we really find "the cure" and no, "eating less and exercising more" is not the answer, maybe a little compassion would be a more appropriate response.

Eating less and exercising more will make anyone lose weight. Problem is most people can't stick to it, they don't have the willpower to stick to it and begin the vicious yo-yo diet. I'm sorry but the answer is as simple as eating less, but you can't teach someone willpower, and as it shows most people lack it.