I like being different.

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Nov 30, 2011

haha i know its a tired old horse is it not? but do tell....
How is it that a person can have the education, see with their own eyes on a regular basis what the end result of smoking is, and then still smoke?
boggles my mind

I used to work at a large inner city hospital that specialized in oncology and cardiology. When we went "smoke free" (no smoking on campus, could smoke on side walk), the staff that complained most were the cardiologists and the pulmologists, as they would no longer be able to smoke on their way in from the parking lot.

DaniannaRN, ASN, BSN · Nov 30, 2011

You must be in Seattle, San Fran, or lets see.......New Orleans?

None of the above, lol. I'm in northern Jersey.

Cuddleswithpuddles · Nov 30, 2011

haha i know its a tired old horse is it not? but do tell....
How is it that a person can have the education, see with their own eyes on a regular basis what the end result of smoking is, and then still smoke?
boggles my mind

Education does not negate addiction.

mindlor · Nov 30, 2011

Lovely anecdote, but I dont think that quite answers my question.......

mindlor · Nov 30, 2011

Education does not negate addiction.

true,

but at the minimum it really should get one thinking seriously about dealing with said addiction.....

every hospital in my area is now smoke free.....

thank goodness

Cuddleswithpuddles · Nov 30, 2011

well, it makes me curious. i'm just starting nursing school, and I have a tiny little monroe piercings, its small, and only noticable depending on the color of the ball. I'm only 19, and i've had the piecings since i was 14, its apart of me. i'd understand taking it out for class but what about once i get a job?
and then there is my hair, i'm a natural blond, but i have a very vibrant red underneath the blond, its only noticable when my hair is down and straight, will i have to dye my hair back or not? i'm just not sure, i don't know many nurses who could tell me.
all advice is welcomed :)

Most if not all nursing programs are strictly opposed to visible tattoos and piercings. Most are also pretty specific about conservative hair and makeup.

You will find that nursing will ask you to sacrifice many "parts of you." Your time. Your social life. Your sanity sometimes. Your piercings will be a relatively small aspect of the equation.

If nursing is indeed in your heart, your rewards will be far greater than fighting for your right to wear a small piece of metal.

Play the nursing school game. Express your individuality in other ways.

ArtsyGal · Nov 30, 2011

Oh sorry...I didn't mean to get into a whole smoking debate.

I just think that modeling unhealthy behavior, especially a behavior that is one of the key health promotion lifestyle changes we advocate for all patients, in my opinion, is far more unprofessional than having some funky colored hair.

mindlor · Nov 30, 2011

Most if not all nursing programs are strictly opposed to visible tattoos and piercings. Most are also pretty specific about conservative hair and makeup.
You will find that nursing will ask you to sacrifice many "parts of you." Your time. Your social life. Your sanity sometimes. Your piercings will be a relatively small aspect of the equation.
If nursing is indeed in your heart, your rewards will be far greater than fighting for your right to wear a small piece of metal.
Play the nursing school game. Express your individuality in other ways.

Perfectly said :)

mindlor · Nov 30, 2011

Well awesome chat gang, but I am out, off to see my girl!! Been way too long sense I got to hold her in my arms.........have a great evening...

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Dec 1, 2011

haha i know its a tired old horse is it not? but do tell....
How is it that a person can have the education, see with their own eyes on a regular basis what the end result of smoking is, and then still smoke?
boggles my mind

Because smoking is an addiction, and addictions are hard to quit?

allnurses Guide · Dec 1, 2011

The times they are a-changing . . . which is a process. In 10 years you'll see more tattoos and piercings and less freak-out. Until then I figure the most pragmatic approach (at least until you have a job and everyone loves you) is to minimize things nursing instructors, hiring managers and the like will react negatively to. It is in your interest to do so. If you want a job. Or a good evaluation.

I said the same thing in the thread about putting Hooters girl on your resumé. It is not about your personal philosophy, individual style etc. I have no argument with that at all! I'd say it's a bit like a writing assignment you tailor to what you know your instructor wants to hear.

After you graduate or are hired, the landscape will change and a new set of things becomes acceptable. You may never be able to find those things out if you can't bend and maximize the doors open to you, even if you disagree with the reason the door was shut in the first place.

ps I love that thread title!! :)

carolmaccas66, BSN, RN · Dec 1, 2011

If you want a job later:

- Dress like a professional for the interview - nice suit, minimal make up, no outrageous colours.

- Colour your hair all blonde & do have it clipped up/tied up nicely.

- Take out any studs. Have conservative earrings and minimal jewelry.

You may still get a job with piercings or whatever, but you may not get THE job you want. And you have to conform somewhere along the line. Then maybe AFTER you have the job, you can ask re wearing a small stud or something.

Just some advice from someone who worked in clinical nursing HR for 3 years.