The "uniforms are killing us" thread had many discussions about the things other then scrubs that can make a nurse look unprofessional. Here's a place to talk about unprofessional nails ...
First off, I have acrylic nails. I've had them since I was 16 and I'm now 29. For the last six years, I have had them done at the same place by the same woman (whom I adore) at a very upscale facility. I pay $34 each time to have them done and I have a standing appt every two weeks. I have pink and white acrylics, I have never worn polish on them and I could count on one hand the number of times I've had one break or crack in the last six years. I keep them short ... although right before my next appt they can be up to 1/4 inch above my fingertip.
I start working at a hospital in a week ... and I'm torn about my nails. Do I get rid of them? Is it unsanitary? I'm worried about my patients health but I do love my nails. I have ugly, weak, bent nails on my own (family genes) ... but if I have to, I'll give them up. I just don't want to!
Regardless of what any of us think, the CDC has recommended against them, based on the most current research. My hospital will be outlawing all nail adornments except for intact polish as of June 1st. No ifs, ands, or buts.
I must disagree with Heather (WITH RESPEST) . Short, cracked, bleeding nails &problem cuticles can be much more of a transmission vehicle.Icertainly disagree w/ 1-1/2 " claws but feel that well maintained manicured nails are not a problem. CHICK
Perhaps if you are having that much trouble with your nails then maybe your Dr. can help.
I agree that excessively long nails (even natural ones) are a hazard in themselves (ie accidentally scratching a patient). But acrylic nails, no matter what the length, are a breeding ground for organisms. It is much easier to clean natural nails, even if they are cracked, by proper handwashing. JMHO.
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
GET RID OF THEM...vanity is not as important as infection control. I won't let any dagger-wearing nurse near me or mine if I have any say about it. LONG thread about this previously, as you see above. If you must wear them, then do NOT do direct patient care. Simple as that.
GET RID OF THEM...vanity is not as important as infection control. I won't let any dagger-wearing nurse near me or mine if I have any say about it. LONG thread about this previously, as you see above. If you must wear them, then do NOT do direct patient care. Simple as that.
Okay. I've read the LONG thread that was before this one and I've thought about it and you know what? They're not worth it. I don't want to deal with the hassles and possible problems. My vanity is fighting valiantly to make me decide otherwise but I want to be a great nurse more than I want to have beautiful nails.
If you don't take a multivitamin, you may consider starting one.
Also, if you use nailpolish or some sort of hardener when you don't have fake nails, you may want to try to go without it for a while. Your nails may be sensitive to some of the chemicals in them, so instead of improving your nails they may actually make your nails weak and brittle.
Our hospital has a policy against acrylic nails and so they should. Another thread on this subject brought up the fact that bacteria under acrylic nails spread infection in a hospital nursery and several babies died. I sure wouldn't want to be responsible for causing something like that.
llg, PhD, RN
13,469 Posts
Regardless of what any of us think, the CDC has recommended against them, based on the most current research. My hospital will be outlawing all nail adornments except for intact polish as of June 1st. No ifs, ands, or buts.
llg