Let's talk about acrylic nails ...

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 25, 2003

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

delirium · Mar 25, 2003

They're against policy at my hospital. Also at my nursing school. So guess who doesn't have acrylic nails?

My nails are nice and strong, though. Attractive.... but what I wouldn't give for a full set with a french manicure...

(Or is that a freedom manicure?)

Heather333 · Mar 25, 2003

Originally posted by CHICKTOEAGLE
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.

Heather

jschut, BSN, RN · Mar 25, 2003

I think as long as they are of a decent length and kept nice, why not?:)

SmilingBluEyes · Mar 25, 2003

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.

Heather333 · Mar 25, 2003

Originally posted by SmilingBluEyes
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.

AMEN Deb!!!!!!

oceanblue · Mar 25, 2003

I think that as long as they are a "decent" length & color... GO FOR IT, I see them all the time on nurses.

OBNURSEHEATHER · Mar 25, 2003

Originally posted by llg
Regardless of what any of us think, the CDC has recommended against them, based on the most current research.

Thank you.

SC RN, RN · Mar 25, 2003

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.

Thanks for all the great replies! :)

SmilingBluEyes · Mar 26, 2003

GOOD FOR YOU! that is a smart decision!

kittyw · Mar 26, 2003

SC RN -

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.

K O'Malley · Mar 26, 2003

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.