Muslim nursing students

[mtcowgirl]

Have any Muslim nursing students had problems wearing a hijab to class or clinical. I am worried about being asked to take mine off for class.

[mtcowgirl]

How is it not an infection control issue? Umm let's see you go from patient to patient with your sleeves brushing against everything and then move to the next patient. Sure you wash your hands but I personally wash the length of my arm for better sanitation. Plus going home in those sleeves is just gross

You can't wash your sleeve mid shift...

This is the norm for the ICUs and ERs I've been in...

For the OP just check with your school and the hospital policies

I will. By the sounds of what I am reading I will have a hard time covering up and should look into other careers as well.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

In the US, it would be illegal for them to request that you remove your hijab. I don't see an issue with the long sleeves either- I've worn long sleeves under my scrubs forever. In school and in every job I've ever had. It's cold up here in the winter. If you are in an area that doesn't allow outside clothes (when I was in school this was the OR, L&D and the NICU [though I know this isn't true of all NICUs]) they have hospital supplied long sleeved scrub jackets as well or sterile paper gowns.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

How is it not an infection control issue? Umm let's see you go from patient to patient with your sleeves brushing against everything and then move to the next patient. Sure you wash your hands but I personally wash the length of my arm for better sanitation. Plus going home in those sleeves is just gross

You can't wash your sleeve mid shift...

This is the norm for the ICUs and ERs I've been in...

For the OP just check with your school and the hospital policies

What do you suggest nurses wear in the dead of winter?

[Do-over, ASN, RN]

I wear long sleeves pretty much everyday at work. Its cold up here.

If my sleeves are dirty, what about the rest of my scrubs? I am sitting on chairs, leaning on beds, supporting patients physically, etc.

I went to school with several Muslim women, and see them in the workplace often, some with hijab, some without. However, it is more "normal" in some areas as opposed to others.

I do not think it is something that should prevent you from pursuing nursing.

[springchick1, ADN, RN]

How is it not an infection control issue? Umm let's see you go from patient to patient with your sleeves brushing against everything and then move to the next patient. Sure you wash your hands but I personally wash the length of my arm for better sanitation. Plus going home in those sleeves is just gross You can't wash your sleeve mid shift... This is the norm for the ICUs and ERs I've been in... For the OP just check with your school and the hospital policies

Then what about your pens, watch, stethoscope, scrubs, shoes, etc. Anything you wear has the possibility of coming in contact with a patient and being taken into another room.

[mtcowgirl]

In the US it would be illegal for them to request that you remove your hijab. I don't see an issue with the long sleeves either- I've worn long sleeves under my scrubs forever. In school and in every job I've ever had. It's cold up here in the winter. If you are in an area that doesn't allow outside clothes (when I was in school this was the OR, L&D and the NICU [though I know this isn't true of all NICUs']) they have hospital supplied long sleeved scrub jackets as well or sterile paper gowns.

Thank you. I have heard of it happening tho.

[mtcowgirl]

I wear long sleeves pretty much everyday at work. Its cold up here.

If my sleeves are dirty, what about the rest of my scrubs? I am sitting on chairs, leaning on beds, supporting patients physically, etc.

I went to school with several Muslim women, and see them in the workplace often, some with hijab, some without. However, it is more "normal" in some areas as opposed to others.

I do not think it is something that should prevent you from pursuing nursing.

Thanks. For me tho being covered is a huge issue.

[Orizza]

Then what about your pens watch, stethoscope, scrubs, shoes, etc. Anything you wear has the possibility of coming in contact with a patient and being taken into another room.[/quote']

Your pens, watch, and stethoscope can be cleaned between patients. I highly doubt you're rubbing your feet or legs on someone. With long sleeves it's pretty easy to accidentally touch someone with them, and you can't really wash/dry your shirt between patients.

[Do-over, ASN, RN]

Thanks. For me tho being covered is a huge issue.

I see that, I still don't think it should stop you. I am not Muslim, but wear long sleeves almost everyday. OR nurses wear head coverings - why on Earth couldn't you.

Even if you run into some small minded people that cause problems, there are a hundred different areas nurses can work in.

Good luck.

[mtcowgirl]

I see that, I still don't think it should stop you. I am not Muslim, but wear long sleeves almost everyday. OR nurses wear head coverings - why on Earth couldn't you.

Even if you run into some small minded people that cause problems, there are a hundred different areas nurses can work in.

Good luck.

I understand but if it is going to be to much of a problem or I can't cover up it's not worth it for me. Nursing wasn't my top choice in career it's not even in my top 5. My family wants me to pursue nursing because it pays better than my top 5. They want me out of poverty.

[Do-over, ASN, RN]

If you don't want to do it, then don't. The money, although a living wage for most of us, is not nearly enough to compensate us for the jobs we do.

I really love what I do, but I question my decision to become a nurse at least once a month.

[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

Your pens, watch, and stethoscope can be cleaned between patients.

Can be cleaned /=/ are cleaned.