Let's talk dress code. I am certain that everyone has an opinion on this topic. We can discuss nursing whites versus colors or clogs versus gym shoes, but that is just too mundane! Let's dig deeper.
Let's talk tattoos! Or, how about unnatural hair color? Oh, and piercings! That's right, let's talk about some controversial dress code topics.
The Stats
While it is difficult to find statistics on hair color, piercing and tattoo statistics for the general population is quite easy to find.
It is estimated that 42% of all adults in the U.S. have at least one tattoo. 83% of all adults have had their earlobes pierced, 72% of which are female. There is an additional 14% of the U.S. population who have a body piercing other than their earlobes.
What does this mean? Well, quite simply - it means there are a lot of people who believe that self-expression through body art is acceptable. It means that people, regardless of education, socioeconomic status or occupation, have tattoos and piercings.
Nurses are no different. Many nurses, doctors, and other healthcare personnel have tattoos, body piercings and colorful hair. But, should they?
Historical Perspective
Long gone are the days of white uniform skirts, nursing caps, hose and plain shoes. The idea was that uniformity made nurses easy to identify. Hospitals and other healthcare facilities also used the all-white nurse dress code to reflect a certain image. After all, nurses were and still are the most trusted professionals around.
However, over the years, colorful scrubs in a variety of patterns have replaced the traditional white nurse uniform. Now, in a society that supports self-expression and individuality, we are still questioning the role of the uniform for nursing professionals.
Patients' Opinions
While the research is limited, one study done in 2012 looked at how patients' perceived patient care providers with tattoos and or body piercings. In this study, patients were shown images of male and female patient care providers in uniform with and without tattoos and/or non-earlobe body piercings.
The results?
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Patients perceived the patient care providers with visible tattoos and/or body piercings as less caring, confident, reliable, attentive, cooperative, professional, efficient and approachable.
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Patients perceived females with tattoos to be less professional than male patient care providers with similar tattoos.
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Patients also felt that female patient care providers with visible non-earlobe piercings were less confident, professional, efficient and approachable than females with no body piercings.
Did the patients get it right? Most of us can think of at least one tatted-up nurse who can run circles around their non-tattooed counterpart, so is there any validity in this thinking? Is this where we are today?
A New Era
Some people may feel that we are on the verge of a new era when it comes to tattoos, hair color and piercing policies for hospital staff. According to Becker Hospital Review, as of January 1, 2018, Mayo Clinic has instituted a new dress code.
Becker Hospital Review reports that under this new rule, tattoos "may be visible if the images or words do not convey violence, discrimination, profanity or sexually explicit content. Tattoos containing such messages must be covered with bandages, clothing or cosmetics. Mayo Clinic reserves the right to judge the appearance of visible tattoos".
Mayo Clinic has long been known for its professional appearance and conduct of employees. The hospital continues to stress that all employees are expected to project a professional appearance and demeanor.
Mayo Clinic is not the first or the last healthcare facility that will change their dress code policy. Industries outside of healthcare have been feeling this shift for many years. There are simply many people in healthcare that feel that allowing these forms of self-expression will make patients feel uncomfortable or less trusting of the staff in general.
How Do You Feel?
Do you have tattoos? If so, have you ever felt judged by administration, other healthcare professionals or patients because of your tattoos or piercings?
Do you believe that nurses and other healthcare professionals should not have visible tattoos or piercings or keep them covered? I would love to hear how you feel.
