Nail biting & nursing- bad match!

jetscreamer101 · Jul 9, 2006

I bit my nails for a long time too. I made a concious decision not to bite them anymore. It was rough, but I did it. I tried to grow them long, but they start breaking at a certain point so I keep them pretty short. I've even gotten a manicure a few times. Bonus is that my hands look much better now.

Gr8ful C · Jul 10, 2006

I pick at the skin around my nails and the cuticles - sometimes until they bleed. I'm not in nursing school yet, but I have been working on this and what works for me is hand lotion - I constantly moisturize and it seems to help. Don't know if that helps you.

C

capribry · Jul 10, 2006

Sorry for going off topic but I have a bad habit too!! I don't bite my nails but I am always picking at my lips and my hair. I always rub my lips to make sure they are smooth and that they aren't chapped and if they are, I end up picking at them. I slowed down kinda since I use to do it so much that it made my lip bleed a couple of time and then it will end up dark at that area. I don't know why I pick at my face so much, I guess it is to make sure that there is nothing wrong with it.

PennyNickelDime_RN · Jul 25, 2006

I usually don't bite my nails anymore but there are times of stress when I do. Since you have a month before school starts this is what has worked for me. I put fake glue on nails on my nails and in a months time the nail underneath has grown out. If you keep your nails trimed short and perhaps put clear polish on and even treat yourself to a manicure every now and then, it will help you not to bite them down to the quick. Give it a try, has worked for me every time. Just remember, can't have fake nails on once school starts. Good luck, it's a hard habit to break.

HisTreasure, BSN, RN · Jul 25, 2006

Unfortunately, I must admit I am a nail biter as well, have been for as long as I can remember. When I was about 14 my mom wised up and started getting my nails done. She let me get any airbrushed design I wanted and my fingers looked long and beautfiul like pianists fingers. I kept up the tips and manicures until I got married, at that time I stopped because it was a luxury that even at $20 a pop we really couldn't afford every two weeks. Plus, time became a premium as I became a mother. I resorted back to the nail biting. In nursing school I stopped for a time when clinicals started...but stresses, perfectionism, and habit alone brought the nastiness back on. Now, I am going back to work in a few weeks. I am going to make it my priority to get my hair and nails done on a regular basis, even if it means forfeiting my lunch hour to do it or keeping the kids in daycare for an extra hour or two. You are right, it is a terrible habit and unfortunately for me, the ONLY thing that worked for me was getting the artificial tips.

I tried the cheapie ones in the store a few times but I am pretty active and they would start popping off within a couple of days.

moongirl · Jul 25, 2006

I think a few times of cleaning up poo or vomit should cure your habit. I dont even touch my face anymore!!!!!!!!!!!!

mt33133 · Jul 26, 2006

So, I know that nail biting doesn't really go with nursing. I will be starting my first year this fall and have been biting my nails since I was a 1st grader (I am in my early 30s now). I have stopped for short periods of time...especially when I was taking Microbiology! But now I REALLY have to stop.
Anybody out there successfully stop biting your nails? How did you do it? Any tips would help...
thanks!

I completely understand!! I was in the same position as you however I am trying to break two bad habits at the same time before nursing school starts - nail biting and smoking!!! Ugh!!

As for the nail biting get some of the Sally Hansen nail products, they work wonders for people who have brittle, peely nails from years of biting. I have four or five different kinds, Miracle cure for Severe Problem Nails, Age Correct Growth Treatment, Nailgrowth Miracle, Sally Hansen Hard As Nails. I just make it a habit to paint my nails with these clear concoctions once a day. Once they started to grow out and actually look nice instead of carpenter hands I took more pride in keeping my nails looking nice.

Good luck!

htrn · Jul 27, 2006

I hate to be the party pooper here girls, but long nails, nail polish, chipped nail polish and fake nails (in that order) are from bad to worse as far as growing nastly little bugs.

Our hospital policy is fingernails have to be short (1/4" past tip of finger), no nail polish - not even clear or a neutral color, absolutely no fake fingernails. Also one very simple wedding ring only - and none if you work in the nursery or OR.

Been a nurse for four years, still a terrible biter. But, I sure know how to wash the heck out of my hands. I can't stand the taste of the etoh hand gels though:barf02: