New grad doesn't like new job!

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I have always enjoyed caring for people. I have been a children's nanny for the last 4 years and decided to take "caring" to a professional level and become a nurse. I just completed my LPN program, and started working at a doctors office to gain some experience before I go back to school and get my RN.

I have been at my new job for 3 weeks and it is NOTHING like I thought it would be. Lots of paperwork, and phone work and doing things for the docs, very little patient interaction.

I had an evaluation today, and was told that I am very smart and good at my technical skills. I was told I needed to work on my customer service skills (ie butt kissing to patients and doctors). No problems there I guess...then they really threw me for a loop...My biggest problem is my appearance!

Let me preface this by saying that I am in no way I slob. I am very clean, good hygiene, no wrinked clothing, hair always tied back in a pony tail. I wear foundation and lipgloss only and prefer a natural look. The supervisor basically told me I need to try new hairstyles and experiment with makeup to find a more "professional look."

I was floored. I got into nursing to help people, to make sick people feel better. I am certainly not one spend a lot of time in the bathroom each morning. I feel silly even writing this. I had no idea that how I looked would affect my job in the healthcare field and possibly get me fired. We are to meet at the end of next week to re-evaluate.

I cannot get into the RN program until next fall (2009!)...I dont know what to do. Clearly this office is not for me, as I am looking for a job that is more patient centered. I can quit my job and nanny until I become an RN and work in a hospital (LPNs are not hired in KS hospitals)...I would take a cut in pay and lose my health insurance though.

Or I could try a nursing home job, or possibly even a new doctors office in a different part of town (this office is located in a "rich" area)...

Any advice? If you've read this far you are a saint (sorry so long!)

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Well ... I think there is not all that much to say, really. The job you took is one that is less about taking care of the patients and more about being in the "customer service" business. That isn't why you went into nursing and not a type of work that you seem to want to do.

My advice is to try to improve a bit in the appearance department so that you can keep your job a while longer -- while you look for one that is more suited to your interests. Get a new hair style. Wear a little make-up. Buy a new uniform/scrubs or whatever ... and "tough it out" while you search for something else.

Have you considered a home health agency? There might be some kids who need home services that you could provide -- combining your nanny experience with your nursing skills.

Good luck!

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

That's weird, having makeup and hairstyles requirements. I don't even wear makeup, they would hate me! Just work on the people skills and leave it at that. New hairstyles? Good grief.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

I agree that this seems rather petty. But I think if you can force yourself to play the game you could make it work for you. Buy a pretty barrette, twist your hair up and secure it with the barrette. Voila, new "professional" hairstyle. Swipe on a coat of mascara. Some tasteful gold or pearl post earrings and well-fitting scrubs and no one could complain. And you're still ready in minutes.

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Specializes in Telemetry, CCU.

This probably isn't a realistic answer, but the rebel in me is saying forget them, keep going to work how you have been and if they have a problem with it, let them fire you and then sue them for violating your equal opportunity rights!! I know that's not going to happen, but seriously, there are laws protecting against crap like that. That's just horrible, I wouldn't be able to work for people like that. I quit a job one time because the manager sent me an annonymous letter saying I had a hygeine problem, blah blah blah (I was a smoker at the time). If I really had a hygeine problem, I'm sure my mom would have told me (my mom was floored when I showed her the letter btw). Anyway, I can't stand people who are so petty like that, forget them (although I'd use a stronger word if I could :banghead:)

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Specializes in LTC.

Talk about a kick in the ego! :sstrs:

I agree with another poster, though. Find a quick updo for your hair add a little color to your cheeks or lips. It won't change your look too much and won't take much time. Then you can say that you did what they told you to do. If your supervisor wants more from you, ask her for a gift certificate to a beauty salon or scrub store. I hope this isn't too personal but how is your self-esteem? Maybe all you need to perk up your appearance is a smile and a "happy" personality.

I hope you find your job more satisfying in the future.

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Specializes in Rodeo Nursing (Neuro).

I think you just need to find a new supervisor. Sheesh!

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.
This probably isn't a realistic answer, but the rebel in me is saying forget them, keep going to work how you have been and if they have a problem with it, let them fire you and then sue them for violating your equal opportunity rights!! I know that's not going to happen, but seriously, there are laws protecting against crap like that. That's just horrible, I wouldn't be able to work for people like that. I quit a job one time because the manager sent me an annonymous letter saying I had a hygeine problem, blah blah blah (I was a smoker at the time). If I really had a hygeine problem, I'm sure my mom would have told me (my mom was floored when I showed her the letter btw). Anyway, I can't stand people who are so petty like that, forget them (although I'd use a stronger word if I could :banghead:)

The rebel in me agrees. If the OP is truly clean and well-groomed, without excessess make-up or perfume, she should be acceptable. Demanding a new hairstyle doesn't sound even legal if it wasn't mentioned when hired. It also sounds sexist, unless they also give fashion tips to the men as well.

On the other hand, as Jan says, just putting it up in a tasteful bun might be the best choice just to get through the next year with the least amount of hassle.

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As a jaded old-timer (who doesn't wear make-up or a fashionable hairstyle), I would say to do what you have to in order to stay on good terms at your present job while you look for other opportunities. It makes sense that you don't want to keep working there, but don't burn any bridges you don't have to!

When interviewing for other jobs, the usual tasteful cliché that we use (when asked why you're looking for another job so soon) is "I'm finding that the job and I aren't a good fit." Be careful not to sound defensive, or to blame your current employer for your dissatisfaction -- and try to avoid getting into details (that's when we start sounding picky and defensive :)) There are lots of positive reasons you can offer for why, at this point in your career, you'd rather be working someplace other than a doctor's office!

Best wishes! :)

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Specializes in oncology, trauma, home health.

I AM SO SURE!

They hired you with those looks didn't they?

I am really curious to know what the person who suggested this looks like.

I TOTALLY disagree with the posters who say put on a little make up and do your hair different, that sounds like my mom. She hates long hair, I looked like a boy until I was 15 and grew it out.

I say screw 'em and find a different job.

I mean, if you look professional that should be enough, right?

Clean short nails,, clean not worn-out scrubs, non-scuffed shoes and no foul odors. Next they'll offer to have your teeth whitened for you, oh yeah and breast augmentation along with a tummy tuck.

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This has to be one of the most offensive things I've heard yet. Get a new hairstyle?? You are not a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader tryout contestant, you are an LPN in a doc office.

I could not begin to imagine someone saying that to me. That has to be illegal.

Maybe some people (me) think big done up hair and flashy makeup looks UNPROFESSIONAL!!!!!

:down::no:

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

I have a purple streak in my hair... me, the "old lady" of peds ICU. My management hasn't made any complaint about it, and one even said they think it makes me more approachable for adolescents. I did it for fun about a year ago, and now it's going to be there for a long time.

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