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!)
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!!!!!
I agree! Being too done up in the day makes me think one thing: CHEAP! Like that person hasn't been home from last nights club romp yet! You work at a doctors office not a gentleman's club, I think this is an issue for HR! Although such unprofessional behavior from your supervisor leads me to think there is probably no HR at your office!
What the... are you SERIOUS??? Your manager wants you to change your hair and makeup??? I'm shocked beyond belief. You aren't a flight attendant (I used to be one) where appearances are everything despite the fact that you're really there to protect the passengers.
I'm literally stunned. You could file a complaint with management for this sort of statement. Is this person insane? I'm just trying to think of a reason why anybody would make this sort of comment to a competent nurse who is clean and doesn't smell bad. Is this some sort of Stepford Wives floor???
Ok... time to tell your manager that her requests are not reasonable or simply transfer out. My goodness... I work around some people who look and smell hideous but they are never asked to change their appearance or apply more antiperspirant.
Do not give in and do as she asked. This is sheer manipulation and some freakish power trip on her part. Whether she knows it or admits it or not, this manager is looking to see how far she can go with her position/power.
Whoops... I just reread your post and saw that you worked in a doc's office. My brain couldn't get past the whole ridiculousness of the request to register where you worked.
My goodness... find a new job! I know how hard it is for doc offices to hire good, competent MAs and LPNs. You are a treasure for any practice!
Take a few days off and hit the streets with your resume. Then type up a nice and professional resignation letter ready to hand in. Don't forget to spritz it with some perfume. They should adore that attractive touch. :stone
This reminds me of time I was in nursing school and an instructor told our learning community that "even if you work night shift, make an effort to do your hair and make up so the families dont think your a slob".
Because you know those 24 weekers care if their nurse has on lipgloss.
I say start looking for a new job asap! Apparently, you got a job at the Macy's cosmetics counter and not a health care facility! That advice to try new hairstyles and makeup (providing, as you said, you were groomed and clean) is outrageous. Why don't they just make you wear white hosiery and pin a nursing cap on your head while they're at it! I can't imagine them saying this to a man. It all sounds so bizarre.
Nurse Salt
330 Posts
I agree! Being too done up in the day makes me think one thing: CHEAP! Like that person hasn't been home from last nights club romp yet! You work at a doctors office not a gentleman's club, I think this is an issue for HR! Although such unprofessional behavior from your supervisor leads me to think there is probably no HR at your office!