Niqab/gloves

livefully · May 4, 2014

Where do you live? I think wearing niqab is noble, but a bit impractical if you are practicing in a hospital outside of the ME. Patients/employers/co-workers might take issue with something they don't understand.

Good luck!

Asiyah · May 4, 2014

I have specialized in Native American Studies, so I am looking to work possibly with the Indian Health Service. I did many clinicals at the VA, also, during my ADN program, and I never had any negative interaction- as a matter-of-fact, I had many positive experiences. While I have been working on my BSN, I decided to wear niqab. It's not very common here, but I have lived in Philadelphia, and it is much more common there. I have not ruled out moving back up there and working in law again. Believe me, I don't do this to cause trouble for anyone.

livefully · May 4, 2014

I'm impressed and happy that you had positive experiences with the niqab. I was just responding bc you mentioned you had issues with hijab.

In any case, good luck with whatever you decide to do :)

Asiyah · May 4, 2014

The only negative experience was that one of the local hospitals questioned infection control. Also, when I was a CNA, I was made to remove my hijab for an ID, which I shouldn't have had to do. Other than that, most people see it as "permission", I guess, to talk about religion or spirituality. So, overall, it is positive. And thank you for your response. I am nervous during this time of transition.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · May 4, 2014

I have specialized in Native American Studies, so I am looking to work possibly with the Indian Health Service. I did many clinicals at the VA, also, during my ADN program, and I never had any negative interaction- as a matter-of-fact, I had many positive experiences. While I have been working on my BSN, I decided to wear niqab. It's not very common here, but I have lived in Philadelphia, and it is much more common there. I have not ruled out moving back up there and working in law again. Believe me, I don't do this to cause trouble for anyone.

I don't think facilities have issues with you religious beliefs and dress....however for security purposes and covering your face might cause a problem with the facility. I think the population you seek to help might not view this favorably. I know many patients are fine with an amira hijab and a shyla but the niqab might pose a problem. Wearing gloves is a CDC facility requirement for infectious purposes.

Have you asked your community/religious mentor about this? I have known many Muslim nurses who observe a different religious attire while working and return to a more conservative attire when outside of work.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · May 4, 2014

I work w/ some Muslim RNs/MDs/RTs/CNAs who wear a hijab or amira, and as far as I know haven't been given a hard time about it--for infection control or other reason. I think the niqab would be problematic though, because patients and visitors can't identify you as the rightful wearer of your badge--i.e. Asiyah, RN/staff nurse at Your Facility. That's a basic security measure in any facility. This is especially true for certain areas like mother-baby or peds. I've been a postpartum patient several times myself, and they always tell you "Do not let anyone take your baby without verifying their badge."

If you haven't, talk to your imam. Also find out the policies where you end up working.

Gloves, there's no way around. You have to, for the safety of you and your patients, and for the requirements set forth by the CDC.

Congratulations on finishing school! :nurse:

livefully · May 4, 2014

The above posters said what I was trying to say in a much better way, lol.

Asiyah · May 4, 2014

Thank you, everyone, for your responses. One problem is that we currently have no imam. I do see your point about identification, and I've already found out that one has to be pragmatic about the niqab. Religion is not supposed to place hardship on the practitioner. However, I have studied the rulings on niqab and feel that it is required of me. I only want to follow my religion as best I can, and if I must work and cannot find employment that will allow this, then I will have to remove it. But in that case I feel that I am fearing man and not God. God is most forgiving, and God knows best.

wheeliesurfer · May 5, 2014

My other concern (from a non-muslim point of view) with the Niqab besides identification, would be the potential of disease transmission from patient to patient, esp if you are in and out of iso rooms. If you have a pt who is on contact/droplet precautions you can easily wear the gown and gloves, but unlike a disposable mask, the Niqab would not be removed and disposed of prior to exiting the iso room to prevent the spread of that contagion. I would think this would be the most problematic in pts who have pna or other resp issues that cause them to be on droplet precautions, as well as pts who require sxn of a trach, of the oral cavity, etc.

Congratulations on finishing your BSN, and good luck to you in your future career. I commend you for following your religious beliefs.

kungpoopanda · May 5, 2014

OP, I'm confused. What do you mean by "I don't see how I could wear gloves with hand hygeine issues."?

Asiyah · May 5, 2014

Thank you. Isolation would definitely have to be addressed. I can definitely see the niqab as presenting a problem there. I wonder how this is handled in Britain where there are niqabis who work in hospital settings.