Nose Piercing

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Okay; a woman I went to school with showed up at orientation today with her nose pierced. She said she had it done about three weeks ago because it was one of those things that she always wanted to do. I am not sure how old she is, but she must be near my age (42). At the end of the day, she pulled me aside and asked me if I thought that she should take it out to look more professional. I didn't really know what to say-there's no policy against it at the hosp. as far as I know, and I asked her if anyone had said anything to her. She said "no"-except for a couple of funny looks-but she did say that she had it done AFTER her job interviews, and AFTER she had accepted the job offer. I suggested that she go with her "gut" feeling-but I feel like I should have given her better advice, what do all of you think I should of said? (I'll see her tomorrow and Friday)

Specializes in LTC, Home Health.

The only reason I despise tongue piercing is because it seems like everywhere I go I run into some young girl who thinks it is cute to roll it around between her teeth while taking my order (fast food) or talks funny and does not realize it. I don't think many of these people realize how bad it looks or how bad they sound (but I am sure none of the girls who have tongue piercings think they sound odd). I am not saying ALL I am just saying SOME.

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Specializes in ICU, Emergency Department.
Professionalism means adopting that appearance that your grandmother would approve of...so a nose piericing is probably out...

My grandmother loves my nose ring! (I wear a teensy microstud, which I take out for clinicals but was allowed to wear when employed over the summer as a nurse extern on a floor with at least 2 nurses and 3 aides that had pierced noses)

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They might be permitted if it's a cultural or religious thing.

Over 20 years ago, before nose piercing was mainstream, I worked in an office with a woman who was a native of Bangladesh who wore a diamond in her nose. She also wore native Bangladeshi clothing - knee-length satin tunics with matching pants - which she made herself and they were gorgeous outfits.

I understand that dentists in particular despise tongue and lip piercings because they are constantly having to fix broken teeth caused by these.

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If there are "holes" anyplace else, I don't want to know, unless I have to cath you for some reason.

I temped at a hospital in a college town, and one time a young woman came into the ER after a car accident. When they cut off her clothes, it revealed a large barbell hanging off her privy parts, and the foreign-born doctor was so freaked out, he started babbling in his first language.

:chuckle

I read the rest of the thread, and it had never occurred to me that the Bangladeshi woman's nose stud was maybe a wedding "ring"! I just thought maybe it was a womanhood or religious symbol.

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I am a new RN in my early 30's. While I have a couple of tattoos and a belly ring, they are not visible to the patients I care for. I do not wear any jewelry except for my wedding rings and my watch.

I do believe that nurses should project a professional image while at work. We care for patients from all walks of life and of all ages, many of whom would feel uncomfortable by "extreme" body decorations. I also do not wear any type of body spray or perfume since various scents can be offensive to patients.

I recognized the right of everyone to express themselves on their own time, but while at work should consider the perceptions of those we care for.

Just my :twocents:

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Specializes in CNA/CMA in LTC.

I am a 25 year old new LPN Graduate. During my preceptor at the VA I was not able to wear anything at all besides my wedding ring. (school rules) However the VA employees had piercings, a lot of piercings! And tattoo's displayed everywhere. I do personally have a tiny stud that I would take in and out while on clinical rotations during school, but I do intend on keeping it in while working. I like my piercing and I feel good with it. I still look like a strong confident professional person with it. I let my demeanor and attitude show my person. Not my nose stud. If people judge me by my cover, then that is their opinion and I value it but will not change myself for it either.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Stepdown, Vascular ICU.

I'm an 8mo.old RN, pierced my nose right out of Nsg shcool, but after my interview of course. I have a small stud in when I'm at work that no one noticed until I mentioned it. I asked my manager what she thought, she said she didn't even see it and doesn't mind. Whenever my pt and their family notices it I get nothing but great remarks! I know some may have issues with it r/t professionalism, but if you carry yourself in a professional manner i.e. bedside manner; MD/nurse/co-worker relations, your professionalism will show! BTW there is a PT on my unit who has a big diamond nose stud, but she wears hers for cultural reason and I believe she should be able to for the cultural/religious reasons.

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Specializes in ER; HBOT- lots others.

just because someone has a piecing of any sort does not make them trashy or unacceptable to work. i do believe that eye and lip and those types shouldnt be in the workplace, just makes it look unprofessional. but, a nose piercing isnt IMHO horrid and the end of the world. if you are upset about what you told her, tell her to go talk to DON or NM. tell her what you told us.

she will be fine. and you are fine too!

-H-RN

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Specializes in L&D, QI, Public Health.
just because someone has a piecing of any sort does not make them trashy or unacceptable to work. i do believe that eye and lip and those types shouldnt be in the workplace, just makes it look unprofessional. but, a nose piercing isnt IMHO horrid and the end of the world. if you are upset about what you told her, tell her to go talk to DON or NM. tell her what you told us.

she will be fine. and you are fine too!

-H-RN

I agree. I wanted to get a teeny tiny nose stud, but my job's policy won't allow it. Although, the residents seem to get away with it.

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