nurses and fake nails

crysobrn · Mar 28, 2007

We are not supposed to wear nailpolish or rings (they do allow a wedding band). But we had a nurse that was a traveler several years back that had fake nails that were painted and I think they had a gem on each. It was gross. I was always worried about her patients as we work in OB., if it was my cervix I'd tell her to stay away!! Eventually our director talked to her about the nails and her contract was up anyway so she left.

Lorie P. · Mar 28, 2007

:lol2: i have also been known to wipe my id badge down( with the germacide solution we use for cleaning) after if has fallen into some pretty nasty stuff, won't even go there:uhoh3: also what about when a pt is usually confused and has terrible cooties and like to grab onto you name badge to look at it while you are doing an assessment or treatment??

call me a cleaning freak but at least i do clean!

Pumpkin1621 · Mar 28, 2007

One issue with clear (or colored) nail polish lies in that it harbors a lot of germs in tiny cracks (not noticeable to the eye) which are not that easy to wash off. Rings, watches also hide bacteria and make it almost impossible to wash your hands properly!
Anna

Oh thanks Anna!

Speaking of watches harboring bacteria, I have also heard it is good to wear the watches that clip to a pocket or lapel. What do you guys think of those? Are they easily accessible? Does anyone have a link to their favorite?

kate1969 · Mar 28, 2007

at my facility there is a policy for nails/nailpolish and no one adheres to it, but it seems as though administration would rather focus on cellphones and their usage in patient rooms, though I hate that too and its another topic on its own, but they focus more on that than on fingernails...not to mention our time clock, you have to punch in your code, then stick your finger there so the clock can scan it to make sure it's you...talk about germy.....I would worry about that one more than cellphones too...hehe, sorry...had to say it though

Sweden · Mar 28, 2007

We are not supposed to wear nailpolish or rings (they do allow a wedding band).

How can the hospital/unit say rings are not allowed and still be ok with wedding bands? Bacteria/germs don´t know the difference between rings!

If you have seen a culture (sorry, not sure about the correct word) made from a ring, why on earth would you want to wear them at work? It´s not just for the patients sake, I would not want all that bacteria to travel back home with me.....

Anna

Gromit · Mar 28, 2007

Well, I doubt they could enforce a ban on wedding bands. Your argument makes total sense, and is logical to boot, but wedding rings/bands tend to transcend that kind of reasoning. Tradition, religion, take your pick, but I know I'm NOT taking mine off -and in fact, I don't know of anyone else who does either. I don't wear watches (don't even own one) or neclaces or anything like that.

Sweden · Mar 29, 2007

Well, I doubt they could enforce a ban on wedding bands. Your argument makes total sense, and is logical to boot, but wedding rings/bands tend to transcend that kind of reasoning. Tradition, religion, take your pick, but I know I'm NOT taking mine off -and in fact, I don't know of anyone else who does either. I don't wear watches (don't even own one) or neclaces or anything like that.

Not complying with rules are ground for termination of employment at our hospital and I actually think it´s right! This is for your and the patient´s sake.....

Like I said before visitors and parents (or patients, but since I only take care of babies that´s not an issue here) are not allowed there´s either.

Necklaces, earrings are allowed, simply because they don´t come in contact with patients.

Anna

allnurses Guide · Mar 29, 2007

Oh thanks Anna!
Speaking of watches harboring bacteria, I have also heard it is good to wear the watches that clip to a pocket or lapel. What do you guys think of those? Are they easily accessible? Does anyone have a link to their favorite?

You can get cheap pocket watches with a chain that will hook to your waist band for under $10, at Walmart or anyplace that sells watches. They look nice, and if they get ruined you aren't out much.

Gromit · Mar 29, 2007

Not complying with rules are ground for termination of employment at our hospital and I actually think it´s right! This is for your and the patient´s sake.....
Like I said before visitors and parents (or patients, but since I only take care of babies that´s not an issue here) are not allowed there´s either.
Necklaces, earrings are allowed, simply because they don´t come in contact with patients.
Anna

Then I am ok. My wedding band does not come in contact with any patient. I ALWAYS (and I do mean that) wear gloves. I've yet to see ANY place include wedding bands in a 'banned' list. I've always figured that was because wedding bands are smooth (no jewels on 'em to snag or tear). In all honesty, I never really gave it much thought. But if such a thing were suddenly 'banned' and if they suddenly began to enforce it, there are other places to work.

Pumpkin1621 · Mar 29, 2007

You can get cheap pocket watches with a chain that will hook to your waist band for under $10, at Walmart or anyplace that sells watches. They look nice, and if they get ruined you aren't out much.

Thanks JBudd

gt4everpn, BSN, RN · Mar 29, 2007

I know fake nails are a huge no no... but what about wearing nail polish in general? I heard that bacteria can harbor in your nails if your nail polish is chipped. What do y'all think? Is nail polish ok?

I love to wear nail polish and fake nails sometimes too but I don't think chipped nail polish can harbor bacteria, nail polish is only a thin layer and I don't think bacteria can stay under there very long especially if your washing your hands. Nails of course can't be past a certain length and thats because there's room for bacteria to grow under there.

nj1grlcrus · Mar 30, 2007

fake nails spread germs and are responsible for many nosocomial infections, do the research. They may LOOK neat and clean, but they can kill you pt. No joke, i remember a bunch of years ago, when they were blamed for an infection that spread through a nursery.