Nose Piercing?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

When becoming a nurse can you have a small nose piercing?

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Dear Nose Piercing,

The short answer is- it depends. It depends on the employer and the dress code

at each facility. In the working world, you must dress according to the established norm.

Norms vary across the country.

Some facilities are stricter than others, and allow only a wedding ring and post/stud earrings.

Others require that visible tattoos are covered. There are many ways to comply with dress codes, such as flesh-colored sleeves or thin long sleeved shirts for arm tattoos. Flesh-colored tape and high coverage makeup can conceal neck tattoos.

You may be required to take your nose ring or stud out while at work or school, and then find a way to keep the opening from closing off while the jewelry is out.

You will find that nursing schools are often stricter than employers. Many do not allow facial piercings. If you do not yet have a nose piercing, you may want to wait until after nursing school to get one.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

I have had a nostril piercing for 14+ years. I wear a nearly invisible clear retainer in the piercing while at work to comply with hospital policy. I have had a couple of Nursing Jobs that did not prohibit a nostril piercing, so I wore something small and unobtrusive.

[gatorgirl8888]

I've had a nostril piercing for a few years now and when I work I put in the clear piercing. No one can tell I have my nose pierced.

[idpRN]

My nose was pierced 25 years ago when I went to nursing school, I had to take it out for clinicals. It has been in my entire career including management positions, no one has ever mentioned it.