What constitutes "professional appearance" these days?

eatmysoxRN, ASN, RN · Sep 21, 2012

I am exhausted with tattoos being dissed. After seeing all the nasty stuff that comes along in a hospital, a tattoo is really what you are concerned about?

Please complain when your nurse does not wash her hands. Complain when her hair dips in a sterile field. Complain if fake eyelashes fall on you. But please don't complain about make up and tattoos. It is ridiculous and you sound ignorant and judgmental.

okranurse · Sep 21, 2012

I also disagree with the comments about makeup and tattoos, however, I must say I don't really like the trend I am also seeing with people wearing long hair down. It is unsanitary. Hopefully, they pull it back before actual patient care. I can understand where they may be coming from--headaches are common when you wear a ponytail all day--and it is damaging to the hair itself. However, just like the comment about getting bodily fluids on it, I think they will have second thoughts the first time a confused/hysterical/angry/intoxicated/whatever patient gets a fistful...

fsh1986 · Sep 21, 2012

I wear my hair down, and it's a little past shoulder length BUT I put it up before walking into the room to do an assessment, pass meds, etc. If it's a patient on any type of isolation, my hair goes up before entering the room regardless of what I'm doing in there... But once I'm back in the hall, it comes down. I get headaches often enough with exacerbating the issue by having my hair up for 12+ hours.

DWAngel · Sep 22, 2012

I am an new/older nurse as this is my second career. I have always thought no matter what your job look presentable. I work in a clinic setting where tattoos are to be covered which I have no problem with. Most of my patients are elderly and have strong opionions on tatoos. I don't have any nor do I want any but this is a different generation today.

I do wear makeup every day and do not wear my hair pulled back (did that in school) but it is not in my eyes either. My scrubs are always clean and pressed.

The bottom line to me is present yourself in a professional manner, you never know about those lost first impressions.

FMF Corpsman, MSN, RN · Sep 22, 2012

I'm somewhat surprised no one even mentioned piercings, of any type. Surely, it isn't because everyone agrees they venture beyond professional and have no business in a workplace setting. I know institutional dress codes prohibited them where ever I worked, but that was eons ago comparatively. Even ear piercings were limited to two, in each ear and tongue piercings were prohibited outright, as were any other visibly notable piercings on the face or body, during working hours. All of these other current adornments such as the large rings in the ears and rings in the nose, etc, would be considered extraneous body art and not have a place in the business setting. I can understand individuals wanting to express themselves, but I think they should do so on their own time, not while they are at work and while they are dealing with patients. Patients have every right to expect their caregivers to present themselves in a manner that they are accustomed to, not in any old way the caregiver chooses to present themselves. It is up to the Institution to set this standard and they do so with the dress code, and the employee agrees to abide by that dress code, whether it's about piercings, uniforms, hairstyles or lengths, what have you; when they come to work at that facility.

marsy82 · Sep 22, 2012

Before I read the whole question I actually thought you were going to say you had a nurse who had terrible BO or ratty hair extensions flicking everywhere. A nurse who takes the time to apply make-up, do her hair and look like she is in-fact human is a good nurse in my books - regardless of hairstyle, tattoos, body piercings etc. We don't live in an era where nurses are treated like scumbags anymore and they shouldn't have to look like one either!

okranurse · Sep 25, 2012

can't say I have ever seen a nurse wearing visible body piercings other than on ears anywhere I have been. part of institutional policy here though. altho I do seem to be seeing a lot of big earrings on some floors. again, if you want a torn lobe, go right ahead...your risk, not mine.

Quit Floating Me, BSN, RN · Sep 25, 2012

Nope. I like the old fogey theory. :x3:

I love wearing makeup. I spend a lot of money on MAC and I will wear it. I wear nice, clean scrubs although the pants are always too long and touch the floor. I love my crocs with holes in them. I don't wear my hair up. It is almost shoulder length. I also have tons of tattoos on my wrists and neck. And I am always commented on them. They are not unsanitary at all. Lol. What foolishness!!

BubblegumVegan · Dec 14, 2012

I believe you can wear make-up and have tattoos and still be professional. But if most of your face is caked in make-up (and let's not forget obnoxious colors) or if you are tanned a brilliant hue of Oompa-Loompa orange, then I think that's more trashy than anything. But never judge a book by its cover; what matters is professional behavior. Now, some things like the untamed long hair and fake nails are a sanitary issue- that's not debatable and no matter what you're going to have to follow the rules of the facility.

I have to admit, some places are far more leniant than others. At my hospital, they'll throw you out the door for visible tattoos.

jmmiller · Dec 14, 2012

Ok I'm a nurse I wear my hair pulled back for personal preference some time I wear make up sometimes not. I have several tattoos one on fact is a tattoo commemorating the day I became licensed as a registered nurse. None of those things decide how competent I am as a nurse. I think you should really step back and not judge a book by its cover just like not all blondes are stupid and not all red heads have a horrible temper.

Christel-LPN-08 · Dec 14, 2012

I have a tattoo on my left wrist! I don't wear a watch all the time! Never have I had a pt in the ER or on the nursing report me or turn me in to my supervisor for having a showing tattoo! Actually many have commented to my face and asked the meaning of this! It says "I am a survivor" no picture just words! I proudly show that small tattoo off to everyone who asks even to my patients!

sharonp30 · Dec 18, 2012

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Among today's latest tattoo craze is "tribal tattoos", which are pure paganism. Tribal tattoos are designs that bear serious symbolic mystical and occult meanings. Tribal tattoos, especially, are possible channels into spiritual and demonic possession.

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I just had to post this from the same author that the OP sited. I think this will explain it all. HAHA