Opinion question I guess

Creamsoda, ASN, RN · Apr 16, 2007

I beleive that if you keep it clean looking, its fine. They may disagree and may say something about it, but they cant do anything about it. Keep it in a ponytail so it's off your shoulders. Thats what the girls have to do, so why not the guys too.

Cher

nurseangel47 · Apr 16, 2007

Here in the Bible Belt, the deep South, while long hair has been around a long time and personally I am a big fan of long hair whether it is on males or females, I would go for a conservative and clean appearance for clinicals. That way, you won't be embarassed or offended if someone like an instructor or a patient is offended and says something. Clinicals may require you to either cut it shorter or keep it pulled back out of the way in that ponytail you referred to. I've seen physicians with long hair, in a ponytail, though, in the clinical areas. Don't know. You could let it keep growing, then in the first days of your classes, either ask about it for clinical appearance protocol, or just wait and see if they say anything to you about it. Who knows? It may depend on whether or not you get a staunch, uptight professor or a hip, cool one! LOL!

sissyboo · Apr 16, 2007

I think it depends on the instructor and especially, your area. Depending where you live, you may have a few more issues with your hair from patients. But I don't see a problem as long as you keep it pulled back and keep your appearance sharp!! Good Luck!! :cool:

justme1972 · Apr 16, 2007

I start my Accelerated BSN track this May 7th and wanted to get some opinions on my current personal appearance/style. I have always been clean cut and shaved. I still am very will kept just have been growing my hair out lately. I am thinking of pony tailing it hopefully in the next few weeks. Other than that I dress clean cut and am clean shaved. I just wasn't sure how maybe the instructors or such would feel or if its a "No No" for guys to have longer hair in this profession? I have no reason for growing it long other than just to do to it for a change instead of typically barber shop hair cut.
Dumb question I know but just thought I would bounce that off you all.
Thanks

I am a very, very conservative person. However, I think if guys have simple, well-cut (not shaggy) longer hair that is pulled back, and they are clean-shaven, I think this still looks professional.

Too many guys don't realize that once your hair gets longer, it requires more care, more haircuts, etc.

The only thing I can advise...is never go to work with your hair wet (I have seen so many people do that), it always looks bad, and always looks unprofessional.

santhony44, MSN, RN, NP · Apr 17, 2007

Howie: I grew up not too far from where you are.

While I personally think that as long as it's clean and neat it doesn't matter, I do think you might get better reactions from patients in clinicals if your hair stays short for the duration. I think this is especially true of older patients.

Life might be easier if you wait until you've graduated to grow your hair.

Howie781 · Apr 17, 2007

Yea, was thinking that. Sadly living in the bible belt/deep south has its draw backs. Will most likely cut it when school starts.

Thanks for the input all.

santhony44: what area are you from? Just curious. I figure you know the mind set or conservative views of those in this area. Not always bad but not always good either I guess.

crissrn27, RN · Apr 17, 2007

yeah, you probably should wait till after school to grow it out. Everyone goes thought that "shaggy" period when trying to grow it out and in the south that will get alot of neg. attention. But after school is over........go for it!........I love long hair on guys

to whoever said never go with your hair wet............now that I am working night shift I do that all the time.......lol.....don't really care what they think, just don't have time to blow dry with dinner, kids, homework, etc....so wet it stays

ncriverrat · Apr 17, 2007

Well as far as my own opinion, I think it would be fine pulled back.

When I was in nursing school, dreadlocks were a big no-no, no matter how clean they were or if they were pulled back. I had wanted dreads for a long time, but knew it wouldn't fly in nursing school. Also, I live in the western part of N.C. In other areas they may be a little more lax.

My friend actually dropped out of the program because they told her that either her hair could go(she has had dreads for years) or she could go.

However, I have since graduated nursing school and have had dreads for months. My hospital policy states that hair is to be clean and pulled back, and that's what I do.

I would just ask. I did at work, and they were fine with it.

anne74 · Apr 17, 2007

I personally like long hair. But, nursing school is very tough and unfortunately, you might have instructors who are very critical. Even though it's stupid, there are still some (especially older generations) who judge longer hair. I would try not to make myself a target. I had several nursing instructors who would "pick" on certain people, even for things unrelated to nursing skills. Do yourself a favor and don't give others an opportunity to judge you. It will just make things easier on yourself. Trust me - nursing school will be hard enough.

Then, after you graduate and get your RN, grow it out! Good luck.

kcalohagirl · Apr 17, 2007

My husband just graduated nursing school last May, and he has hair down to the middle of his back. (It's longer than mine, and I keep threatening to cut it a couple inches so it isn't anymore. *grin*) He keeps it clean and pulled back (it's also clipped very short on the sides) and didn't have a problem with it either during school or at the hospital where we work. He is also pretty clean-cut looking, although he does have a goatee.