Hygiene: Rings and Nail Polish

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

Published

So, I was just wondering and have never really heard of this addressed...

Are students allowed to wear nail polish as long as nails are cut short and kept clean?

Also, I am married and love my wedding ring. Am I going to have to substitute for a plain wedding band? I have heard of this but not really sure.

Not really important topics, but just wondering at the same time.

Thanks.

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Specializes in Alzheimers and geriatric patients.

In most health fields nail polish is not appropriate. That being said I have had several nurses tend to me in the hospital with nail polish on as well as acrylic nails. At my school you aren't allowed neither as they pose a health concern, but maybe it's looked over in some hospitals? maybe your schools website has a dress code posted (mine does).

As far as wedding rings we can only have plain bands.

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thanks!! that's what I thought about the rings. Acrylic nails would definately carry germs.

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at the same time, I don't see how a nude color nail polish could carry a health risk with short nails. As far as professionalism, it is more professional, of course, to not have anything at all.

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Specializes in Clinical Partner and CNA.

i'm not in the nursing program yet, i worked as a clinical partner at a local hospital. i love my wedding ring too, but i found that it would rip through my gloves. it's not huge or anything, but for my safety i decided to only wear my band.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Also, be prepared. There may be some units in which you are not allowed to wear any rings ... not even a plain wedding band. Our NICU is like that -- nothing allowed from finger tips to elbows.

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Specializes in Urgent Care NP, Emergency Nursing, Camp Nursing.
at the same time, I don't see how a nude color nail polish could carry a health risk with short nails. As far as professionalism, it is more professional, of course, to not have anything at all.

Nail polish chips very easily (so I'm told, I've only ever used it as a cheap mounting solution for microscope specimens), and it's in those areas that the pathogens like to hide and grow. Keeping nails short and using a neutral color would not do anything to mitigate this effect, hence the instruction not to wear nail polish at all.

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Nail polish chips very easily (so I'm told, I've only ever used it as a cheap mounting solution for microscope specimens), and it's in those areas that the pathogens like to hide and grow. Keeping nails short and using a neutral color would not do anything to mitigate this effect, hence the instruction not to wear nail polish at all.

yes, you are right! never thought about that. thanks.

Like I said, it's not a big deal to me, I am just rather curious.

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Specializes in Alzheimers and geriatric patients.

My engagment ring pokes holes in gloves so I definatley won't be wearing that!

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hi- (i know this post is from a couple of months but i thought i would still post)

i am a home health aide and my wedding band has diamonds on it. i banged it up a couple of times and lost a diamond. thank God i had insurance on it.. soo i am looking to get a plain band just for work (prob sterling silver or something). i am sure i will need it for my nursing program.

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