I had a beard, but stayed shaven throughout nursing school per school policy. At my first job, my charge nurse exempted me from n95 fit testing, so I was able to grow it out again. After a year, I changed jobs. At the new job, there are no exemptions, no exceptions, so I shave once a year for my annual fit test. I then let it grow out for the rest of the year, and re-shave for the next annual.
There's an understanding on my unit, that as a large man, I'll get the heavier/more combative/aggressive patients, in exchange for not having to care for the very rare TB patient. I understand that at any point, I may be asked to follow the dress code policy more strictly, and that's something I'm willing to do should that be the case.
One thing I've found is that a beard will accentuate whatever look you have. If your hair is unkempt and your scrubs are wrinkled, your beard will make you look homeless. If your scrubs fit well, your hair is tight, and your shoes are fresh, a trimmed beard will make you look incredibly distinguished.
Specifically for your current beard, trim a clean line across the top of your beard in the cheek section. Then, figure out where you want your neckline to be and keep that line tight as well. Trim the sides/sideburns to a length similar to the length of the hair on the side of your head. Your haircut is on point, just sharpen your beard lines a bit and you'll be good to go.
