Random Question about chewing gum

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Specializes in ICU, CVICU.

Hey everyone,

In another thread got me thinking about nurses and chewing gum. Almost everyone said they kept chewing gum/mints in their pockets. All I could think about was how in micro/A&P you were never allowed to chew gum. Do your hospitals have a policy about gum chewing? Do they even care? I'm just curious...what are your thoughts?

Thanks,

Linda

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I chew gum while working and encourage my coworkers to do the same. It is paramountly better than having to deal with one's funky, stinky breath.

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I'm not a nurse yet (waiting on getting in the program) but I was always taught that chewing gum is unprofessional. I think that chewing gum while working with the public is rude and tacky. That being said, I have no problem with someone sucking on a mint as long as they do it discretely.

But if I had to deal with a person with foul breath or someone chewing gum. I would personally hand them a piece of bubble gum and tell them to smack away.

JMO

Erin

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho.

I think chewing gum if ok as long it is done in a respectable manner. Personally i cant stand someone who cant chew with their mouths closed or has a propensity to snap and knaw their gum like a holstein steer.

Keep it discrete!!!

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i usually have a mint in my mouth vs. chewing gum.

i can hear moms' words now..."you're chewing like a cow!":rolleyes:

leslie

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Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

I chew gum or suck on mints on occasion. I really need to do it more often actually, since I am a chronic coffee drinker. =)

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Specializes in None...YET!.
I chew gum while working and encourage my coworkers to do the same. It is paramountly better than having to deal with one's funky, stinky breath.

Oh my goodness, girl you are so funny! :lol2:

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Specializes in ICU, CVICU.
Personally i cant stand someone who cant chew with their mouths closed or has a propensity to snap and knaw their gum like a holstein steer.

like if Britney Spears was a nurse!

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Wow I can't believe you weren't allowed to chew gum in Micro/A&P. No such policy at my school.

I don't really care who chews gum. I do however think that chewing gum while in an interview or giving a speech or something like that can be unprofessional.

I agree with the preference of gum over bad breath. :lol2:

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho.

OMG,, yes,, if she were my kid interviewing on a national news show chompin on her cud like that, id have to call her home to re-slap her. How rude and disrespectful that was!!! for sure.

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Specializes in LTC, home health, critical care, pulmonary nursing.

I'm a big fan of Altoids. I don't do gum. Makes my jaw hurt. I also don't keep them in my pockets. As much as I wash my hands, I just shudder to think of the cooties that get in my pockets after my residents have pickpocketed me all day. Nothing from the pockets goes in the mouth.

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i think gum is ok if not chomped. while in clinicals we were not allowed to chew cum on the floor so sometimes i would just take a little break chew as much mint as possible then spit it out.

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