Selfharm and nursing opinions??

[meliisa]

Hello fellow nurses,

Ive started my Enrolled Nursing training and am due to go on my first clinical placement in about 4 weeks. The only thing im worried about is that i have self inflicted scars on both my arms, i am going to wear tubular bandages when out on prac but am worried that it is a infection control risk. so i was wondering if as a nurse you come across other nurses that have scars on the arms or wrists and how do you react to it or how would you? does it make you think that they are incapable nurses? i just want to know what to expect if i did have to remove my bandages and clean my arms for clinical reasons.

Thanks for your opinions on the matter.

Melissa

[rachelgeorgina]

Hi.

First off, it's so nice to see another Australian on these boards. I'm an RN student in Sydney. I also have a very extensive history of self-harm and while I haven't self-harmed in over a year, I have scars on both my arms with are exceedingly obvious. They don't simply pass for "feral cat". If someone has half a wit about them, they'll have a good idea of what my scars are really from. To be honest, they are to severe and to many NOT to notice.

On my first clinical placement I was advised that if I didn't want to show my arms (at that stage I was concerned about being judged/not being considered competent etc) then I could wear tan tubular bandages (as you've mentioned). I was also told that a lot of female Muslim students have special arm coverings, similar to the tubular bandages but more wearable, that are sold in particular stores that sell clothing for this particular demographic.

In the end, however, I decided, screw it. If people are going to judge me, that isn't my problem. I've been on all my clinical without sleeves and the only people that comment are either people who believe the cat line (i.e. idiots) or people who really care (on my last placement the NUM tooK me under her wing after learning a little bit about me.)

I dont wear long sleeves now unless I want to/feel liKe it/am cold. What other people thinK is their problem, not mine.

[meliisa]

wow, thats great!!

I want to be able to not wear anything, but I dont think i have the confidence yet. Thats is great story and will definatly think about it when i go out on prac.

Thank-you

[aminv]

i work in usa. i have seen charge nurse on my floor and that kind of scar on both of her hands. first day i show it i aksed her what it is and than i got use to seeing it. people will react different when they see it first, but than they get use to it

[Katnip, RN]

Healed scars are not an infection control risk. If you cut recently and the wounds are open, then you are at risk.