Should I wear makeup to my psych clinicals if I'll be around sex offenders?

Nursing Students General Students

Published

I'm about to begin my clinical rotation at a state-run mental health hospital. Some of the patients on the ward that I will be going to are sex offenders. These are people who are here because the court ruled that they are "not guilty by reason of insanity." The charge nurse told us that they may try to grab at us if we get too close.

Many of them openly leered at me today. I felt really uncomfortable. I am wondering if maybe I shouldn't wear makeup to this facility.

BTW, I am a feminist and I never, ever think that a woman is ever "asking for it".... I like to wear makeup to my other rotations because I like to look pulled together and professional. But then again I can't help but feel like I'll be "asking for it" if I wear makeup to this place.

What are your thoughts?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in nursing education.

The little bit of eyeliner that it takes to make you look awake, chapstick, ponytail, small earrings- just enough to make it appear as though you care about yourself and are there to work. That's my general routine.

BTW you are brave to take this on!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The problem is that I am Asian, so even a tiny bit of eyeliner makes me look "exotic." I just don't want my race to trigger any creep-show behavior. Unfortunately, some people stereotype Asian women as being "submissive" and have targeted them for sexual harrassment/assault for this reason.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If what you have always worn is appropriate, DO NOT CHANGE YOURSELF. This will be an excellent opportunity for you to learn boundary setting. Check that behavior. Humans act in predictable patterns. If there is no consequence to a behavior, it will continue.

This is not a matter of Asian or feminist. You are a professional, and it's just not appropriate.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you think even a tiny bit of eyeliner makes you look too noticeable, then skip it for your clinical. You can always quickly add it in the car or in a restroom once you leave the clinical site. BTW we were told in our orientation meeting prior to our psych clinical to go easy on the makeup.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Department.

i doubt your cosmetics will inspire a sex offender to go after you. it's not always about sexual attraction.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in pediatrics, public health.

I have to agree with Apgar on this one -- I doubt very much that wearing make up or not wearing it will make any difference in whether or not they leer at you. If it makes you feel more comfortable, then leave the make up off, but I doubt it will make a difference.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgical.

Men will hit on you because they can (although I am not saying all men are like this, they are not, some are just opportunists). I have gotten hit on in the grocery store after running and feeling like a roadkill piece of crap, hit on at bars when I was clearly exhibiting "go away" non-verbal behavior, and hit on at red lights while walking my dogs.

(I don't really wear makeup, I dress fairly butch, and don't have long hair and assume I get the least amount of it,

so I can only imagine how difficult it can be for my more feminine sisters).

The difference is in how you handle it. So I would wear my makeup and be confident with body language

and verbal communication in how you handle the situation, as you will need this experience in nursing.

As Apgar10 has said, sexual offenders are not always interested in sexual attraction. They are more often trying to exercise

the power they feel they have over you, and it is in your best interest to not give them that power.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have been working in mental health (including w/sex offenders) for almost eight years and I wear make-up to work every day, but just "regular" daily wear-type make-up... no eyeliner, blush, etc... not like what I would wear out, just what you'd normally wear to a job. What would be more important is that you wear clothing appropriate to your environment, meaning: wear sleeves, keep your clevage well covered, make sure your midriff never shows, keep your "crack" covered (loL) and wear long pants.

You are likely going to get "leered" at no matter what you do, so just be aware of your surroundings and you'll be okay. Exude confidence, even if you do not feel it. It will be how you carry yourself that makes all the difference! Never leave yourself in a situation where you are alone with a patient that you are uncomfortable with and/or that you do not know. Also, do not allow a patient to come between you and your exit (i.e. the doorway). Make sure to set firm boundaries and do not be afraid to use a stern tone and use absolutes (i.e. "can not" or "you won't", etc).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.
i doubt your cosmetics will inspire a sex offender to go after you. it's not always about sexual attraction.
Agree with this
Up Vote Up Vote ×

As a member of that sub-unit species we call "male", I have to agree, a little makeup probably won't make much difference, but clothes may...good luck and don't get to close.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

You have a LOT to learn if you think makeup has anything to do with sex offences.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment