Unit Manager Demands I Cut My Hair

HeySis, BSN, RN · May 29, 2016

You don't say what style you wear your hair in, it's length or specific objections she had, so that makes it hard to give specific advice. (not sure if that's really you, most people here don't use real photo's)

First I would check your facilities policies related to dress code and appearance, to make sure you are not in violation.

Second I would make sure there is no problems with your hair draping onto a sterile field, in a patients face or in a "dirty" area. So if it's long, tie it back while on shift.

Years ago when I was in LPN school, we weren't allowed to have our hair even touch our collars. While I don't know of any facility that is that strict anymore, but the general idea of keeping it out of the way could still pertain.

If you are within code, then I would followup with her about the policy. I'd ask her to clarify in what way are you not meeting the facilities expectations (make sure its the facilities not hers). Just be careful of your tone while your talking so you can't be mistaken as insubordinate. Maybe if you can agree that your look follows code then she'll back off.

oncivrn · May 29, 2016

Yes if it is a policy of theirs they can terminate you. Really in most states they can terminate you for just about anything except being in a protected class.

For the record, I like your hair and can't see why they want you to cut it.

Turtle in scrubs · May 29, 2016

Definitely check to see what your hospital policy is. This may clear things up one way or the other. If there's a hospital policy against something you're doing then you can either cut your hair, or respectively challenge the hospital policy. If there's not a hospital policy then there's your support to challenge her.

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · May 29, 2016

There could be a dress code as part of your employee handbook that has a delightful section on grooming--hair (and for women it is off collar not in eyes stuff, as well as color--not to be something not found in nature--whatever that means) to tattoos to piercings. Even fingernails, polish jewelry...

Although not always followed to the letter, when something gets into a managers spotlight, watch out . So read your handbook and see what the rules are. And what happens if you don't comply...

toomuchbaloney · May 29, 2016

Check the policy manual (my guess is that there is nothing which requires you to wear your hair in a certain style or length, but rather speaks to interference with procedures or similar).

If the manager asks you about your hair again ask him/her to put that request in writing.

Look for another job.

quazar · May 29, 2016

As someone who is a supporter of natural hair, I find it irksome that your manager would push you to cut your hair as opposed to tie it back. Why cut? Why not just tie back and make sure it is off the collar? I dunno, but this raises my hackles a bit. I would check the official policy on hair and dress code, and go from there.

brillohead, ADN, RN · May 29, 2016

After checking the dress code policy in the employee handbook, I would point it out to the manager that you're in compliance according to your understanding, and then ask her what she finds otherwise.

If she says that she "just doesn't like it that way" but you're actually in compliance, I would walk over to Human Resources and let them know you're being told you're not meeting dress code, and ask them for their opinion of your appearance.

HR personnel are going to be VERY aware of the potential for prejudicial treatment complaints...

Nurse Cookie Swirl · May 29, 2016

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I just received some more info about my hair situation. My co-worker just txt me saying there is a roomer going around the floor that pieces of my hair is breaking off and ending up in random places. People are calling me Bob Marley now :no:

I have very small dreadlocks and yes every once and awhile you get a rip near the end and they break but I take very good care of them. I guess one broke off and someone found it. People spreading this roomer is just ridiculous. There are other nurses on my floor with the same hair type. Why aren't they getting any flack?

I checked the employee handbook and it is hospital policy to keep long hair pulled back. I'm just going to get a fade or something like that. I don't want anymore attention. I'm a shy guy and keep to myself most of the time. Certainly can't afford to lose a job at this point in my life.

-Swirl

brillohead, ADN, RN · May 29, 2016

Why not just wear a scrub cap (like in OR) when you're working? Then you can wear your hair how you like the rest of the time.

(BTW -- it's "rumor" -- just so you know.)

And unit gossip just sucks.... sorry about that.

Guttercat, ASN, RN · May 29, 2016

I love dreds/extensions. But those that I've seen with them in my workplace do keep their hair pulled back.

As much as I love them, it's icky to find a loose one laying about instead of on somebody's head where they belong.

Editorial Team / Moderator · May 29, 2016

I have long, thick red hair that sheds constantly. If I didn't put it up, I would probably leave a trail of strands like breadcrumbs. OP, sorry about the rumors!