Visible piercings not allowed, but what about...

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What if you have the piercing but just put in a retainer when you're at work? I'm talking not ear piercings. I have some, and I'm gonna get more but never put dangly things in them so that's fine. I just want to know because I would want a lip ring/stud and a tongue piercing. Retainers are fine and such, they're plastic and not that obvious, bioplast has clear/white options if you can only get one while you have a job. But I mean if you put a retainer in, and someone notices (even after a while) how horrible would it be? Would you just have to take it out and do what I do with earrings? (just put them in for like 5 minutes to keep the hole open)?

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If you're still in school, your school likely sets the policy. After that, it's up to the employer. In school, we were only allowed one stud per ear and no other piercings, no visible tattoos. One hospital rotation I worked with several nurses who had facial piercings. Your mileage may vary.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

You'd need to see the policy where you're headed. I'm waiting to get my nose re-pierced until I see the policy where I have an offer. When I had to take it out for every shift at my old job, it quickly got infected, and it wasn't worth it, so I have to consider carefully.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Policies regarding piercings, jewlery and other such implements vary between employers, and what flies at Employer A may be banned at Employer B. You would have to check with the facility you are working at for the most accurate answer.

If you are a student, then must follow your school's policy...which is usually more restrictive than facility policy anyway.

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Specializes in MICU - CCRN, IR, Vascular Surgery.

Some piercings, especially newer piercings need to have something in them all of the time to make sure they don't close up. However, switching jewelry constantly to put the retainers in can invite infection. I don't wear a retainer in my tongue because I've had it for so long that I've left it out for up to 18 hours before and not had a problem putting it back in. Wait until you graduate and see what your hospital allows.

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