Wearing a beard as a male nurse?

[Jarl Redbeard]

I started courses for nursing at a college where I was living about 3 years ago and was able to go one semester but had to stop after. I am now looking at getting back into the degree program at another college where I am now and continuing on with the degree program, but had a question about your experiences with male nurses in the hospital environment and whether or not facial hair is allowed.

I am sure some of it is probably dependent on the facility you work in, but I was wondering if there is a general standard among most places as far as male nurses wearing beards? Although I would definitely shave in order to get a job somewhere, I generally like to wear a beard as it is more comfortable to me and I'm not a big fan of shaving everyday because my hair grows rather quickly.

I have heard that it can be an issue with the N95 masks as well and some places will issue you a PAPR instead if you sport facial hair, but I know this doesn't encompass everywhere. At any rate, attached below you will see a picture of me currently and about the lenght I usually wear my beard. Would this be okay, or is it too long? Any help is appreciated.

Current picture of my beard: Imgur: The magic of the Internet

[Rhody34]

Nothing new to add...

Your beard is awesome- don't shave

I have a beard, similar length.

I'm pretty certain every one of my male counterparts have varying beard lengths including one excellent nurse with a gigantic (amazing) beard.

I wear a PAPR with no issues and actually prefer it to the N95.

I get compliments from patients almost on a daily basis about my beard and it's neatness.

Do you, kid!

Good luck!

[almostthere25]

One of my fellow employees had a similar beard more thicker and had tattoos on his arms and hands, was a great night crew with another male nurse. For N95 are hospital has these what I call scuba diver mask/helmet that acts as a negative pressure machine on your face due to not being able to be fit tested.

I would only say you may run into troble at school, but as long as you keep it clean looking you should be okay, there is always that one old school teacher who thinks women should still wear those little hats as a nurse

[osceteacher]

I have a beard, it means I fail at using an ffp3 mask and thus can't look after some flu patients etc, it's certainly not a trust policy to remove beards.

[nurseman]

I wasn't allowed to have a beard while working at a rural hospital, as there was a possibility of wearing a N95. I was allowed a goatee. Now that I have a desk job at the same hospital I've grown a beard.

[PeeWeeQ, ADN, RN, EMT-B]

I had a beard throughout my first semester of nursing school. I kept it trim and neat looking and I never received a comment, positive or negative, from patients, fellow classmates, or instructors. There were other males in my class that also had/have beards. Just check the policies where you will be going to school and where you will be doing clinicals and I'm sure you'll be fine.

As for the N95, there are alternatives. I work in a hospital, so, I have been fitted for at least 3 different kinds of masks, 2 that work just fine with my beard. I've seen plenty of other male nurses at said hospital that also have facial hair...

[Rayngler]

Current male nurse here with a beard and also tattoos. It has never been an issue for me and the hospital I worked for changed their policy to allow tattoos visible if they are in good taste. I also work in psych, which tends to be more lenient in issues such as these. A friend and classmate of mine had a beard the length of yours and he could keep it at that length but not longer. The OR will be more strict and will need to wear a full (and uncomfortable) mask.

[PricelessRN, MSN]

I think a well groomed beard is okay. I rock a low beard also. I remember having to be clean shaven in nursing school, though.

[whyohwhy]

Back when I was in school, no bears or visible tattoos were allowed. In my experience as a nurse, however, I'm not sure I have ever seen any explicit protocol regarding beards. I do get the impression that management wouldn't like it though.

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

Honestly, I'm quite glad that the cultural pendulum is swinging in a direction where no one bats an eye at beards and tatoos. It was always a stupid "rule" that they made one look less professional. And, really, it's more uncommon for a guy *not* to have a beard these days.

[PeeWeeQ, ADN, RN, EMT-B]

Beards and tattoos are two VERY different things. Both can be personal expressions, but, tattoos go a little further. In addition, if standards change, for whatever the reason, a beard can be trimmed or even shaved clean. Tattoos are more permanent and tend to be more personal and explicitly expressive.

I'm not really a fan of the "offended at everything" culture these days, but, chances are good you will find people who don't appreciate whatever it is your tattoo says/represents/portrays. Maybe or maybe not---it depends on the tattoo and the person. I do believe you will also find that more institutions than not are still not okay with tattoos being on full display on arms, necks, and faces for those very reasons I just mentioned--better safe than sorry, and rightly so. In addition, many believe that tattoos are still unprofessional or LOOK unprofessional. That's also not likely to change in the near future since it is largely subjective, and, again--better safe than sorry.

I'm personally one that believes that just because one wants to "express themselves", that everyone else shouldn't necessarily have to be exposed to it, particularly in a professional setting.

In public--that's a different story.

I think the perception of "acceptance" is more of a result of desensitization than an actual acceptance of tattoos in professional settings. I was going to get a tattoo a few years ago---I had waited many years, seriously contemplating the permanent inking of my skin. After finally settling on a very personal design (a large one that encompassed most of my upper back), I realized one of the cool things about having a tattoo--that they were unique and kind of rebellious--wasn't cool anymore because everyone and their girlfriend had one now. There's nothing special about having a tattoo anymore--the rebellious nature had now become mainstream. I knew more people that had them than not...

And, it MAY be more uncommon for a guy not to have a beard these days (I'm not so sure about that), but, I see more nasty, unkempt beards than I do well groomed ones (length not being a factor). I hope THAT trend changes...

[GBC_Student, BSN, RN]

I've never had an issue. I have a pretty thick beard now, I interviewed for my current job with a beard. I work in mental health so wearing an n95 hasn't come up yet. I'd shave it if there was an outbreak, but thus far it hasn't been a problem.

[LiveFit99]

If you have a beard then you just have to wear a full hood. As for professionalism, I've never been asked about my beard and would find it offensive if they did.