Wearing a beard as a male nurse?

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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

Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.

In regards to the topic on hand, I must say it all depends on the work area where one will be working. Moreover, I have what's called a 5'oclock shadow at all times, plus we have multiple doctors sporting beards long and short. Needless to say, once they go to perform an invasive procedure they wear a protective hood like. Unquestionably, it depends on the facility in which one works, if you began your orientation with a beard they shouldn't have a problem since you were hired with one. Wishing you all the best in all of your future endeavors..... Aloha~

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Specializes in ER.

I have been a nurse for a week with a beard of a few inches. I interviewed with it and started in the ER with a beard. There are other males on my floor whom have a beard. During orientation they tried to fit me for a mask and of course I was not able to be fitted. They sent an email to my manager and she approved that I not be fitted. I think it all depends on your hospital policy. I have had no problems. I just keep it trimmed on my cheeks and neck.

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Specializes in Neurology.

never had an issue

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Lots of beards at my hospital before COVID-19. Now everyone is COVID-clean so their masks get a good seal.

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Specializes in ER/ER OBs.

I have a beard.  I shaved it during Covid to get a good N95 seal on my face but it's back now that I've had my Covid shots.

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Specializes in Oncology, ID, Hepatology, Occy Health.
On 3/19/2021 at 12:04 PM, NurseNate1 said:

I have a beard.  I shaved it during Covid to get a good N95 seal on my face but it's back now that I've had my Covid shots.

Exactly my experience. A directive came round for guys to be clean shaven and all the bearded nurses dutifully shaved them off (it broke my heart).  Our bearded doctor colleagues all kept theirs. Every ID specialist you see on the TV here in France seems to have the most enormous beard possible.

I've grown my beard back. I keep it neatly trimmed and frankly, I get a good seal with the FFP3 masks.

The beard has never posed me a problem with any employer.

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On 12/11/2017 at 7:43 PM, Jarl Redbeard said:

 

I have heard that it can be an issue with the N95 masks

Yes, it's an issue. You need a tight fit. The helmet respirator are expensive and often break down. 

We are still knee deep in Covid, be responsible and shave your beard. Or choose another profession, but I am guessing this isn't an option, so ya, shave it for the same reason that I don't wear fake nails or wear my hair down. 

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Specializes in Nursing.

You're likely going to have a beard in your final exams week like it or not!

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Specializes in Rapid Response/Vascular Access.

We are allowed to have a well groomed/ trimmed beard. We can be exempt from N95 fit testing due to facial hair, but have PAPR available.

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Specializes in Orthopedics.

I trim mine fairly short but it's integral to my sense of identity. I have shaven before and mostly felt awful. We do carry Caprs at my work if I need one. I am not in a high covid case area though. Also, sweet username. 

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I work at the Hampton VA and as far as I know beards are allowed. Which doesn't really make sense because they make you shave for the N-95 fit test.

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I've always had a beard since graduating from nursing school and the hospital I worked at never said anything about shaving it off. I've always worked in either Cardiac Stepdown or ICU occasionally. They told me in isolation I would have to wear the hood option, which I am OK with. When I was younger and team roping, I had a accident where my horse threw me and I fell head first into a metal gate. I broke my jaw in three places, as a result I have some facial scars that a beard hides nicely. I keep it trimmed, no Duck Dynasty beard LOL. Even still, its never been an issue, even when I did a few travel assignments. Thats my two cents from a fellow beared peer. 

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