I am a senior nursing student and my two main passions are psych/mental health and community/public health nursing. Happily, the exams I have taken (both standardized and professor written) have indicated that my knowledge in these areas is very strong. However, I want real life experience. I would like to work with the the US Public Health Service (USPHS)as a psych nurse and eventually the Centers for Disease Control as a Behavioral or Health Scientist. There's is just one problem: According to the dress code I found on the website, the USPHS has a no dreadlock policy and I have dreadlocks! I love my hair, but I am also passionate about service to my country. I'm AA and this is what my hair does in it natural state.
My hair is shoulder length and my dreads are are thin, neat, and inconspicuous. I could not imagine them being a distraction or receiving extra attention from anyone and my hair requires very little maintenance (just wash and go). I was thinking about trying to sign up anyway and letting them tell me they don't want me, but I am not a boat-rocker. I respect rules and don't want to cause any trouble. I think I'm gonna keep my hair (it's my prerogative as a woman/human being), but I'm sad that I won't be allowed to serve because of it and would like some advice. What would you do?
This isn't even a choice unless you're offered a job. Go to the interview looking professional and get more info. Then, if you are offered a job, you will make an informed decision.
Incidentally, male and female military get haircuts in basic...
I am a senior nursing student and my two main passions are psych/mental health and community/public health nursing. Happily, the exams I have taken (both standardized and professor written) have indicated that my knowledge in these areas is very strong. However, I want real life experience. I would like to work with the the US Public Health Service (USPHS)as a psych nurse and eventually the Centers for Disease Control as a Behavioral or Health Scientist. There's is just one problem: According to the dress code I found on the website, the USPHS has a no dreadlock policy and I have dreadlocks! I love my hair, but I am also passionate about service to my country. I'm AA and this is what my hair does in it natural state.
My hair is shoulder length and my dreads are are thin, neat, and inconspicuous. I could not imagine them being a distraction or receiving extra attention from anyone and my hair requires very little maintenance (just wash and go). I was thinking about trying to sign up anyway and letting them tell me they don't want me, but I am not a boat-rocker. I respect rules and don't want to cause any trouble. I think I'm gonna keep my hair (it's my prerogative as a woman/human being), but I'm sad that I won't be allowed to serve because of it and would like some advice. What would you do?
Thanks for your honest advice!
As adults, we make decisions daily. Important ones. In your case, you have a decision to make: Keep the dreds, or pursue the career. If one is more important to you than the other, choose that one and move on down the road.
Can you wear an appropriately styled wig for on duty? If you can tolerate a wig, I would consider this option to meet the requirements, then what you do off duty is your own business. Best of both situations, if possible.
I think just ignoring the dress code and "hoping" no one one notices is really unprofessional, and bordering on childish.
I worked at a job that included a dress code of no braids. There were always the new hires that thought that meant everyone but them, because "their" braids were neat. Well, the policy didn't say, no sloppy braids, it said no braids. Folks either wore their hair another way, or quit.
Specializes in Psych/CD/Medical/Emp Hlth/Staff ED.
We have a similar rule where I work but it doesn't group a dreads into the same category. Our policy allow's dreads that occur naturally, such as with AA employees. The issue is with those whose hair can only be maintained as dreads by never washing it for months or years.
I worked with someone in a restaurant who cultivated his dreads by not washing his year for nearly 5 years. He came in one day with peanut butter caked in his hair which he explained he had to do occasionally to "suffocate the bugs". I can see how that could be considered unsanitary.
Would braids work for you instead? Good for you for going au naturel with the hair, and trying to work with what your hair naturally wants to do. I've always thought that the whole relaxer thing would be way too much maintenance in my book. (And I'm just your regular ol' white chick w/ wavy hair.) I actually love the look of dreadlocks pulled back into a bun or pony tail on African Americans. Too bad they're being so strict (and in my opinion, not very culturally sensitive.) To answer your question, though, if they were going to make a stink about it, yes I would cut my hair for my dream job--I actually chopped my long hair off when I entered nursing school, as I didn't want to always have to wear it up (didn't like how I looked with my hair up.)
I did cut my hair to be a nurse. I had long very thick hair. I understand I could put it up, but my hair is super think...not just a lot of hair, but very thick strands. When I get out of bed it is sticking up ALL over my head, and will not lay down until I wash, and dry it. If I let it dry naturally it just goes crazy all over my head again.
Anyway, I have to wet it, put product in it, and dry it while brushing it flat to get it into a pony tail. Three children, 12 hour shifts, and two hours to blow dry your thick hair do not mesh well. So....bye bye hair. I love my new short cut. Wet to dry and professional in 20 minutes.
My son had blond hair down to his waist. Beautiful. Always swore he would never cut it. Started a new job, was told they wanted to promote him but not with his hair. He cut it very short, got the new job. Now loves his short hair. And his job.
A womans hair is her glory! There's bible verse to back it up for those who care, but please don't flame me cause I brought scripture into it. It's my opinion, my belief. I love my hair and would never cut it for any body! Do what you think is right.
I was going to mention the wig too. My friend (who just passed away) had 3 or 4. one actually looked like Cleopatra. One was a smooth cut with a hole in the top she could pull several braids out of and let them be a "feature".
As long as your hair is clean and well managed "this gray haired pink chick" would not mind dreads at all.
linearthinker, DNP, RN
1,688 Posts
Short answer, sure. My hair is not part of my identity, and I'm nit vain about it.