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?
Would you absolutely have to shave it? I have heard that locs can be combed out with a great deal of patience. I feel your pain though- I made the decision to go natural a few years back and my current style is a curly twist-out.
Tough call. I'm not really that attatched to my hair. Easy to say since it is very thick and grows really fast, a haircut only lasts a month at best. However, the idea of someone telling me what I can and can't do with my hair over a job doesn't sit very well with me, so I'd be pretty upset if actually faced with that situation. For my dream job though? I'd suck it up and cut my hair.
Thanks to all for your great advice, ideas, anecdotes, opinions, encouragement, etc. You have all given me a lot to think about (esp. the wig thing... never considered it). The decision, should I be lucky enough to have to make it, is still a little ways off. I just like to prepare myself for things well in advance. I'm a logical thinker and in the end will do what is best for my family and myself. And I'm sure that having a fantastic career would make us much happier than me just having fantastic hair (although my hubby loves it, he'll get over it)! Thanks again nurses!
Would you absolutely have to shave it? I have heard that locs can be combed out with a great deal of patience. I feel your pain though- I made the decision to go natural a few years back and my current style is a curly twist-out.
I don't recommend combing them out because this really thins the hair out to the point where it can take a year with repeat trims just to get hair back to where it stops looking like you had an unfortunate accident of some sort. If you cut it, within a year you'll have a decent length bob or afro (if your hair tends to grow up and out rather than down). No one has to shave locks just clip them 2-3 inches from the base - this hair is not locked and will come loose with your fingers.
I would never pass on a job opportunity over a hair style. For a decent paycheck I'll go with whatever style the employer prefers. Hair grows back but it doesn't pay the bills.
My first nursing job interview was held after I returned from a 3 month holiday in Europe where I had got an ear ring and pony tail. After finishing the interview I thought I had really aced it and was surprised a week or two later by a rejection letter. I called HR. The lady was very nice and told me off the record I needed to get rid of the ear ring and the tail. I never looked back.:)
Its too bad the requirements are somewhat close-minded, but it depends on how closely tied to your identity you hold your hair. You have to admit it would be tough for them to define professionally kept dread locks... I would go with the job, you can always quit and grow your hair back.
I agree with eveyone else that said to get clarification at the interview. I would hate to hear that you cut your dreads and NOT get the job! That would really suck. Good Luck and I pray your dreams come true...
I had to look at that policy myself because I just couldn't believe it. It says
Dreadlocks (unkempt, twisted, matted individual parts of hair) are prohibited in uniform.
So the issue is equating dreadlocks with unkempt. We both know the two are not synonymous. However, it could be interpreted to mean that unkempt dreadlocks are prohibited while neat locs are not. Someone needs some cultural training. It's hard to believe that braids would be acceptable while locs are not. As long as the locs are neat and do not interfere with headgear as outlined in the policy, it should be okay but you would need to cut them quite severely.
I think a lot of people equate dreadlocks with "dirty hippie," hence the restriction on them. I agree with those who say to wait until the interview to clarify what is and isn't allowed. How horrible if you chopped it all off and did not get the position! And perhaps they won't have a problem with it when they see how you can style it professionally. Hope you get to keep your hair!
Futterwacken
56 Posts
Would you absolutely have to shave it? I have heard that locs can be combed out with a great deal of patience. I feel your pain though- I made the decision to go natural a few years back and my current style is a curly twist-out.