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?
I am an AA nurse who has natural hair as well and I understand your dilemma. I would suggest going for it anyway, letting them see what you have to offer and then see if its really as big a deal as they make it seem.
Keep going for your dreams and please let us know what happens! :cheers:
I am not one to get on the discriminatory badwagon, but to me, that is discriminatory.
Dreadlocks is not a fashion trend for some that have what would be described as having "ethnic" hair, it's actually the natural way that the hair is styled.
To me, as long as they are not overly long or sticking out like spikes, I find that they are attractive on those that wear them and I don't think they are distracting at all.
I say don't stress about it until you know the details. I'm guessing your hair is fine. When I think of dreadlocks I think of long dirty nasty matted hair. I bet that is what the policy is talking about. Really if you get an interview go to it. Bring up the hair politely asking for clarification. If your hair truely does violate the policy, which I doubt, then let them know that if they like you otherwise the hair can be changed. Don't stress until you know it's an issue!
I, too seem to think by the wording of the policy, that "unkempt, matted, etc" might be your "loophole". I did read of a case where 2 drivers for UPS w/dreads were fired for not cutting their hair and won. Their case was based on being Rastafarian, and the dress code ran afoul of freedom of religion. On a side note, I have been back in the states since 2007. I worked as a traveler in the USVI for 7 years, and as a white guy, if I could do dreads, I would. Luck.
You should never have to cut your hair for your career unless you are in the fashion or hair industry. And with dreadlocks you don't even have to cut your hair anymore, there is a product that they use called the Take Down Remover to comb out dreads. Companies hire for competence-not withstanding you must look proffessional no matter what hairstyle you adorn.
Specializes in Management, Emergency, Psych, Med Surg.
The only thing I can say about this is that you should clarify this with the facility at interview. And be up front about the question. The most common reasons for hair requirements/ restrictions are cleanliness and safety. I used to work in Psych and in an ED and I had very long hair and you don't want someone getting hold of it and pulling your head. It is very painful. The other issue was infection control. I could not have all that long hair hanging over patients and into wounds etc. I had to wear it up away from my face. Now, some facilities require that hair be of a "natural" color and I had one employee who had to change her hair color from blue to a natural color before she could take the job. The blue did not bother me much, but administration felt it was unprofessional. They also asked people to cover their tats.
SpecialKRN
6 Posts
I am an AA nurse who has natural hair as well and I understand your dilemma. I would suggest going for it anyway, letting them see what you have to offer and then see if its really as big a deal as they make it seem.
Keep going for your dreams and please let us know what happens! :cheers: