Nurses are usually required to wear scrubs during patient care. As such, they are expected to look professional at all times. Nose piercings are considered taboo in some cultures, but not necessarily in nursing.
Nurses can be seen wearing earrings and other jewelry on a daily basis. Earrings are often worn by nurses as part of their uniforms or for fashion purposes.
Some nurses choose to wear rings, bracelets, necklaces, and other jewelry that is more personal than what is typically worn by the profession.
Can Nurses Have Nose Piercings?
The simple answer may be yes…but it will depend on the healthcare facility or hospital you work with. Some facilities may require that you take out your earrings or other jewelry while working.
Others may allow you to wear whatever you want. Still, others may require that you remove any piercing you have while on duty.
In addition to the type of facility you work at, there are many factors that determine whether you are able to keep your nose ring or earring(s). These include medical protocols and policies, state laws, and even what kind of insurance you carry.
At times, these rules may conflict with each other. For example, some states prohibit certain types of body modifications while others permit them.
Some facilities have specific guidelines regarding piercings. If you plan to work in one of those locations, check their policy carefully.
You may find that the facility requires that you remove your piercings or prohibits you from having them altogether.
If you intend to work in a different location, make sure you know how the facility feels about piercings. A little research into the area ahead of time could save you from potential embarrassment later.
Benefits Of Nose Piercings For Nurses
While some believe that it is perfectly acceptable for nurses to display piercings, others think that it is inappropriate.
Some say that it makes the nurse seem less professional, while others argue that it breaks down barriers between patients and nurses.
Still, others contend that it helps build bridges between patients and healthcare providers.
There is no clear answer to this question, but one thing is certain: piercings can make a difference in how patients perceive nurses. A study found that patients had better relationships with nurses who displayed body art and piercings.
Patients reported feeling comfortable around nurses who looked like them and felt more relaxed talking to those who wore piercings. This suggests that nurses who display piercings might actually benefit their patients.
Regardless of what you think, it’s important to remember that piercings aren’t just for show. It’s a way for nurses to connect with patients and break down barriers.
If you decide to wear piercings, keep in mind that you need to consider your audience and use common sense.
Don’t post pictures that include nudity or anything that could be considered offensive. Make sure that you are respectful of others and don’t cross boundaries.
Drawbacks Of Nose Piercings For Nurses
Tattooing and nose piercing are becoming increasingly popular among nurses. But what do you think about it? Do you like them? Why? What are some drawbacks?
Nose piercings are common among nurses. In fact, many believe that having such body modifications makes them better suited to work in healthcare settings. But some doctors say that these practices could actually hurt patient care.
In a study published in the Journal of Nursing Research, researchers found that assumptions about piercings being linked to crime and poor hygiene persist, even though both practices are now commonplace in the nursing profession.
They surveyed nearly 600 registered nurses and found that most believed that nose rings are unprofessional and offensive.
A majority thought that tattoos could reflect poorly on job performance. And while almost half of the nurses had tattoos, just over one quarter had pierced ears.
The survey also revealed that nurses who did have tattoos tended to feel less comfortable speaking up in front of colleagues. Nearly 40% reported feeling intimidated by coworkers who had piercings.
But despite these findings, the authors note that it’s important for nurses to understand how their appearance affects others. For example, they suggest that nurses consider what type of piercings they use and whether it looks professional.
They also recommend that employers take steps to ensure that employees don’t wear anything that could distract from their duties.
Are There Any Rules Regarding Piercings?
Piercing policies vary widely among nursing schools and hospitals across the United States. Some institutions require students to cover up their piercings completely, while others let them keep them on show.
Others even allow piercings but limit where they can go.
Currently, body art policies are left up to individual nursing schools and hospitals (see also ‘Do Nurses Get Drug Tested?’). A few institutions have adopted strict rules regarding tattooing and piercing, but most don’t offer much guidance.
The American Nurses Association recommends that nurses follow local laws and regulations (see also our article on what happens if a nurse is under investigation) . However, it doesn’t specify what those laws might be.
Some states have passed legislation that makes it illegal to work as a nurse without covering certain parts of the body, such as the face, hands, feet, and genitals.
In some cases, employers may require employees to wear scrubs (see also ‘How To Wear Scrubs‘), which often include sleeves.
In addition to state laws, many hospitals set their own standards for how nurses must dress. For example, some hospitals prohibit piercings entirely. At NYU, students are required to cover up tattoos and piercings
Final Thoughts
While tattoos and piercings aren’t uncommon among nurses, many still think that these body modifications make them look like criminals or pose a health risk.
The truth is that neither practice poses any kind of threat to patients.
However, if you do decide to get a tattoo or pierce your earlobe, remember that you need to protect yourself against infection.
You should also avoid getting tattoos or piercings near an open wound or sore. If you plan on having more than one tattoo or piercing, you should wait until all of them heal before getting another one.