Nails in Nursing | Jersey College (2024)

FAQs

Nails in Nursing | Jersey College? ›

Taking into consideration the risk of spreading germs, nurses in direct care positions are advised to not wear acrylic nails as they may aid in the collection of germs and bacteria, which may create a potential for germs and bacteria to spread from person to person.

While you can certainly have painted nails, it's best to choose more subdued and neutral colors that won't be distracting or offensive to patients or other healthcare workers. Additionally, it's important to keep your nails short and clean to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.

Artificial or natural nails that extend more than one-fourth of an inch beyond the fingertip can harbor more pathogens than short nails, leading to more outbreaks, according to a Feb. 8 article published on Nurse.org. Longer nails create additional surface area for microbes to grow and can impede proper hand washing.

You don't want to scratch any patients, so make sure your nails are short enough to be safe and comply with infection control practices (this will be the focus of some skills sessions in your first semester). You must also not wear any kind of varnish or gel or have nail extensions.

Fingernails are to be neatly manicured and of a reasonable length, not to exceed ¼”, beyond the finger tip. B. Artificial nail enhancements are not to be worn.

Shoes should be comfortable and protective ie not heels and not canvas. Facial hair should be kept short and neat. Nails short and free of any nail varnish. Our policy includes acrylics/gel but, as long as they are secure and gloves are worn, then practice policy may differ.

The simple answer is yes. A tattoo is unlikely to disqualify you from working as a nurse, though there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Depending on your place of work, there may be rules about the types of tattoos and visibility restrictions, but these can vary greatly from place to place.

Liability. Improperly trimming nails can cause infection and abscesses esp with diabetics or immunocompromised patients. Hospitals are not nail salons. Medical professionals must “stay in their lane” and practice only their specialty.

Nurses can trim nails that are slightly thickened but not deformed. Discoloured, extremely thickened, brittle and deformed nails can indicate infection or disease. Nail assessment should include consideration of the following: ▸ Who usually cuts the patient's nails?

Pens, Pencils, Highlighters, and Notebooks: These can keep you prepared and organized. Supplemental Studying Materials: Some nursing students go overboard with purchasing nursing study guides. If you have to purchase them, stick with ones recommended by other nursing students or your professor.

Can nursing students wear lashes? ›

No fake eyelashes may be worn. Nails must be clean and well-manicured, no longer than the tip of the finger. Only clear nail polish may be worn, No chipped polish, acrylic nails, or gel polish are permitted as outlined by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) for patient safety reasons.

Grooming Standards

The skin should be cleansed daily. A deodorant should also be used daily. Makeup should be used in moderation with no heavy application of foundation, rouge, eye makeup or lipstick. Perfumes, colognes, and scented lotions or body sprays are not permitted.

The CDC guidelines say that health care personnel should not wear artificial nails and should keep natural nails less than one quarter inch long if they care for patients at high risk of acquiring infections (e.g. patients in intensive care units or in transplant units).

Fingernail care— Nails should be short, filed, and clean. Long or ragged nails can be hard to keep clean and may harbor pathogens. Nail polish and false fingernails— Never wear nail polish because it could flake into food and cause physical contamination, or hide dirt that may be under nails.

Natural nail tips should be kept to ¼ inch in length. A growing body of evidence suggests that wearing artificial nails may contribute to transmission of certain healthcare- associated pathogens.

The RN must have documented education, either obtained through their employer or acquired independently to perform intermediate foot care. Education must occur and be documented appropriate for the level of care provided to the client.

So, yeah, as long as you're doing your hand hygiene, adhering to your hospital's policy, and preferably no chip. or no acrylic fake nails, you're fine. Your nails can be cute like this. So grateful to be in aesthetics!

The CDC recommends nurses keep their nails trimmed to 1⁄4 inch or less beyond the fingertip. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends against artificial and painted nails.

Can nurses have hand tattoos? Hand tattoos are considered visible, so unless you work in a tattoo-friendly facility, you may need to cover them up while on duty. Consider investing in tattoo cover-up gloves or tattoo concealer makeup.