As a nursing student and working nurse, you know the importance of staying safe and dressed professionally within the workplace. But do you ever need help with what jewelry is appropriate to wear when on shift? It’s an important question to consider for protocol sake and safety. You want to look your best without distracting or endangering patients as they receive their care.
In this blog post, we’ll answer all of your questions about what type of jewelry can be worn by nurses while at work—from simple considerations like hygiene to more complex codes regarding metal type and color that must be observed in some hospitals- all designed so that both practitioners and clients are safe in any medical situation!
Table of Contents
Is Jewelry for Nurses Allowed or Not on Job?
The answer is yes, but there are some considerations to remember. Jewelry for nurses is a great way to show off your individuality and express yourself while staying safe! You can now find the perfect piece of jewelry that fits your hospital’s protocols and look good doing it.
First and foremost, the type of jewelry you choose should be practical, not distracting or disruptive to care.
Most hospitals and organizations have their own rules regarding nurse jewelry. Generally, they recommend that nurses keep the number of jewelry pieces to a minimum (usually two or three) and stick with simple designs that don’t draw attention away from care.
Most importantly, all jewelry must be hypoallergenic and non-reactive to the skin. We hope now you better understand what jewelry is suitable for nurses to wear while on duty.
Big necklaces, dangling earrings, and bulky bracelets can get caught on objects used in medical settings and put you and your patient at risk. It’s best to stick with small stud earrings that won’t swing when you turn your head—no matter how beautiful they may be!
Rings should fit comfortably and snugly, so no slipping or catching on any objects while working (and hand washing).
And finally, basic watch designs are acceptable as long as it’s not bright or flashy. Hygiene must always come first, so any jewelry worn should be cleaned regularly with a mild soap and water solution.
The Finest Jewelry for Nurses to Wear At Work
Nursing jewelry should not be made of metal that could cause a patient reaction. This includes gold, silver, nickel, and any jewelry with stones or beads that could come loose and pose a choking hazard. Sticking to stainless steel and titanium jewelry for nurses is best, as these materials are non-reactive and hypoallergenic. Also, steer clear of any designs with religious or political symbols that could be off-putting for some patients, and keep colors basic.
What Type of Jewelry Can’t Nurses Wear?
The type of jewelry that nurses should avoid wearing includes:
- Anything big or bulky.
- Any pieces with stones or beads (as they could come off and cause a choking hazard).
- Any metals that can cause a reaction.
Also, avoid flashy jewelry with bright colors, symbols, or designs that may distract patients. Finally, any jewelry with religious or political symbols should be avoided.
Crucial Problems with Jewelry in Health Care
While wearing jewelry is often a way to enhance personal style, it can pose potential problems in health care. As healthcare professionals come in contact with many elements that can cause contamination, jewelry can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
This can be particularly hazardous when the healthcare worker is dealing with open wounds or sterile conditions. Furthermore, some jewelry may interfere with the advanced tools used in healthcare, such as X-ray machines or other radiologic tests.
Therefore, healthcare workers must follow their employers’ guidelines for wearing jewelry in clinical settings. Following such guidelines can dramatically reduce the chances of risk or infection, ensuring the highest levels of safety and patient care.
Recent Study Report
The potential impact of healthcare workers wearing jewelry on patient health has been the subject of numerous studies. While a 2020 study found that certain bacteria significantly decreased on ICU nurses’ hands when they stopped wearing jewelry, a 2014 study of operating room personnel found that bacteria can remain lodged in finger rings even after a surgical scrubbing.
Furthermore, studies have also focused on the impact of watches and bracelets on patient health. While wearing jewelry may seem harmless, these studies highlight the importance of healthcare workers taking every precaution necessary to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria to their patients.
Recent Guidelines
Research into healthcare workers wearing jewelry has yielded important insights into the possible spread of bacteria. In 2020, a study found that ICU nurses who stopped wearing jewelry experienced significantly decreased amounts of Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Diphtheroid bacteria on their hands.
Similarly, a 2014 study of operating room personnel demonstrated that bacteria could remain lodged in finger rings even after a surgical scrubbing. More recent research has also shown that watches and bracelets may negatively impact patient health. These findings highlight the need to carefully consider jewelry and other accessories in healthcare settings to ensure the utmost safety and sanitation for all involved.
Types of jewelry suitable for nurses to wear while working:
Minimalist, small, and smooth jewelry choices, such as:
- smooth wedding bands
- tiny stud earrings
- small length necklaces
- tiny rings
- simple wristwatches
Safety Tips: When to Remove Your Jewelry In Health Care?
When it comes to safety, there are times when nurses should take off their jewelry. This includes during
1- Surgical procedures: If you need to avoid bacterial contact with the patient, jewelry should be removed during surgical procedures.
2- Working with Scanning Machine: Jewelry should permanently be removed when working with a scanning machine, as the metal can interfere with the scan. Also, metal jewelry can absorb radiation, leading to potential health issues.
3- Applying Ointment/Creams: As the metal reacts with certain creams, always remove your jewelry when applying ointments or creams to a patient.
4- Working With Magnetic Fields: Jewelry should also be removed when working near magnetic fields, as they could interfere with the accuracy of the machine.
5- Caring For Patients With Allergies: Some metals can cause allergic reactions in certain patients, it’s essential to take off any jewelry worn before contact.
6- Injection or IV insertion: Jewelry can also get in the way during injections or IV insertions. 3- Examining a patient: Jewelry should be removed when examining a patient to avoid any distractions.
7- Administering medication: Avoid wearing jewelry when administering medication, as it can provide an unprofessional appearance.
8- Taking vital signs: The jewelry should be removed when taking vital signs to prevent bacteria from transferring.
9- Cleaning a patient: Jewelry can create a distraction and even cause injury to the patient, so it should be taken off when cleaning them.
10- Handling specimens: To avoid contamination, removing jewelry is essential when handling samples or performing laboratory tests.
11- Working with hazardous materials: Jewelry should be taken off when working with dangerous medical materials such as radiation or chemotherapy.
12- Preparing food: Jewelry must be removed to avoid transferring germs and bacteria.
Final Words
Wearing jewelry in healthcare settings can lead to harm and contamination. To avoid this, it is essential for nurses to take off their jewelry when working and to opt for minimalistic and smooth options that won’t get in the way or cause any distractions.
Following these guidelines will protect patients and healthcare workers from potential harm. By following these precautions and being mindful of the risks associated with wearing jewelry while caring for patients, we can ensure patient safety is always a priority. With proper guidance, nurses can make informed choices about what types of jewelry are acceptable to wear on the job—and which should be left at home.
In addition to removing your jewelry before interacting with patients, it is essential to remember to properly sanitize and disinfect your jewelry before and after each shift. Doing so will ensure that your jewelry does not become a source of contamination in healthcare.
These are just some of the steps nurses can take to keep themselves and their patients safe while wearing jewelry in health care settings.
Mrs. Marie Brown has been a registered nurse for over 25 years. She began her nursing career at a Level I Trauma Center in downtown Chicago, Illinois. There she worked in the Emergency Department and on the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. After several years, she moved to the Midwest and continued her nursing career in a critical care setting. For the last 10 years of her nursing career, Mrs. Brown worked as a flight nurse with an air ambulance service. During this time, she cared for patients throughout the United States.