Wednesday, February 8, 2012
What does our appearance communicate about us? Is that right? I had a student who was tatooed on his neck and both arms (like sleeves). His head was shaved. He was a nursing student and he was good with the patients and was respectful to instructors and fellow students. However, he looked like you wouldn't want to meet him in a dark alley. He came in late to school one day and said he had been pulled over. He complained that, "the police are always pulling me over, I don't understand it!" The other students and I had a hard time understanding why he did not get it. Although we have a right to wear what we want and to express ourselves by the jewelry we wear or what we put on our body, how does professionalism in nursing fit in with self-expression?
Go to the link below. (You will need audio for this).
http://www.voki.com/pickup.php?scid=5309164&height=267&width=200
What do nurses need to communicate to their patients, co-workers, or the general public? Is this changing? Do we need to be concerned about this form of communication? Let me know what your opinion is on the subject of professionalism and self-expression as it pertains to communication.
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Great (and scary) avatar. I haven't been brave enough to try this means of communication. As a nurse and nurse educator, I step into a role. In that role, I dress and act as a professional. When I bike, hike, buy groceries, etc. I step out of that role as a healthcare professional. My middle child is tattooed and has met discrimination b/c of her artful choices.
ReplyDeleteIt is true that our appearance does communicate (whether it should or not is another argument). I was teaching the students today about interviewing for a job and we discussed what constituted professional attire. There is so much that is generational, some students have no slacks or suits or jackets. They pretty much wear scrubs and jeans and T-shirts. However if they wear that on a job interview they are unlikely to get the job. Appearance does communicate.
ReplyDeleteHi Jo!
ReplyDeleteLovin' the look and you so got your point across. We do have a dress code in our student handbook that includes wearing white tshirts under scrubs, fingernails, etc. However, I sure do appreciate the fact that we need to get these students ready to capture that job they want!
Thanks so much for sharing!
Teddie
Great job with the avatar. I currently work in an organization where dress is more business casual (although certainly no jeans)than suits. The VPs are the only ones who wear suits, and they often have jackets off during the day. It gives the (correct) impression of approachability to all the employees here
ReplyDelete