Americans + appearance

[Nessie]

Hi,
after I read the thread about the navel piercing and got a job as a doctor in a Swiss hospital last week I kept wondering whether I would have got it in the USA.
I know female doctors in the US have to wear skirts (which is one reason for me not to go there I´m in love with my Levi´s). But would I have a chance if I refuse (as I did) to remove my tongue and nose piercings? The risk that I get problems to put them back in after a 48 hour shift would be quite high.
In Switzerland and Germany they told me that they care more about the way I treat the patients. What would it be like in the US?
I wonder whether it is just a prejudice or is "the look" really that important "over there"

 

[CuriousMe]

Who told you that female MD's have to wear skirts in the US? I'm not a doc, but as far as I can see female MD's wear whatever they please.

Peace,
Cathie

 

[Nessie]

The doctor who taught "Medical English", who was born and worked somewhere in the US before he came to Germany, told us in US hospitals doctors have to wear skirts
I see, obviously there is more than one prejudice...sorry.

 

[Bob3]

I imagine the "dress codes" at various hospitals is different, my niece is a doc & she wears the pants thing.

Dunno about body jewelry, that'd probably be dependent on individual hospitals as well.

 

[Northeastwrecks]

A number of my friends are M.D.'s. None of the females (or males, for that matter) are required to wear skirts. Most wear pants under a lab coat.

As for body piercings, I've never seen them on a doctor or a nurse.

I've represented a fair number of medical practices. For the most part, they are a relatively conservative bunch. I can see this in the same light as other appearance related issues. People in the states are free to express themselves through their appearance. Employers are free to decide whether that expression is appropriate for their working environment.

I've got an associate assigned to my department who periodically shows up with cobalt blue hair and a leather miniskirt. It actually looks pretty cool. I've told her that she can keep it if she wants, but that she could not appear in Court looking like she had just returned from a rave club.

 

[Dectek]

The trend for clothing in the medical field is drifting toward SCRUBS for everyone. Male or female..everyone is wearing scrubs and or a lab coat except for Nurse Cratchet. Many places have all the employees wear them including regular office support staff.
As far as the body mutilation ahh ahh I mean Art....that is not covered with a broad brush either. It mostly is up to the individual employer.

 

[Jersey]

Nessie - cute dog in your profile- is it a labrador retriever?

To the dress code issue, as a consultant I work in a bunch of hospitals in the eastern US, none have a mandatory skirt requirement for female MD/OD. As mentioned earlier, most are adopting scrubs & lab jackets. Satorial norms have changed greatly, when I started, Docs still wore suits. I think just about everyone now wears scrubs, except maybe the Chief Officers & Administrative personnel. Does make it hard to determine the players when everyone looks alike! I'm sure there are hospitals in this country where your Levi's would be acceptable.

As for the piercings, I'm not sure. Most hospitals do have fairly strict appearance codes - hair, jewelry and the like. As a doc, why would you ever have your tongue pierced? Any dentists reading this? Tongue piercing is really bad for your teeth. Breaks, chips, cracks, etc....

 

[WreckWriter]

Nessie once bubbled...
But would I have a chance if I refuse (as I did) to remove my tongue and nose piercings?

I would suspect that this WOULD be a problem at most U.S. hospitals. Doctors here are expected to look as well as act professional. Many people would not consider the piercings as looking professional.

WW

 

[Nessie]

Jersey once bubbled...
Nessie - cute dog in your profile- is it a labrador retriever?

Close, Golden Retriever.

As a doc, why would you ever have your tongue pierced?

Looks good, feels good

Any dentists reading this? Tongue piercing is really bad for your teeth. Breaks, chips, cracks, etc....

It is not that bad. My dentist has no complains. Made sure the piercing is quite far backwards and the lower part ís a plastic ball.