While specifically false eyelashes are not prohibited by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses

( AORN ), the standards and guidelines state that the utmost care should be taken to avoid contamination and ensure optimum infection prevention measures are in place .” procedures . Subcategories facilitating employees ’ feedback or questions regarding dress code policies may help encourage communication and a diverse environment . Due to this , HR must be receptive to feedback and constantly prepared to change the policies to suit the needs of the organization .

Lastly , in cases of continual violation of the laid-down policies , HR may be forced to administer corrective measures in the form of disciplinary actions against persons violating the established dress code policy . It could include things as simple as being advised to stop or even dismissal for persisting in the wrong behavior . By consistently following through with such measures , HR can remind employees of how and why strict compliance with the dress code is essential .

The presence of false eyelashes in the OR is a potential source for surgical site infections ; it is thus pertinent to consider salient aspects of nursing personal appearance . Professional health regulatory bodies and organizations such as AORN recommend and support a low tolerance for infection risks , while many healthcare facilities have company policies prohibiting these eyelashes due to patient health risks . The personnel departments have a major role in implementing such policies by setting up communications , education , and reinforcement . Thus , the cleanliness of the OR is important , and the decisions made by nurses should reflect the goal of minimizing risk factors that would harm the patients .

Kristina Pirollo-Ketchum , BA , AA , CHL , CRCST , is an independent consultant and principal of Ketchum Konsulting , LLC .

References :

Ko I , Babatope IO , et al . Assessment of the Microorganisms Isolated from Artificial Eyelash Users . J Biomed Research Environ Sciences . 4 ( 10 ), 1455-1460 . 2023 . https :// doi . org / 10.37871 / jbres1818

Paone J . Infection Prevention : The Latest on Surgical Attire Recommendations . Outpatient Surgery . Association of periOperative Registered Nurses . Jan . 10 , 2022 . https :// www . aorn . org / outpatient-surgery / article / 2022-January-attirerecommendations

Robinson-Warner G , Bellamy A , et al . The Perils of Continuous Wearing of False Eyelashes in Clinical Settings . Acta Scientific Dental Sciences . 17-20 . 2024 . https :// doi . org / 10.31080 / asds . 2024.08.1838

Sheffield Health and Social Care . ( 2023 ). Policy : HR 024 : Dress Code , Uniform and Appearance . https :// www . shsc . nhs . uk / sites / default / files / 2023-10 / Dress % 20Code % 20Unifrom % 20and % 20 Appearance % 20 % 28HR % 20024 % 20V7 % 20September % 20 2023 % 29 % 20 % 281 % 29 . pdf

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