Nurses with dreadlocks

I am curious if those of you with dreadlocks have faced any difficulties in finding jobs or fitting the professional image required. Do you wear a head covering while at work?
I do not have locks now but have had five sets throughout my life and would love to knot my hair up again. I am slightly concered by some comments I have recieved from my friends and family such as 'Now that youre starting nursing school you can't do that with your hair again' and 'Nurses can't have dreadlocks, it might offend someone'.
Thanks for any feedback
I cut mine off when I started nursing school, and while part of me would like to have them again, I'm now in research and am in academic circles and will probably get into management, so it's just not going to happen if I want to be upwardly mobile.

I guess I'm weird. I have never understood why locks are an issue.I have a friend in nursing school (we graduate in December) who had locks for our first semester. Saw her the other day and she's cut them off, but it was her decision, no one at the schools or hospitals to my knowledge required it. When she had them, she secured them out of her face which is the main requirement at my school.Hope you don't have issues with it.

Quote from kloneI cut mine off when I started nursing school, and while part of me would like to have them again, I'm now in research and am in academic circles and will probably get into management, so it's just not going to happen if I want to be upwardly mobile.

There are dreads and there are dreads. I've seen some people--male and female--with really nice-looking dreads. Some are shorter and shouln't cause any problems. Others are longer but could easily be pulled back and secured out of the way. As long as they're kept clean, they're probably less hazardous than sloppy pony tails or loose short hair.Then there are dreads that make me think of homeless people who don't have regular access to hygiene facilities. Can you say career faux pas?While I doubt that you'll see dreads make their way into the military any time soon, the business world has loosened up quite a bit over the last couple of decades. Especially for women. If the overall look is one of good grooming and good taste, you might not have a problem.That said, nursing school can be a whole 'nother animal.

I think its more sanitary & professional if your hair is long to have it out of your face.. Thats just my opinion a lot of women look good with their hair down but I'm not to sure about having body fluids,vomit,etc all in it... lol

Quote from rn/writerThere are dreads and there are dreads. I've seen some people--male and female--with really nice-looking dreads. Some are shorter and shouln't cause any problems. Others are longer but could easily be pulled back and secured out of the way. As long as they're kept clean, they're probably less hazardous than sloppy pony tails or short loose hair.Then there are dreads that make me think of homeless people who don't have regular access to hygeine facilities. Can you say career faux pas?While I doubt that you'll see dreads make their way into the military any time soon, the business world has loosened up quite a bit over the last couple of decades. Especially for women. If the overall look is one of good grooming and good taste, you might not have a problem.That said, nursing school can be a whole 'nother animal.

Quote from DarkLotusWhat type of headcoverings are allowed? I'm assuming nothing fancey just a cap that matches scrubs...

Quote from rn/writerThere are dreads and there are dreads.

There are male and female physicians and nurses (and radiology techs, phlebotomists, physical therapists ...) with dreads where I work. This varies greatly from region to region. You might try posting this in your specific state forum.

There are many people where I work, including physicians, who have dreads. But not all dreads are the same, dreads are allowed where I work as long as a basic hygiene regimen is still adhered to. Some people's hair can be dreaded and still allow for the use soap or shampoo. Then there are those who's hair won't dread unless they never use soap or shampoo, never. I once listened as 2 friends argued over which was better for suffocating the bugs that inevitably take hold in never-washed hair; crisco or peanut butter. I think if your hair hygiene includes a monthly bug suffocation routine, it may not be appropriate for direct patient care.

I don't know why it would be an issue unless they were natty and out of control. Myself- I used to dye my hair many, many crayola colors. I miss doing that- the last time I had screaming blood red hair I was in LPN school, and I made myself color it "normal" because I didn't want anyone TELLING me to do it (the rebel I was...heh). Every now and then I consider just bleaching one wee little chunk, in the back, under all my hair, and dying it teal or green or pink or something.

I've worked in hospitals and seen folks with dreds and white guys with ponytails. Not a big deal. Just secure it in a neat pony-tail and go on about your business. Same as with women. I've long hair and I have to pull my hair back with a clip. Everyone does or should. You don't want your hair falling into anyone's 'business'. A nice, neat and professional look. It's all that's desired.Anyway, I was on my way to class one day and saw a girl in school scrubs with a pink mohawk. She was promptly sent home by admin. LOLI was like, "What is this a Rave?'" Yes, it was cute but I don't know what possessed her to wear her hair like that. This is a professional setting.BTW, as another poster stated, you wouldn't be able to get away with dreds if you're a man in the military. No long hair allowed. You have to have a 'shaving waiver' to not have a chin that's baby butt smooth. The rules are very stringent for men.For females? In basic training, I wore braids. They were in a nice neat bun. There was a girl in my old unit who wore 'sister locs'. I live in Texas, btw.