Art of grooming

Prof. Rupa VermaPrincipal

MKSSS S.N. College ofNursing

Why we need grooming

• "Patients who visit a hospital obviously don't come in the best of their moods.

• On top of that, if a nurse is not smartly turned out or doesn't have her manners right, he will be even more put off.

• When they pay for good services, one mismatch can bring the whole experience down,"

ABC of Grooming

• Grooming is a very important aspect of personality development.

• "A refers to appearance,• B for behaviour and • C for communication. • Nursing is not only about looking good but also learning

the basics of the profession• Nurses must maintain a confident posture, dress code,

hairstyle and express a caring attitude to patients.

Goals of Appropriate Dress and Grooming

• The primary goal is to "feel good" about the way you look and project a positive image. When you feel good about yourself, you naturally convey confidence and a positive attitude.

• The nonverbal messages are as important as the verbal skills you use at work place.

Professional Image• Remember that the

workplace isn't your home. It may not be completely fair, but people do judge you by the way you dress.

• What you wear supports or detracts from your professional image and sends a clear message to others about how you see yourself and how you want to be perceived by others.

Professional Image

Most nurses would agree that they want to be viewed as professional, intelligent, and competent.

You need to ask yourself if your appearance mirrors that image.

If you dress too casually, patients may question your professionalism and attention to detail. Example: Does a nurse dressed in cartoon-print scrubs establish immediate trust, authority, and credibility?.

Grooming at interview• First Impressions• Most of us have heard the expression, "A

picture is worth a thousand words." Remember this when preparing to meet with a prospective employer. The picture you create will greatly influence your chances of being hired.

• Most employers form a first impression during the first seven seconds of a meeting. Not much is said is this short time; early judgment is based strictly on appearance. Furthermore, studies reveal that employers consistently ask the question, "Does the individual look right for the job?”

First Impression Matter

Personal hygiene and grooming

• Personal grooming is just as important as what you wear. You may select the right clothes, but neglecting personal hygiene can ruin the image you wish to present..

• Hair Clean, trimmed, and neatly combed or arranged. • Facial Hair (men) Freshly shaved; mustache or beard neatly groomed. Fingernails

Neat, clean, and trimmed. • Teeth Brushed and fresh breath Breath Beware of foods which may leave breath

odor. Beware of tobacco, alcohol, and coffee odor. • Use a breath mint if needed.• Body Freshly bathed/showered; use deodorant. • Remove body piercings, tongue rings, and cover tattoos if possible.• Make-up (Women) Use sparingly and be natural looking. Perfumes/ Colognes/

After Shave Use sparingly or none at all. Your “fragnance" should not linger after you leave.

Remember

. Your clothes should complement you. To be credible, you should look perfectly comfortable in what you are wearing. Consider the shape, style, colour, texture, pattern and fit. They should harmonise with your body shape, face shape, hair, skin and eye colouring and also reflect your personality.

. Your clothes should fit well. Jackets should fit across the back of the neck, the

back and chest. Skirts should fit without gathering or creasing around the seat area and gently follow the contours of your body shape. Shirt collars/necklines should not be too loose or too tight. Trousers should fit well in the waist, thigh and seat areas, and break gently on the top of the shoe. Ties should be well-knotted and tied to the correct length, just covering the trouser waistband.

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Know what image you want to project. Take control of the messages your appearance sends out every day. Decide whether you want to be professional, credible, polished, creative or charismatic. Define what your image says and own it.

• Your clothes should be appropriate for the organisation, the occasion, the people you work with and the time of year

• Look up to date. You will never appear well dressed if your look is obviously out of date.

• Your clothes should speak quality. A quality fabric and well-designed suit or jacket is an investment that will repay itself over and over, so buy the highest quality you can afford. Look for a good cut with better fabrics that have drape and ease of movement..

• Be well accessorised. A professional look will be undermined if you don't pay enough attention to your accessories. Watches, pens, spectacles, briefcases, jewellery and belts should always be of the highest quality you can afford and in good condition.

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