Many people who’s normal workday involves a desk and computer probably are used to hearing things like “Hey, are we out of copier toner?” or “Did you get my memo on the budget report?”…
In this line of work though, things tend to be a little…well, different.
Case in point: A week ago, I had the occasion to say “Hey! Who took my bucket of vomit?” (Now how often do you get to say that in the corporate world?)
Recently, a doctor came out of an exam room and commented “Well now, THAT was an impressive pair of testicles!” (In other work places that could be considered harassment.)
Last night, I noticed our chart rack was empty. That is always a good thing because it means that all the patients are roomed and that triage has not got any more lined up for us. I commented “Wow, what a great rack.” The other nurse next to me, sighed and said “Yeah…” Then looked at each other and giggled.
Yep, only in the hospital!

These are all aspects of professionalism, and they are expected of us in the workplace.
What happens, though, if you are not on the clock?
Does professionalism stay at work, or do you carry it around with you at all times?
Think of the last day off you had—what did you wear when you ran your errands or filled up your car’s gas tank? How did you act when you went out with your friends to the newest club or bar? Did you tell anyone you are a nurse, and do you think if you did, that others would look at you differently if you weren’t dressed to the nine’s, or if you had more than one or two drinks?
Yes we know that licensure demands ‘good moral character’, but that is a broad and hard-to-define term. Are you less professional if you have a few drinks with your friends? Are you more professional if you dress up to run errands? And as licensed professionals, are we obligated to act the part of professional any time we are in public, or just when we are in scrubs and on the clock?
Is there a grey area somewhere…between living life as a person first, and nurse second. After all, while being a nurse is a huge aspect of who I am, it is not the complete definition of me. What about you?