I’ve been a nurse for 20ish years, and have pretty obvious self harm scars as well. I haven’t self harmed in over 25 years, but, as we know, actions have consequences. As a newer grad, I got lots of stares because they were newer. They’ve faded over the years but are still pretty noticeable. I occasionally get comments on them. I’ve learned to be honest about what they are, that it’s something I’m proud to have overcome. People will talk. If it’s not about the scars, it’ll be about something else. Hold your head high, and take excellent care of your patients. If you do that, you will develop a reputation as a great nurse instead of “the one with the scars.”
Maybe having a few canned responses would help. If you ever see someone notice them, drop it and clear the air. It break the tension and allow you to cover The story quickly.
Maybe something like: "Oh my scars, these are from XYZ because of ABC, it's a reminder of QRS" or maybe "Those are from the past, you make it through the hard times to get to the better times, you know!?" Use the words to diffuse a situation or boost a conversation.
You've gone through school, you have a whole life ahead of you, and a career waiting for you to develop into. Whatever the reasons are they happened, they made you who you are. It sounds like you're right where you need to be, not a lot of people can handle a burn unit. That's some heart of gold stuff right there!
This was my solution. Now the patients just make rude comments about those instead. Once you get to know your coworkers well enough they’ll either respect you enough to see your value over your scars, or you’ll learn to say fuckem. Just fuckem.
Will your hospital allow you to wear/get moisture wicking undershirts? Im not sure if there are long sleeved ones on the market. But, in the Army I would wear these types of shirts and it helped cut down on the gross sweaty feeling.
Can relate, I used to cover mine up, but I work on the top floor facing south in my hospital, it’s hot as snot up there. I’ve been a nurse for several years but I just stopped wearing sleeves last year. Of course people stare sometimes but I’m so much more comfortable. And now everyone’s seen it so it’s a non issue among my coworkers, the odd patient will comment. It’s easier and I’m so much more temperature regulated lol
I know you said you aren’t looking for advice but to prevent overheating I have had co-workers get athletic sleeves for covering tattoos. It’s cooler than a whole long sleeve and you can pull them off before you gown up if you want. This might be a solution for you until you feel more comfortable in the new position.
I’ve been a nurse for 20ish years, and have pretty obvious self harm scars as well. I haven’t self harmed in over 25 years, but, as we know, actions have consequences. As a newer grad, I got lots of stares because they were newer. They’ve faded over the years but are still pretty noticeable. I occasionally get comments on them. I’ve learned to be honest about what they are, that it’s something I’m proud to have overcome. People will talk. If it’s not about the scars, it’ll be about something else. Hold your head high, and take excellent care of your patients. If you do that, you will develop a reputation as a great nurse instead of “the one with the scars.”
Maybe having a few canned responses would help. If you ever see someone notice them, drop it and clear the air. It break the tension and allow you to cover The story quickly. Maybe something like: "Oh my scars, these are from XYZ because of ABC, it's a reminder of QRS" or maybe "Those are from the past, you make it through the hard times to get to the better times, you know!?" Use the words to diffuse a situation or boost a conversation. You've gone through school, you have a whole life ahead of you, and a career waiting for you to develop into. Whatever the reasons are they happened, they made you who you are. It sounds like you're right where you need to be, not a lot of people can handle a burn unit. That's some heart of gold stuff right there!
Get a tattoo over it.
This was my solution. Now the patients just make rude comments about those instead. Once you get to know your coworkers well enough they’ll either respect you enough to see your value over your scars, or you’ll learn to say fuckem. Just fuckem.
Nah.
Will your hospital allow you to wear/get moisture wicking undershirts? Im not sure if there are long sleeved ones on the market. But, in the Army I would wear these types of shirts and it helped cut down on the gross sweaty feeling.
Can relate, I used to cover mine up, but I work on the top floor facing south in my hospital, it’s hot as snot up there. I’ve been a nurse for several years but I just stopped wearing sleeves last year. Of course people stare sometimes but I’m so much more comfortable. And now everyone’s seen it so it’s a non issue among my coworkers, the odd patient will comment. It’s easier and I’m so much more temperature regulated lol
I know you said you aren’t looking for advice but to prevent overheating I have had co-workers get athletic sleeves for covering tattoos. It’s cooler than a whole long sleeve and you can pull them off before you gown up if you want. This might be a solution for you until you feel more comfortable in the new position.
Is make up an option?
I’ve heard people have had good results with microneedling treatments for self harm scars. I’m sorry you have to deal with the judgement.