Is it appropriate?

[Calvin]

Hey all,

The only thing holding me back from shaving my head is myself and the idea that it would be inappropriate to shave my head considering I work on an oncology and hematology ward as a nurse.

Radio/Chemotherapy related hair loss hurts physically (I've been told) and greatly affects the sense of self and identity of patient who have to undergo such.

I know that the decision to shave my head is purely a personal one. However I would hate for it be misinterpreted as some attempt to empathize or to highlight the issue of hair loss in this population. Thus taking away from the care these patients are receiving.

Now, if I was working anywhere else I wouldn't be asking this question.

Do you guys think it would be appropriate to shave my head?

[Mikekoz13]

Welcome Calvin.

Simply.................. yes. Your patients have MUCH larger things to think about than the state of your shaved head. I think you're worrying about nothing.

[Natedawg]

Hello there, Calvin.

I believe it's fine. I doubt they would take it as a you say they might.
For one thing, you'd have to be pretty numb-skulled to do something like shaving your head just to poke fun at your patients. That's a lot of going out of your way to pointlessly make enemies. I really don't think they'd jump to such a conclusion.
If anything, they may take it as a nod, or something  of a "shout out" to their situation. Go for it. Be who you want to be.

[Lee]

I think it's perfectly appropriate.  I think it would help your patients deal with their hair loss if nothing else.  I'm with Mike, they have much bigger things to worry about.....

Lee

[Frontier Guy]

I'm on board also.

I'm not in the patients' role, but seems to me having a bald caregiver would be more of encouragement ("See, this look works well for everyone.") than otherwise.

Depending on the relationships and the time you spend with them it may also be an opportunity for them to ask about your experience being bald in public and easing their anxiety about appearance. Look around here at all the guys who experience tremendous apprehension about shaving.

Just do it.

[BaldHDbiker]

I think it would just fine. I would bet no one would even flinch. 

[Hingatao]

They may very well take it as a show of support for their situation. Go for it!

[Andrei]

I second all the guys that think this is not a problem.
Head shaves and haircuts are one of the most popular ways to fundraise for several Cancer Societies.

[waine]

Hi there Calvin, and welcome to the right place for all matters bald...

Big dittos to what has already been said.

My shaving it off you will achieve two beautiful feats, A) You will satisfy your own personal curiosity about what it is like to be Sly (Nobody will really care much more than you think they will, I promise you...) and B) you will show the patients that by being bald, for whatever reason, is not shameful in any way whatsoever.  This is a perfect opportunity to encourage those in your immediate surroundings with the painful and emotional ordeal they face and the hair related side effects of chemotherapy.

[Sir Harry]

Welcome, Calvin....I don't think a nurse shaving his head would be offensive, in fact it may put the patients (especially the young ones) at ease. Last year, myself and a couple of soldier buddies visited a children's hospital. Being the only one sly in the group, the kids seemed more friendly toward me than my friends, they were glad to see us nonetheless. Good Luck!

[fcb2001]

to me its ok,
my advice, would be is to maintain a bic'd head for 30 days

[homer3142]

Interesting question!

My feeling on it is that there is nothing offensive about shaving your head if the reason is because you simply want to.  The only way I could see someone getting "offended" by that is if they were just upset and stressed about their situation and they are lashing out at you for no good reason.  It would not surprise me if you may have gotten this type of reaction before even without shaving your head, since it's a very stressful situation for a patient or family member to be put in

My only suggestion would be to refrain from any comments along the lines of anything like knowing how they must feel, or how you guys look just alike, or cheerfully telling them how great they look without hair, etc (unless they first mention any of the above).  I guess all I'm saying is try to avoid making it actually be an attempt to empathize or to highlight the issue, and then I don't think many people (if any at all) will ever misinterpret it as such

[mrzed]

Before coming to s b g I thought that most guys who shaved their heads did it to support a friend dealing with cancer. Very popular thing to do. I'd think it totally appropriate.

[BalDon]

It took my Mom's cancer to give me the courage to shave my head.  Mom is gone now,  but the sly remains.  I dont think you should worry about it, do what feels best for you.  It's fine.