Can Nurses Wear Acrylic Nails

The most recent statistics show more than four million registered.
Can nurses wear acrylic nails. The researcher found it very interesting that in the United States alone every year it is estimated that over 265 million is spent on acrylic nails and related products McNeil et al 2001. Even more disturbing according to a Oklahoma State Department of Health study done in 2000 and published online at Pubmedgov 46 neonatal intensive care unit patients in a university-affiliated childrens hospital acquired P. 7 College of Graduate Nursing Western University Pomona CA.
The best option when youre a nurse is to just not wear nail polish on the job at all. Trust me I know how youre feeling. I love getting my nails done especially with acrylic.
Some nurses try to get gel nail manicures instead to try and counter this problem but gel nails are just as unsanitary as chipped nails. But can nurses have acrylic nails at work. Ive heard you cant wear acrylic nails as a Nurse but Im not sure about just nail polish.
I can see why it seems a bit inappropriate but really nursery staff are paid peanuts and I dont think its fair to dictate to people on such a low wage how. This outbreak was linked epidemiologically to 2 nurses one with artificial nails. The CDC guidelines say that health care personnel should not wear artificial nails and should keep natural nails less than one quarter inch long if they care for patients at high risk of acquiring infections eg.
On a general basis gel nails and acrylic are strictly banned in almost all healthcare facilities because it is believed that these can carry many harmful bacteria. So wearing gel nails as a nurse is a direct no-no. Guidance says nurses should not wear nail extensions.
Okay but why is that. Nail jewelry is not permitted. They probably also wear gloves for nappy changes so shouldnt be an issue for hygiene.