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AIBU?

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Original poster

Necklace at work

48 replies

Flipside7 · 29/08/2018 21:42

On January 2018, my son was stillborn at 38 weeks. I am currently trying to go back to work, neonatal nurse, in the NHS. One thing I have left of my son is a silver pendant with his footprint on. On one of my KIT days it was pointed out I cannot wear necklaces. I cherish this item and would rather work at the tills at Tesco than be parted with it. Is there anything I can do? Am I being silly?

OP posts:
RedHelenB · 29/08/2018 21:45

I wouldn't want to risk losing it at work.

londonrach · 29/08/2018 21:45

I work nhs and all jewellary bar a single gold ring is banned due to infection control. Sorry for your loss but there are good reasons behind this.

MrsFionaCharming · 29/08/2018 21:46

Safety pin to the inside of your uniform?

Justincase87 · 29/08/2018 21:46

I'm so sorry for your loss, the necklace sounds like a beautiful memory to carry, could you maybe attach the charm to a lobster claw it similar fitting so you could attach it to your clothes somehow instead of wearing it as a necklace at work? You could then slip it back on to the chain outside work..?

LostInShoebiz · 29/08/2018 21:46

Can you keep it about your person but just not around your neck?

ComtesseDeSpair · 29/08/2018 21:47

Can you change the chain from a necklace to an anklet and wear it that way?

CMOTDibbler · 29/08/2018 21:47

Pin it to your bra? Then it's safe, and close to your heart.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your son

Sirzy · 29/08/2018 21:47

I am sorry for your loss.

However. Rules around necklaces are there for infection control reasons, it’s not just for the fun of it.

Thingsthatgo · 29/08/2018 21:47

Is there somewhere you could pin it? Inside a pocket or to a vest top under your uniform? A decent jeweller could add a brooch pin that wouldn’t show, and you could still wear it as a pendant.

Tiptopj · 29/08/2018 21:48

I'm so sorry for your loss. I think the necklace sounds a wonderful way to remember your son but id keep it at home when you're at work. Let it only hold the memory of your son and not a battle with your employers about wearing it xx

EeeSheWasThin · 29/08/2018 21:49

I’m so sorry for your loss, Flip. Treasure your son in your mind whilst you’re at work and do what I’m sure you do brilliantly, helping other families. Flowers

JustLikeBefore · 29/08/2018 21:49

Could you sew a little pocket in your bra and keep it safe in the there?

SauvignonBlanche · 29/08/2018 21:49

You’re not being silly at all, I’m sorry you had such a terrible loss. Sad Flowers
However, the uniform policy cannot be just for most staff and the reason for banning necklaces should be the same for all.
Can you look into ways of securing your precious pendant to either your pocket or inside your uniform/ scrubs in some way?

notangelinajolie · 29/08/2018 21:50

Sorry for your loss.

Can you stitch a secret pocket in your uniform to keep it in. Somewhere where nobody but you knows it's there.

trojanpony · 29/08/2018 21:50

Pin it to your bra? Then it's safe, and close to your heart
This is what I was going to suggest

Bestseller · 29/08/2018 21:51

It sounds beautiful. Could you keep a photo of it in your pocket and leave the locket somewhere safe? Attaching it to your clothing would lead to too much risk of losing it for me.

HoleyCoMoley · 29/08/2018 21:51

So sorry to hear of your sad loss, what a lovely reminder. I had something similar but was told I could not wear it, I knew the reasons why. I wouldn't want to risk losing it or getting it damaged, it's something that is very precious to you. Can it be made into a brooch as well with a clip at the back which you could wear inside your uniform if you want. You are not being silly at all.

CherryPavlova · 29/08/2018 21:51

Stitch a tiny pocket in your bra. He’ll be next to your heart the whole time then.
Neonatal nursing is going to be particularly tough. Could you perhaps move temporarily to another area such as the paediatric ward or postnatal ward or even outpatients? I think rather than fretting about your necklace there should be a discussion about how you react going to cope and how you will manage to support parents of terminally ill babies and bereaved parents.

Cuddlykitten123 · 29/08/2018 21:52

I'm sorry for your loss x

Wearing jewellery depends on your trusts policy but typically it would be considered an infection control/safety issue. You may be able to wear it on a longer hidden chain or like previously suggested a little pouch to pin into your scrubs...

Ijumpedtheshark · 29/08/2018 21:52

I’m so very sorry for your loss. Could you just place it inside your bra? Then you can still feel it against your skin.

MissMarplesKnitting · 29/08/2018 21:52

In your situation but think I'd have that footprint as a tattoo....I'm so sorry for your loss x

troodiedoo · 29/08/2018 21:53

sorry for your loss Flowers

I would keep it in your bra or maybe at home in a special box so you can come home to it, when you are ready.

or maybe a tattoo of his footprint in a discreet place?

Neverender · 29/08/2018 21:53

Tattoo? It would be with you always x

Neverender · 29/08/2018 21:54

I didn't say, but I'm so sorry for your loss x Flowers

Feefeetrixabelle · 29/08/2018 21:54

Pin it to your bra, that’s what I do when I have to take jewellery off for work purposes