Help: Tattoo Ideas!!

And I don't think you got the point I was trying to make.

I met a girl yesterday interested in medical school. She was observing in the OR. She had a large floral tattoo covering the back of her hand and flowing around her wrist - no way to hide it - and VERY noticable from just shaking hands. Like it or not, agree with it or not, admit it or not, she is not going to be taken nearly as seriously as a girl with comparable education and credentials and no visible tattoos.

I'll give you another example that was the talk of the OR - or at least it was for American Idol fans. The girl with the giant arm tattoos and the husband with the hideous facial tattoos (total idiot). You think those tattoos had anything to do with her not going farther in the competition? Most people I know do.

Professionals don't get tattoos??? Professionals don't judge people...

This isn't 1953. Welcome to 2008!!!

Times are changing. Tattoos are becoming mainstream and more accepted. Employers know this, and with the workforce getting younger, I don't think it'll be a huge deal.

As indicated in my original response to the OP, "you won't like my answer".

Professionals should look professional. That's why you still see docs wearing coat and tie or white jackets. That's why Yoga, who used to frequent this forum, insisted that the CRNA's working for her wear business attire to work, not jeans or shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops.

The OP, SRNA11, has now stepped up a level on the "professional scale", and IMHO, needs to look the part. I'm not saying those that already have tattoos shouldn't be hired - but if you don't have one already, at least think about your appearance to your patients and how that might affect their perception of you.

When you went for your job interview, didn't you dress up a little? Perception and first impressions are EVERYTHING. When I interview someone, I want to know that the patients in our practice (or the OR staff and surgeons) are not going to be offended or put off by the appearance of one of our anesthetists. If two of you come for an interview at my practice with equal credentials otherwise and pleasant enough personality - one with jeans, polo shirt, big funky looking arm tattoo and nose stud - and the other in coat and tie, who do you think an EMPLOYER might want to hire more? The one who has enough common sense to take the time to LOOK PROFESSIONAL.

No one said to have a tattoo to cover your face or anything really crazy. I have 4 tattoos. They are pretty big but the one on my neck is clearly visible. No one questions my professionalism or my intelligence. In fact people that do question me before getting to know me solely based on a tattoo are the people with prioblems.

Society decides what professional means. Notice the dictionary definition is purposely left vague.

I work at a facility that caters to military people. Now if you have EVER worked in the military you will know that the military has the STRICTEST idea of what professionalism is. Civilians really have no idea. I digress... When I show off my rather large Unit Tattoo no one has a problem. Not staff, family or patients.

The problem with tattoos is yours alone. There is no standard. Just because Yoga didn't want visible tattoos mean nothing other than that person having a bias.

The doctor that saved my life had a tattoo from his neck to his arm. It was awesome. I didn't care because hey that tattooed freak saved my life.

Tattoos aren't a subculture. More people have tattoos than not. Not including children of course. Look around. We outnumber you. Be nice!

Professionals don't get tattoos.

Tattoos in a military setting are a tad different. Apples to oranges. Private practice is a different thing altogether.

More people have tattoos than not? I doubt it.

You have to get permission to get a tattoo and you have very strict rules about where you can get them.....