Body Piercings & Tattoos

GERINRS · Sep 9, 2003

I have two tattoos, both hidden in scrubs. I would like to have some piercings but I don't want to be judged wrongly by this. I work with elderly people and I don't think they would appreciate them. I too, believe that if a person is judged or rejected by this, that it would be the patient's loss. I wish that these issues were more acceptable. Why is it OK to have a hole or holes in your ears, but not to have them anywhere else? This is a stupid societal norm. Until they are more accepted, I will keep mine hidden.

JenNJFLCA · Sep 9, 2003

I have 2 tattoos. One is on my upper right back, and the other goes all the way around my right ankle. I can cover up both of them, unless I wear a skirt. I start clinical next semester, and they are very strict with the jewelry and tattoos that we have. I personally think tattoos should be covered and piercing kept to a minimum of earrings and maybe a small nose ring stud. But, that's just my opinion. :)

noodlefrax · Sep 9, 2003

I have tattoos and some piercings- none of which are facial. i could understand why some employers wouldn't be to keen on the piercings (depending on where you work) for "infection control", but as far as tattoos go; they're just pictures on skin. A tattoo doesn't change my job performance! Some places may consider it to look "unprofessional".. personally, I think places that worry too much about someone having a tattoo showing or not isn't spending enough time considering the quality care thats provided by that individual. Isn't that what this is all supposed to be about anyway?? :)

Why judge because of something so minor? This is how places miss out on some of the best employees!

Dixen81 · Sep 9, 2003

Like I've said in a similar post, everyone is different. Just because some people don't like the appearance of tattoos and multiple peircings doesn't make them wrong. Maybe the younger generation is offended by your hideous beehive hairdo, or your gawky costume jewelry earrings, or your lack of any makeup. I wouldn't reject a nurse's care just because I didn't like her style. That's absolutely rediculous, and it's also being judgmental and prejudiced, which is something we're taught in nursing school NOT to be. That nurse with the visible tatoos and multiple peircings may very well be the best nurse and sweetest person you would ever meet, but you'll never know because you judged them from the cover and rejected them. Shame.

Tink RN · Sep 10, 2003

peggysue - :roll

chipper · Sep 10, 2003

In clinicals, I had to wear long sleeves to cover the one on the inside of my forearm. I have one on my wrist, I've never tired to cover that up and noone has said anything. At work, I wear a long sleeve cardigan. I do it on my own and have never been told I had too. Wear I work, the people wear their piercings and no one tells them different.

LaVorneRN · Sep 10, 2003

Originally posted by peggysue
Like I've said in a similar post, everyone is different. Just because some people don't like the appearance of tattoos and multiple peircings doesn't make them wrong. Maybe the younger generation is offended by your hideous beehive hairdo, or your gawky costume jewelry earrings, or your lack of any makeup. I wouldn't reject a nurse's care just because I didn't like her style. That's absolutely rediculous, and it's also being judgmental and prejudiced, which is something we're taught in nursing school NOT to be. That nurse with the visible tatoos and multiple peircings may very well be the best nurse and sweetest person you would ever meet, but you'll never know because you judged them from the cover and rejected them. Shame.

You took the words right out of my mouth. One of the most awesome nurses who took care of me and my husband and also brought me some NCLEX material which was a lifesaver, was clearly "different" uh....flamboyant.....not the norm lifestyle? for lack of better description without being judgmental or insulting. I don't intend to be. He was so attentive to our needs as a married couple suffering on many levels. Not once did I or my husband think that due to his looks we didn't want his care. He turned out to be one of our good friends.

inodou · Sep 12, 2003

Originally posted by lunakat
Ya I have both n*pples done and the same one only your husband can see (if I am getting this right, if not I am a perv :imbar). If this is one you gyno would see to then ya. So if you have one of those and are considering getting your breasts, the one you have already is the most painful. So getting you breasts done is a cake walk. The 2nd one hurst more than the first, only becasue your body know whats coming. Had them done for about 2 yrs. If you have any questions send me a message...

I have both of my nips pierced and I love them, I am wanting to get the 3rd more private piercing when I have the time and money. I also have one tattoo on my back, it is a small purple butterfly on my shoulder blade. It is only visible if I wear tanktops.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Sep 12, 2003

OW OW OW

Shell7280 · Sep 24, 2003

I have a tattoo on my lower back, and one on my ankle, both easily covered. I also have my navel pierced which is covered up.

There was a guy in my nursing class who had tattoos on both his hands, on the backside, very visible. They actually made him put bandages over them at all clinicals. He also had them all over his forearms, so he had to wear long sleeves too.

realmean1 · Sep 25, 2003

Tatts and piercings, jeezzzz what would Florence think???LMAO

Personally, have 9 tats. Upper arms covered by scrub top, eagle center of chest can be seen occas., howling wolf back of neck. No hard feedback at work. Have sent ssomefellow employees to our artist. Nothing pierced, couldn't stand the pain! Wife has tatts and bellybutton pierced. If you are a good nurse and treat your pts accordingly, they will not care what you have on. (Personal viewpoint)

shodobe · Sep 25, 2003

New policy implemented. No visible tatoos or body piercings allowed. One of the CST has arms tatooed nd he has to cover up with a long sleeved shirt. A few younger girls in the business office have eyebrows and tongue studs and they had to remove them to continue employment. I personally have no problem as long as they are tasteful and not mean spirited.