RN school and tattoos?

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I have been a LPN for about 5 yrs . . . I toy with the idea of going back for my RN or getting out of nursing completely. I recently got a large tattoo that goes from my shoulder to my elbow. The sleeve of my scrubs cover all but the tip (most of the time). Administration does not have policies about tattoos at my facility and I have received many compliments on it. My dilema is that a co-worker made the statement "I guess you won't be going back for your RN now. They'll never accept you with that tattoo showing through white scrubs." I was taken back by this, obviously I hadn't thought about the affects of my new tattoo when applying to a RN program in rural southern oklahoma, lol. I've thought that I could just wear long sleeves when I apply and interview ;) and it would probably mean covering it with bandages or such while in clinicals . . . :rolleyes: . Any how, just wanted to see what others think . . . whether or not it will be a big deal and maybe warn others BECAUSE I honestly didn't think about this before hand.

Dermablend is a great coverup and is waterproof (check ebay). I use it on my ankle/leg tats whenever I go for interviews or any other event that I dont want it to show and its easily removed at night. I'm one who loves tats and piercing so it's just finding ways to fit into both worlds. It's really not that difficult to cover up when required. I've had employers and clients who never had a clue I have tattoos or piercings unless asked.

Sally Hansen spray on hose, or something like that. But definitely Sally Hansen completely covered my 5 large tattoos while I was a bridesmaid this summer. It was amazing.

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Specializes in ICU.

I am in the last year of my nursing school. I have a hugh tattoo on back one onmy chest one on my calf and one on my right arm. The one on my arm at times can go below the sleeve but most times doesnt. My school does not care except with L&D. Even that is is not always true. Just depends where we go. Granted i live in chicago and it is a very easy going city.

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I just started my first semester in clinicals. At our orientation we were told nothing pierced, no tatoos showing. I would check with the school. I think that if it can be covered it would be okay

Shailyn

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The tattoo that I thought was hysterical was ON an old womans chest. It said "DO NOT RESUSCITATE". I saw the picture, she's not taking any chances.......

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my scrubs cover my tattoos. but...my problem is, i have my nose pierced and i was told to remove it during clinical. a girl in my class (indian) made a big deal that it is her culture and she wont take it out. now everyone in my group is like "thats not fair i'd keep it in if i were you" i'm scared b/c i dont wanna piss my instructor off, but whose to say what kind of significance my nose piercing is to me? any feedback?

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My opinion is that if they let one student keep the piercing (regardless of the reason), they need to let all students keep them. I mean a health risk is a health risk....shouldn't matter WHY you have the adornment (not too sure if that's a real word....too lazy to check).

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Specializes in ED, ICU, PSYCH, PP, CEN.

to tysmom:

do what is comfortable for you. Don't worry about what the other students are doing. If your heart says that you should do what the instructors say while you are in school, then take it out. School doesn't last long and just try to focus on learning all you can. There will be plenty of time in the future for the real you to shine. Try not to get involved in "pissing" matches with the other students and teachers, it is a waste of time and energy.

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My suggestion would be to pick your battles and do not piss off your professor. It does make a difference with them, so even if it seems unfair at the moment, does it really mean that much to you? Your friends can say what they want, it's not their GPA at risk. I have been there and speak from experience. During my clinicals I was told to remove my makeup and loose the earrings, which I did. It sounds like a sellout to the establishment (I am a child of the 60's) but it's ultimately your career.

Now the end of the story.....many years later, I was an administrator of an Adult Home and did not wear my earrings (18) because of "the professional appearance". I had a very dear friend that I worked with who kept telling me that I should stick with my beliefs. He was killed at age 24, first time on the ski slopes, hitting a tree. My earrings went in and have never come off again. If my reputation and resume doesn't speak for me before the earrings then I wouldn't want to work for such a small-minded facility.

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Hellooo, tatoos, "dread locks", piercing, the issue here is value clarification and professionalism. If you expect justice with tatoos, how do you not expect justice with hair styles?! You may have to open your arms just a little wider. You may have to work side by side with an baby catcher with "locks" in the future...especially in Cali!!

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Specializes in Psych, DD, SNF, DOU/Tele.

I'm sorry that your friend is a little prejudice. I've experienced the same discrimination. My friend said "How can you be a nurse with all those tattoos?" WHAT? I attended a very snooty, if you will, school in So Cal but all of us with tats just kept them covered. My chest is very colorful and every so often a preceptor would get a glimpse & say something like "Whoa!!" My instructors knew they were there but as long as they were covered, all was good. Once you're in clinicals, your performance will speak volumes about your character and leave those with closed minds scratching their heads. It's an awesome experience. Forge aheadicon14.gif

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Saw a young (20ish) fellow today who had heavy, lacy, intricate green lines drawn ALL over his face, sort of like a wrought-iron fence finial. I know some of you would say it probably looked awesome, but it disturbed me. He'd have to wear pancake makeup from the 1940's to even try to cover that up.

Couldn't help but think of this thread, and wonder if that guy might ever want to go into healthcare. Hope not. Please!

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Tattoos ARE forever, but thankfully nursing school is not. I say cover the Tats, take out the piercings, and be willing to wait to express yourself more fully AFTER nursing school- when what you DO will matter far more than how you look. Who cares about style and individual expression while in nursing school. That can wait. For now, its all about learning skills and then passing the NCLEX! I say save the battles for the big stuff...and don't sweat the small stuff (and don't pet the sweaty stuff either !).

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