Tattoo question

1. Hi, I'm curious, has anyone had a difficult time getting hired or covering a small wrist tattoo? I'm still taking my prerequisites. I would like to get a small wrist tattoo, but I don't want it to hinder my chances of getting hired later on. Any insight anyone one has would be much appreciated.
   
   Thanks!😊

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2. 22 Comments

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3. 
   Feb 14, '13

   I had no trouble but I was we'll known and they loved my people skills and work ethic so they didn't mind
4. 
   Feb 14, '13

   Quote from Rhi007

   I had no trouble but I was we'll known and they loved my people skills and work ethic so they didn't mind

   Thank u for responding. Did u get get the tattoo while working there or before you started?
5. 
   Feb 14, '13

   It's up to you as to when to get it.
   
   However...IMO, it's better to err on the conservative side and cover a tattoo for job interviews, even if you see/know that other people working there have visible tattoos. After you land the job, then you can get a feel for your work environment and whether it'd really be OK to show it...but you need to land the job in the first place.
   
   As far as hiding it goes, I know a lot of people rave about Dermablend makeup. Kat von D is supposed to have a good foundation/tattoo hiding makeup as well. I haven't had direct experience with either product though--as long as I can wear pants at work I don't have to cover my ink. I suppose if I ever go into administration and start wearing skirts, that'd be a different story...and would require a hell of a lot of Dermablend

   Last edit by Meriwhen on Feb 14, '13
6. 
   Feb 14, '13

   I have a large wrist tattoo and a ring tattoo and have had no issues getting hired. I cover them during interviews, and depending on the unit policy cover it at work. I got my wrist tattoo prior to going in to nursing. If I'd done it afterwards, I would have made it small enough to be covered by a thick watch- as it is, a watch doesn't really cover it but in some places appears to be considered covering it enough for the dress code gods.
7. 
   Feb 14, '13

   I have 15 tattoos but none show in scrubs, my boss or patients don't know I have any. My recommendation would be to get a tattoo in a hidden place.
8. 
   Feb 14, '13

   Every hospital I've worked at has had a no visible tattoo or piercing policy. I don't think it's enforced much, but just be careful.
9. 
   Feb 14, '13

   Thanks everyone! I will definitely look into the dermablend!!
10. 
    Feb 14, '13

    Quote from smyleeRN2b

    
    Thank u for responding. Did u get get the tattoo while working there or before you started?

    Both of them were done prior to me getting the job
11. 
    Feb 15, '13

    I think it depends a lot on the facility. When I did my preceptorship, one of the techs had full sleeve tattoos and none of the patients seemed to care.
12. 
    Feb 15, '13

    I would make sure you can cover it during an interview.
13. 
    Mar 2, '13

    I've found that it really does depend on the facility. I work in pediatric oncology, and I have six large, visible tattoos. My patients and families doe not mind, and probably 50% or better of the parents have tattoos. Opinions have definitely changed over the course of the past few years. That said, when I interview, I always wear longs sleeves and make sure that my tattoos are covered. I don't think tattoos are unprofessional, but not everyone sees it as such. In my past life, as a Senior Operations Manager, I hired based solely on ability and resume. Some of my best managers had tattoos, dreadlocks or piercings. Those things doen't impact the ability to do a job, or how well that job is done.
14. 
    Mar 2, '13

    You should, however, be aware that most nursing schools are MUCH stricter about visible tats than employers are. I would recommend waiting to get it until you are done with nursing school.

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