Published
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 :)
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.
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.
SmYle4PeDs, BSN
315 Posts
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!?