tattoos and IV's

Nurses General Nursing

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I see it mentioned so many times on hear about people w/tats becoming upset over IV sticks. Granted, I'd probably think the pt was a big wuss too if they were COVERED in tattoos. However, I DO have tattoos (two-one on my left calf and one on top of my right foot) yet I HATE needles! Honestly, the worst thing about labor for me was that damn IV start!

So, for those of you who don't have tattoos. There is a big difference between getting a tattoo and being stuck with a single needle. The ink guns used for my tats had 5 or 9 needles; the 5 needle gun was used for straight lines/outlining; the 9 needle gun was used for coloring. The area numbed itself quite quickly with that many needles essentially jamming themselves into a larger area of skin repetively, whereas an IV start or blood draw is one needle being stuck into a centralized location (sometimes more than once, sometimes being wiggled around/pulled back, etc).

Ok, I'll get off my soapbox now! Thanx for listening!

I've had a tongue ring. I have 4 tattoos. I've had an IV and shots.

In EVERY single one I've been pale, clammy, scared, stop breathing, shake and on occasion have passed out.

The difference is that getting a tongue ring and tattoos were me actively choosing to face my fear in a comforting setting with people that handle more needles in a day than some nurses do in a week or month.

The shots are never MY idea. They are thrust upon me and I have no time to get ready. Getting ready for my tats is a 4-5 month process. ;)

It's called an irrational fear because it's irrational. :D Hey, I'll catch snakes and scorpions but put a little ole spider by me and I'll scream like I'm in a horror movie!

Irrational fear! :D

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I think a lot of it has to do with the mentallity of the situation. Most of the time a tattoo is something you are happy about, have planned and will show off. In a medical setting you are either sick or injured, not feeling well, and already in discomfort and more discomfort scares you. There is no clear reward like pretty new ink to show all the effert.

Having a small back tattoo, IV's, and several ear piercings, the worst to me was the " rook" piercing( horizontal bit of skin under the cartiledge, above the ear canal). I got tears in my eyes with that.

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Specializes in School Nursing, Pedi., Critical Care.

this post has been a funny, interesting read! Makes me think about people who say they like ketchup but don't like tomatoes!

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Specializes in NICU, Telephone Triage.
sorry, not to be hateful, but you'll not get my sympathy. I continue my train of thought that if you can handle a tat, then an iv is nothing.

I totally agree. TATOOS HURT BADLY. IV's or blood draws are nothing and don't take nearly as long as even a small tatoo. I've been through both.

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Specializes in LTC.

It has been interesting to read through all this!

Kimbalou, I'm on the other side of the fence; I actually didn't think my tattoos were that bad. And I have a huge frog on the top of my right foot (it covers from toes to the bend in my ankle).

Thanks for all your replies!

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Specializes in EMS, ER, GI, PCU/Telemetry.
It has been interesting to read through all this!

Kimbalou, I'm on the other side of the fence; I actually didn't think my tattoos were that bad. And I have a huge frog on the top of my right foot (it covers from toes to the bend in my ankle).

Thanks for all your replies!

kremit, if you don't mind me asking, how did you get the one on the top of your foot to heal? i've wanted on there for years but with working 4 nights a wk and being on my feet with closed toed shoes i was afraid i would slough off too much color or something. thanks!

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I think that one of the funny things about this is that so often the tattoos on men are meant to show how tough they are (especially here near L.A., with so many gang tattoos) and then they are such sissies about an IV stick. We had one guy COVERED with gang tattoos who was the biggest cry baby everytime we had to do a tiny glucose stick.

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

If the IV stick bothers you so badly, refuse it. You still have that right.

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Specializes in ICU, telemetry, LTAC.

I think the process versus the result is a factor. I didn't enjoy labor pains, luckily for me there was an epidural available, and I sure as heck enjoyed the result. The pain of tats versus IV starts, from my point of view, was about equal in intensity but IV pain was very short-lived compared to the tattoos. And while I can feel the liquids going in and that sort of creeps me out, (until they give ya preop meds and then ya get to worry about the pretty eyeballs on the trashcan) I have yet to have a bad experience with the IV in place. I can grit my teeth and stand the IV but I will NOT let new grads practice on my pretty veins.

To whomever said the tats' many needles produce a numbing effect: I didn't notice that. But again I was too busy lamaze breathing and, afterwards, very much enjoyed the results. One thing that really brings me to tears is the glucometer sticks. Holy crap, I hate that! And no, I don't eat raw tomatoes but enjoy ketchup and tomato sauce. :-)

But then again I didn't claim to be tough.

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.
And no, I don't eat raw tomatoes

What are you, some kind of communist? Nothing in the world better than cherry tomatoes and ranch dressing.

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.
What are you, some kind of communist? Nothing in the world better than cherry tomatoes and ranch dressing.

Actually, homegrown beefsteak 'maters with a little salt and balsamic vinegar are heavenly!

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

I don't know about the vinegar/salt, but I could certainly cut up that beefsteak and eat it with or without ranch.

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