Will my scars from cutting be a problem?

kbrn2002, ADN, RN · Jan 29, 2015

Your history is just that, your HISTORY. Nobody's business, and nothing you need to bring up unless you choose. Easiest fix if the scars visibility bothers you is to wear a long sleeved shirt under your scrub top. If somebody sees your scars and asks about them, no need for an explanation at all, just say you prefer not to talk about them and leave it at that.

Flare, ASN, BSN · Jan 29, 2015

i would say your best bet is the aforementioned long sleeve shirt under your scrub top. Most facilities don't have an issue with that as long as it coordinates with your uniform. I agree with the sentiment that tattoos would not be well received and may bring more attention to any scars. You don't owe anyone an explaination

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 29, 2015

Hi,
When I was 14, and through to age 17, I would cut my arm every now and then because that was the only "coping mechanism" that worked for me (or knew of) at the time. Of course, I've stopped since then and I know how to deal with it.
The scars were never extremely deep; they're a little pale in comparison to my already-really-pale skin. They're really easy to notice, since they're on the back of my arm, but most people take awhile to notice. Still, nursing uniforms are always short-sleeved, CNA or not (right?).
I don't actually care about the scars, but people tend to think I am still cutting even though the scars are really old, or they just get weird about it. I was thinking of covering the scars with tattoos, but I feel like that wouldn't help me much, either, because of the reputation of tattoos. Or would it be okay depending on the tattoo? Such as using pretty flowers and grass instead of a ferocious dragon. If not, what can I do?
If there's nothing, that's okay. I chose to cut and I knew there was the possibility of the scars presenting a problem in the future. I just want to know if, in this case, they will present a problem. I'd greatly appreciate any suggestions and advice on what to do.

They will present a problem if you make a big production out of them. I think that most people would be courteous enough not to ask unless you keep bringing them up and/or drawing specific attention to them.

If someone does ask, you can make up some story about childhood accidents/injuries and leave it at that. IMO, this is one of those few times where it's OK not to disclose everything about yourself.

Mind you, if you come to work in psych, we're more likely to suspect the real story behind them...but most of us aren't going to ask just for that reason. If anything, it's more likely that the patients will be asking the questions, especially if they also resorted to cutting as a coping mechanism. And again, you don't have to disclose anything to patients either even if they call you out on it.

Depending on where they are located, you can wear long sleeves or wrist supports to cover them. Tattoos aren't a good idea because many facilities require you to cover tattoos as well.

NicuGal, MSN, RN · Jan 30, 2015

Keep in mind many places are

beginning to not allow

long sleeves in the clinical area. Our hospitals dress code states this. I would either come up with a cover story or say you dont

like to talk about it. And don't go the tattoo route, many schools and hospitals have a policy against this also.

My daughter's bestfriend was a cutter and in nursing school. Ahe would just smile and say we all have our stories. No problems. Good luck!

scaredsilly, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2015

Long sleeve is the way to go. Please don't listen to those who recommend creating a lie. That is ALWAYS a terrible idea. Keep them covered with clothing.

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jan 30, 2015

I have several scars on my wrists going up my arm, neck and face from a barb wire accident. Some are horizontal and I have had people ask about them. I simply say I had an accident when I was younger, and its usually left at that. Most of the time people dont pry. Being mine is a funny story I will tell it but you can always say something to that extent to divert the conversation.

BiotoBSNtoFNP · Jan 30, 2015

Hopefully your coworkers have enough tact not to blatantly ask you about your scars, especially as a new employee!

Paws2people · Jan 30, 2015

Just wear a long sleeved shirt. I wouldn't dream of wearing nothing under my scrub top. I need a barrier in case any "fluids" seep through. :bored: If anyone happens to see the scars and ask, keep your reply vague. "It's from when I was a child." That's it. No one else needs to know the details of how the scars got there. Especially since it doesn't define your capabilities as a nurse.

CryssieD · Jan 30, 2015

I'm going with the crowd here and saying long sleeves! I almost never take my lab coat off, though I tend to roll up my sleeves to keep them dry when I wash my hands. I've never done the cutting thing, but I have scars all over my hands and forearms from dog and cat scratches, plus a couple of nasty rope/lunge line burns from training problem horses--and no one has ever asked me about them. I think if you act self-conscious about them, you will draw more attention to them--if anyone is rude enough to ask, it's perfectly OK to make a dismissive or humorous comment (We don't talk about Toothpick Fight Club, or, Oh, I've had those so long I can't even remember what they're from). Don't be too worried--just remember, it's no one else's business anyway!

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Jan 30, 2015

Your history is just that, your HISTORY. Nobody's business, and nothing you need to bring up unless you choose. Easiest fix if the scars visibility bothers you is to wear a long sleeved shirt under your scrub top. If somebody sees your scars and asks about them, no need for an explanation at all, just say you prefer not to talk about them and leave it at that.

THIS.

I have a HUGE scar on my right forearm from having has gangrene from a traumatic incident; the scar is not as big as it was, but it's still there and visible; I'm not ashamed of it, and I don't always divulge how I get it.

I see the scar as a survival, an empowerment of sorts.

If you really want to further lighten the scars, there are products out there to heal the scars further; Google is your best friend-I found a few products out there that are very helpful.

Best wishes.

vampiregirl, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2015

I have a couple friends who always wear long sleeve shirts under their uniforms. Different circumstances (full sleeve tattoos), but I've never seen anyone make a big deal out of it.

They make lots of different styles/ materials of long sleeve shirts to go under uniforms. You may have a dress code that specifies the color (black, white, navy etc) or it may be up to you. You can go coordinating or contrasting.

I found some lower cut long sleeve shirts made of a thinner fabric (before anyone gets excited - the lower cut was so it didn't show over the neckline of my shirts. Trust me, I don't wear anything "low cut" as I'm a little fluffy.)

Tenebrae, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2015

1. First of all, as people have said, dont resort to telling lies. Its far more likely to come back and bite you in the butt later.

2. Ex self harmer here. Havent self harmed in many years however used to be quite prolific in damaging myself and I have some very visible scars.

3. For an interview, I will wear a top/dress with long sleeves. I do not disclose in an interview. If asked 'Do you have an illness/disability that could impact on your ability to do the job?" I am confident in the strategies I have set up in my personal life to ensure my depression would not impact on my ability to do the job.

4. I wear a short sleeve tunic top. Mainly because the horrible thing is made of polyester and they never turn the heating off in work I dont wear long sleeves underneath because I'd get too hot. I dont get many comments. However if someone colleage/patient asks me about them I'm truthful and say something along the lines of "About 15 years ago I was someone who would deliberately self injure. I havent done it for many years however unfortunately the scars have remained'

Its not that I'm proud of that part of my life, however am at the point now where I am not ashamed of it and I figure if me being open about my journey can provide help/support for others then yea well..... I've not had a negative response, most people are reaffirming of where I have come from.