Nurse managers-Do you think tattoos look professional?

Specialties Management

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I am curious as to how nursing managers feel about tattoos. I know some people love tattoos and some people hate tattoos. Since nurse managers are in charge of hiring nurses, I am wondering how they feel about tattoos.

Thanks:nurse:

Thanks all for your comments. Some people approve of tattoos. Others do not. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

Nurse managers decide which nurses get hired and which nurses do not get hired. I was just curious as to what nurse managers thought about tattoos since they do the actual hiring of nurses.

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Specializes in Med surg, Critical Care, LTC.

I have two tatoo's, one on my left lateral calf, the other starts on my right foot, around the ankle and up the side of my right calf a little way's - it's a floral tattoo. I am in administration - and when I wear skirts, everyone can see them. Not once has it affected my ability to do my job, or have I heard any negative comments. I get a lot of compliments on my floral tattoo - from young and old alike.

I have never been into drugs, I don't own a motorcycle (never have), these were personal choices that I made at age 48 and 49 - I am now 50, and I plan to do a floral on my left ankle that travels up to my current tattoo and intertwines with it to make it more lady like. My nose is also pierced, a gift to my self at age 36 - and again, never been an issue.

The only time I would require someone to cover a tat - would be in the case of something like a Nazi tattoo, a horror type tattoo, or a tat that could offend someone due to race, ethnicity, sex, religion, etc... otherwise, I have no problem with them. I have no problem with piercings either. It's the person behind the piercings and tat's that is important to me, I am a good judge of character, and I realize that body adornments are a personal choice, and they have been around since there have been humans.

Times have changed, we should change with them. Just MHO. Blessings

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
Thanks all for your comments. Some people approve of tattoos. Others do not. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

Nurse managers decide which nurses get hired and which nurses do not get hired. I was just curious as to what nurse managers thought about tattoos since they do the actual hiring of nurses.

That being the operative theme here. I remember my mother making a huge deal about pierced ears when I was in high school - fast forward 5 years . . .she got her ears pierced before I did. Tattoos will most likely become mainstream, and just as with jewelry - gold studs are not the same as large metal hoops that hang down to your clavicle.

You have your tasteful bird in flight on the inside of your wrist as my daughter does, and you have your teardrops near your eyes, your gang insignia on the back of your head, and your tramp stamp. Not all the same.

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Specializes in CVICU, TSBICU, PACU.
If I was a patient, I would wonder if the employee has been drinking or do drugs before coming to work as tattoos are associated with the bar and drug crowd. As a side note, I also find it funny that alot of those employees that have tattoos are always short on money yet they have money to get another tattoo. Go figure.

This seems like a rash generalization..

I have two very large, very coverable tattoos. They cost money, but their meaning is timeless and will matter to me until the day I die. One of them, the one on my left deltoid is a reminder to myself why I'm still alive, as well as my purpose in life, and why I decided to go into nursing in the first place. Yes, I definitely need it tattooed on my arm many days... they are never visible at work, ever.

Even though I'm only 24, I am one of the most fiscally responsible and frugal people (especially woman) I've ever known

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I have 13 tattoos and in scrubs, only 3 are visible. I work as a unit manager in a LTC facility where most of the staff have both tattoos and piercings. We have some of the best residents and their families that are open minded and judge us for our hard work, compassion, and the care we give rather than our appearance! Both residents and their families often are intrigued by the stories and meaning behind our tattoos! Times are changing, so roll with it!

D. Troia, RN

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Specializes in Rehab and home health.

Tattoos are fine. What bothers me is the nurse with poor bedside manner who also gossips and brings morale down. Tattoos don't change the way my unit runs or the patient outcomes. I am much more worried about the nurse with a bad attitude.

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

It doesn't bother me, some are quite beautiful. But if you show up with a tattoo, I hope it will be appropriate and of professional quality. I do not want to see jailhouse quality tattoos

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I have started a new job at LTC. In the employee's handbook, it says all tattoos must be covered.

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So much ignorance in this thread.

Since when does the markings on someone's skin in anyway shape or form affect their ability to perform their job on a professional level?

I question the intelligence of anyone who discriminates in this way. I imagine these are the nurses who think people with tattoos who end up in the hospital are probably there for gang or drug related issues. lol!

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So much ignorance in this thread? I don't think so. I was just curious as to what the people who do the actual hiring of nurses think about tattoos? That's all.

Everyone has the right to their own opinion.

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So much ignorance in this thread? I don't think so. I was just curious as to what the people who do the actual hiring of nurses think about tattoos? That's all.

Everyone has the right to their own opinion.

I wasn't referring to your post.

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