Tattoos in the OR

[erinmarie320]

Hey all, I'm a nursing student in Alberta, set to graduate next December. I really want to do my final focus in the OR, and if that's not possible I would like to work in the OR someday. The only problem is that, years ago before I chose nursing as my intended profession, I got two full sleeves of tattoos. From what I gather this may cause a problem, as you can't show tattoos in most nursing jobs but I understand you can't wear long sleeves under your OR scrubs. Has anyone run into this, or can anyone counsel me on my options here? I apologize if this topic has been covered; I searched many threads and couldn't find a definite answer. Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks

[Trinigal03]

Lol, yeah we wear long sleeves, jackets/sweaters in the O.R. & the occasional skirt or shawl (blanket from the warmer wrapped around your waist or shoulders).

If you're a scrub tech or will be scrubbing otherwise, then you might run into problems...which just means you take the "undershirt" off & don't worry about it because you'll be scrubbed in.

If anything, I imagine the main objection would probably be if any of your tats would be considered offensive (nudity, etc.) otherwise, again wouldn't worry about it. I have tattoos myself...not to mention ongoing discussions with colleagues, planning our next tattoos.