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I'm going to school to be a medical assistant (AA) and from there I am going to get into a nursing program. It is my dream to one day be an RN. I got a few tattoos before I knew what I wanted to do in life. I was originally going into the military but, no one told me having plates and screws in my elbow is an auto DQ in all military branches. I have a half-sleeve going from my wrist to my elbow. It's just an outline right now (no color) and it's koi fish and flowers representing my brothers and my mom. No slang, bad words, or anything deemed gang related/threatening. My school makes us cover them up which is what I expected. I wear long sleeves, under armor, and those basketball shooter sleeves. My question is will I be looked down on when I am an RN trying to get a respectable job? I was told as long as I can cover them I would be fine. I'm a 3.5+ gpa student, I don't drink or do drugs, and I'm never in trouble. I'd hate for something so small and petty like this to stop me from excelling in my career.
I think it partially depends where you live. Here in the bay area, it's hard to find a nurse who DOESN'T have one.OK, maybe I'm exaggerating a little.
I don't know what bay area you live in, but I live 45 mins south of Tampa Bay, FL. Almost every nurse and cna I've been around have tattoos which are visible. My school also said no tattoos, but in the "real world" here no one cares. Seen nurses at work with visible tattoos on neck, hands, and even on their face.
Thanks again to everyone who replied. I'm a much more comfortable having them now. Considering I'm from the valley/bay. To answer all the people asking why I'm going for my ma instead of my rn...I was told lies since the moment I started this school. Just recently found out the truth behind how nursing programs work and what classes I need to take. I sucks I wasted a year of my life at this school but, now I'm moving forward. I guess this could be another thread with a few questions I have. Should I make it in the student board? Or is there someone here willing to shoot some pm's back and forth?? Thanks guys and gals!
I think it does pertain to where you work. Not too many years ago, some hospitals in my area (inner city) asked employees to cover up their visible arm tattoos with long sleeves. I never worried about this because my tattoo is on my shoulder. They never stated the policy for those who had tats on their wrist or hands. Several years later, I was shocked (r/t previous experience) when I started working at a prestigious suburban hospital that is connected to a major teaching hospital where some health care workers have visible tattoos, which they are not required to cover up. Not sure of exact policy. I believe (hope) that this due to the acceptance of tattoos as art and individual expression, not the qualifications of the person hired. However, when going to a job interview I would not openly display any tatoos (as much as possible). Not just tattoos, for example, when going to a job interview, I wear less makeup---part of the interview process, yet I wear make-up the way I usually wear it once I have a job. Part of the interview process. Don't get me wrong---if I showed up as a goth princess my first day of the job, they may question their decision--LOL
I wanted to know if I could contact you via e-mail? ([email protected]) Regarding my nursing questions. It's more about pre-req. and how it all works. I can't seem to find an answer anywhere. My current school was no help at all.You can PM me but I'm just now starting the RN program so I may not be able to help all that much. I think that you have to have 15 posts to be able to PM as well.
loriangel14, RN
6,933 Posts
It will depend on where you work. I work with several nurses that have visible tattoos and it is not considered a problem.One aid has a sleeve from wrist to shoulder and she doesn't cover it all the time.
On a side note why are you going for your MA if you want to be an RN?