a bit in conflict...

Tell them you are always cold. Lots of nurses wear long sleeves all year- some do it because they are freaky about germs getting on their skin.

I would just wear the long sleeves. No need to get a tattoo. It is really no ones business. If they ask, just simply say you are cold in the AC. On another note: I hope all is well with you and your recovery. I have been there, except I chose another place on my body. No need to stress though.

I don't really have a lot of advice. But, coming from someone with a full sleeve tattoo, if you go that route you will still probably have to wear long sleeves. I self injured as a teenager. Luckily as it has been over ten years, my scars aren't really noticeable enough for anyone to ask about, at least the ones on my arms. If I were you I would probably wear short sleeves. If anyone asks just say your scars are from a long time ago. That should be enough for people to leave it alone.

I don't really have a lot of advice. But, coming from someone with a full sleeve tattoo, if you go that route you will still probably have to wear long sleeves. I self injured as a teenager. Luckily as it has been over ten years, my scars aren't really noticeable enough for anyone to ask about, at least the ones on my arms. If I were you I would probably wear short sleeves. If anyone asks just say your scars are from a long time ago. That should be enough for people to leave it alone.

Except- by not covering them up, you are 'offering' information about yourself that really isn't anybody's business. Certain patint populations, also, may find it disturbing.

As a nurse with tattoos myself, I would not get a tattoo to cover them. Depending on your location it could hinder your career, you would still end up wearing long sleeves. They make great long sleeve shirts that are very light weight. I would just do that if this was a "work" issue..

I have one visible tattoo and it is easily cover by my watch LOL, my job does not stop me from getting tattoos but I know if I do more, long sleeves will be my future for work as well.. If the tattoo is something you want for you and not to avoid questions from co-workers/pts.. I say go for it but keep your career in mind :)

I would just wear the long sleeves. I don't know about in LTC, but the air conditioners in the hospital kept the place so cold that I usually ended up putting long sleeves on during the summer anyway. I also SI'd for a few years in my early 20s- not on my arms so I don't have any visible scars and it was something I never spoke of with anyone I worked with... though an NP who treated me at the time did end up working with me for several years. We worked together for at least six months before either one of us acknowledged that we knew each other. It was a complete non-issue.

If it bothers you wear long sleeves. I wear long sleeves in the summer in the desert due to the freezing air conditioners.

A little late on the post...but just wanted to let you know that you are NOT alone! I completely sympathize because I also am a former self injurer and have very obvious scars on my arms. I am starting a new job as a CNA at an LTC facility, and I am just as nervous as you are for people to see mine and what their judgements will be. I recently had to go in to get my TB testing done, and felt highly embarrassed due to the fact that there was barely even a place that there wasn't a scar to even place the needle. I think that at first it is going to be hard, but rarely do people ever ask questions. I have worked other jobs where long sleeves weren't an option and only once had someone ask a question about it. My former supervisor, who's son was a cutter. Today's society most people realize what it is, and if anything they aren't going to think that you are weird..just feel bad that you have struggled. I think that once people get to know you they will realize that your scars don't define you and will forget that they are even there. Honestly who goes around staring at other people's arms? Most people won't even notice. It isn't their business. Your scars represent your struggle, and they are probably (at least for me) the reason you went into this profession of helping other people. And wearing long sleeves in 100 degree weather is abnormal...more so than just wearing short sleeves, being comfortable and getting past the initial "weirdness" of having scars. Don't let it bring you down...it makes you the strong person you are today. :)

If you get tattoos you'll have to wear long sleeves in almost any job anyway, so do what you like.

Perhaps some beautiful ink will help you put the SI well-behind you ... and then you can say, "I have to wear the sleeves because of these," and you can go in the staff lounge and show something beautiful to whoever asked you.

Congratulations on your recovery!

:flwrhrts: