Can Nurses have Tattoos?

Tattoos are bad in nursing. Unfortunately, they aren't well accepted. I have a tiny black heart on my hand and I had to use a bandaid on it during school. For handwashing it wasn't sanitary. If you don't have them yet, I'd suggest making sure none are visible if you get some.

But...I have a coworker who has tattoo sleeves on both arms and no issues. So, it definitely depends on where you work. I work for a medium-sized (450ish beds) Catholic hospital. I was surprised when I saw all her tatts, but apparently nobody is bothered by it.

It depends on your workplace. At my current job it's okay as long as they aren't offensive. At the job I'm going to next month, I don't know yet. I have one small one on my wrist, but my watch covers it. I'm planning a quarter sleeve, but wearing a 3/4 sleeve shirt will easily cover it.

I have tattoos on my arms. Quarter sleeve on my left arm, one the size of a playing card on my left forearm, and script on both wrists. I wear a skin tone temporary tattoo on my right wrist. Watch covers the left wrist. I wear a skin tone single sleeve on my left arm that covers the remaining tattoos (the one on my forearm is close to my elbow, so the sleeve is just a bit longer than a quarter sleeve, but still not full length). I do have script across my collarbone as well, but that is easily covered by my regular clothing. No problems.

I know some people suggest wearing long sleeves, but my school does not allow them (sanitation purposes).

Hope this helps.

Check dress codes for possible places of employment in your area first. The large organization where I work no visible tattoos or piercings (other than up to 2ear piercings) are acceptable. Covering with band-aids is not acceptable either.