Attn: Nilepoc Re: Tattoos, Piercings, etc.

[warzone]

I just read on the '37 applications' thread that you have tattoos, piercings, etc. Do you feel that having tattoos, etc. has had any affect on the way you are/were treated in school/profession? Are your tattoos visible or partially visible?

The reason, I ask is that I too have tattoos, right chest down to just above right elbow (is covered by scrubs, unless I have to reach up for something), and my left shoulder is covered. It is interesting to me when people first notice that I have tattoos, they are almost in shock. I have always earned good grades in school and carry myself well. The only 'different' visible thing about me is that I have a shaved head.

I've noticed that some people are actually let down, and almost offended that I have tattoos...acting like I tricked them into thinking I was a nice, intelligent, young man. LOL! Believe me, I don't hold this against them. It's definitely something that has been drilled into our heads since we were young. I might even discriminate if I was having sugery and the CRNA walked in with full sleeves and "love/hate" tattooed on his knuckels!

Anyhoooo, just wondering what your experiences have been in the SRNA/CRNA world concerning these things. I would imagine that in most areas of CRNA/SRNA practice it would be easy to keep tattoos hidden. Since I have decided to pursue the CRNA route I have decided to not get any visible tattoos - all will stay on chest, back, etc.

Thanks in advance for your input.

[alansmith52]

be it right or wrong (and probably worng) it does bring a stigma.

of course so did Martin Luther King. But is it a battle worth fighting. His was.

[dontae]

I agree. It does bring a stigma. Who cares? NOT I. I have a beautiful tattoo on my shoulder. You can only see them when I go sleeveless which is never at work. I show them off at times. I appreciate identifying people who judge me by them. I think there's something to be said about a person's capability of thinking analytically when they let paint on my skin actually change their perception of me. With that being said, I will also say that I have no problem hiding my tattoo when the circumstances call for it,(i.e. interviews).