Help: Tattoo Ideas!!

jwk · Jun 29, 2008

Professionals don't get tattoos??? Professionals don't judge people...
This isn't 1953. Welcome to 2008!!!

Times are changing. Tattoos are becoming mainstream and more accepted. Employers know this, and with the workforce getting younger, I don't think it'll be a huge deal.

As indicated in my original response to the OP, "you won't like my answer".

Professionals should look professional. That's why you still see docs wearing coat and tie or white jackets. That's why Yoga, who used to frequent this forum, insisted that the CRNA's working for her wear business attire to work, not jeans or shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops.

The OP, SRNA11, has now stepped up a level on the "professional scale", and IMHO, needs to look the part. I'm not saying those that already have tattoos shouldn't be hired - but if you don't have one already, at least think about your appearance to your patients and how that might affect their perception of you.

When you went for your job interview, didn't you dress up a little? Perception and first impressions are EVERYTHING. When I interview someone, I want to know that the patients in our practice (or the OR staff and surgeons) are not going to be offended or put off by the appearance of one of our anesthetists. If two of you come for an interview at my practice with equal credentials otherwise and pleasant enough personality - one with jeans, polo shirt, big funky looking arm tattoo and nose stud - and the other in coat and tie, who do you think an EMPLOYER might want to hire more? The one who has enough common sense to take the time to LOOK PROFESSIONAL.

Atheos · Jun 29, 2008

As indicated in my original response to the OP, "you won't like my answer".
Professionals should look professional. That's why you still see docs wearing coat and tie or white jackets. That's why Yoga, who used to frequent this forum, insisted that the CRNA's working for her wear business attire to work, not jeans or shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops.
The OP, SRNA11, has now stepped up a level on the "professional scale", and IMHO, needs to look the part. I'm not saying those that already have tattoos shouldn't be hired - but if you don't have one already, at least think about your appearance to your patients and how that might affect their perception of you.
When you went for your job interview, didn't you dress up a little? Perception and first impressions are EVERYTHING. When I interview someone, I want to know that the patients in our practice (or the OR staff and surgeons) are not going to be offended or put off by the appearance of one of our anesthetists. If two of you come for an interview at my practice with equal credentials otherwise and pleasant enough personality - one with jeans, polo shirt, big funky looking arm tattoo and nose stud - and the other in coat and tie, who do you think an EMPLOYER might want to hire more? The one who has enough common sense to take the time to LOOK PROFESSIONAL.

No one said to have a tattoo to cover your face or anything really crazy. I have 4 tattoos. They are pretty big but the one on my neck is clearly visible. No one questions my professionalism or my intelligence. In fact people that do question me before getting to know me solely based on a tattoo are the people with prioblems.

Society decides what professional means. Notice the dictionary definition is purposely left vague.

I work at a facility that caters to military people. Now if you have EVER worked in the military you will know that the military has the STRICTEST idea of what professionalism is. Civilians really have no idea. I digress... When I show off my rather large Unit Tattoo no one has a problem. Not staff, family or patients.

The problem with tattoos is yours alone. There is no standard. Just because Yoga didn't want visible tattoos mean nothing other than that person having a bias.

The doctor that saved my life had a tattoo from his neck to his arm. It was awesome. I didn't care because hey that tattooed freak saved my life.

Tattoos aren't a subculture. More people have tattoos than not. Not including children of course. Look around. We outnumber you. Be nice!

jwk · Jun 29, 2008

No one said to have a tattoo to cover your face or anything really crazy. I have 4 tattoos. They are pretty big but the one on my neck is clearly visible. No one questions my professionalism or my intelligence. In fact people that do question me before getting to know me solely based on a tattoo are the people with prioblems.
Society decides what professional means. Notice the dictionary definition is purposely left vague.
I work at a facility that caters to military people. Now if you have EVER worked in the military you will know that the military has the STRICTEST idea of what professionalism is. Civilians really have no idea. I digress... When I show off my rather large Unit Tattoo no one has a problem. Not staff, family or patients.
The problem with tattoos is yours alone. There is no standard. Just because Yoga didn't want visible tattoos mean nothing other than that person having a bias.
The doctor that saved my life had a tattoo from his neck to his arm. It was awesome. I didn't care because hey that tattooed freak saved my life.
Tattoos aren't a subculture. More people have tattoos than not. Not including children of course. Look around. We outnumber you. Be nice!

Tattoos in a military setting are a tad different. Apples to oranges. Private practice is a different thing altogether.

More people have tattoos than not? I doubt it.

JettaDP · Jun 30, 2008

I understand what jwk is trying to say. And it does make sense. But I don't entirely agree. As long as you aren't going to tattoo it on your forehead I would go ahead and do it.

What is your most dominent nationality? Maybe you could get one in that language. I am about 75% Italian so I would put it in that language.

flightnurse2b, LPN · Jun 30, 2008

a guy in my class designed me the tattoo i am going to get when i graduate nursing school in october. its a florence nightengale lamp with a butterfly coming out of it. its beautiful and it is representing my transformation from paramedic to nurse.

and whoever said professionals dont get tattoos, professionals dont judge others. you do what you like to your body, and i'll do the same to mine. thanks.

PMFB-RN, RN · Jun 30, 2008

Professionals don't get tattoos.

*** Where I work I can think of 5 or 6 surgeons and one MDA right off the top of my head who have tattoos that are visible when they are wearing scrubs. So much for that.

Atheos · Jun 30, 2008

Tattoos in a military setting are a tad different. Apples to oranges. Private practice is a different thing altogether.
More people have tattoos than not? I doubt it.

You have to get permission to get a tattoo and you have very strict rules about where you can get them.

Corporate culture originated in the military...

Start asking people at your workplace. More than not under 40 will have one... The military is also the most conservative...

deepz · Jun 30, 2008

You have to get permission to get a tattoo and you have very strict rules about where you can get them.....

That is HILARIOUS!

I frequently work with Special Forces medics, almost every one of whom displays NUMEROUS large tatts. And they regularly add to their collection.

Don't need no steeenkin permission.

PageRespiratory! · Jun 30, 2008

Okay guys....i just graduated from school and am a real CRNA now. I am very excited and proud to be doing what I'm doing. I was thinking lately of getting a tattoo related to medicine/anesthesia.
I need help coming up with ideas.
I was thinking of either a latin or greek word (want a small one on my wrist). Nothing long and fancy.
I was thinking of the word: VIGILO (which is latin for vigilant).
Any other words, symbols, or phrases you can think of for nurse anesthetists and what we do.
any help would be awesome!!!

>

To the OP:

If you're going to let others decide what ink to get, you should'nt get one. Figure out what YOU want, and then decide for yourself. YOU are the one who's going to have to look at it (and explain it) for the rest of your life.

>

To be honest, some people might refer to me as heavily tattooed. I have short sleeves, most of my chest, and part of my back, and some of my legs covered. But unless I'm at home walking around in my boxers, you would'nt even know it. JWK makes an excellent point, the truth hurts sometimes. Not to mention he is posting from an INTERVIEWERS perspective. There is a big difference between judging someone and forming a first impression. I will occasionaly wear scrubs to work, but usually I wear dress clothes. Nothing commands more respect than a shirt, tie and a lab coat. In the past few years my department has been delegated an ever increasing level of responsibility; A-line placement, Therapist driven protocols, C-section rapid response team, even less prudent things like witnessing a narcotic waste. I know for a fact that it's a direct result of the proffessionalism that myself and my coworkers convey.

JustinTJ, ADN, BSN · Jun 30, 2008

i see both sides' respective points, but there is no way in hades that tatted people outnumber the non-inked.

a quick google search yields: http://www.vanishingtattoo.com/tattoo_facts.htm

the stigma still exists in a lot of people's minds that inked = dirty outlaw biker, tramp, rebel, etc... it does not mean it's true, but the stigma is still strong in a majority of people's minds.

denying it doesn't make it go away, but who really cares what other people think anymore?

Atheos · Jun 30, 2008

That is HILARIOUS!
I frequently work with Special Forces medics, almost every one of whom displays NUMEROUS large tatts. And they regularly add to their collection.
Don't need no steeenkin permission.

Working with does not equal in the military.

Try reading the Army Regulation 670-1

Not only do you have to get permission for a tattoo, it has to be reviewed AND it has to meet certain standards. Also, Special Forces have a different rule book than normal RA. They have restrictions on uniform policies as well as others.

http://www.aele.org/law/2005FPAPR/ar-670-1.pdf

I love when people talk out of turn. It just shows how much people really DON'T know.

kcalohagirl · Jun 30, 2008

Okay, now that we've thoroughly exhausted the "should you/shouldn't you" bit of thought....

...because I think that having achieved your CRNA, you are most definitely an adult, and most probably not an idiot. . . .

If you choose to get a tattoo, get something that has a meaning for you. I have a friend that is a Cardiac ICU nurse who has an EKGtype tat..you know, Pwave, QRS, T etc......

You will find something that either speaks to you enough that you want to get it engraved on your body forever.......

or you won't.....

to hades with what anyone else thinks you should do.