Colorfull tattoos

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I was wondering if anyone has ever seen or worked with a nurse who has any tattoos. I am a male and would like to have some artwork done, but i'm not sure how society would view a healthcare worker with visable tattoos. (like on the forearm) Much less how patients or co-workers would see it. I did work with someone who had a tattoo on their arm (the whole arm, like a sleeve) and he was very sharp and down to earth. He seemed to do ok professionally, and patients didn't seem to mind. just wondering what the view across the board was.

Keep them covered.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
Keep them covered.

Not your concern.....and it shows a bad attitude for nurses to be so closed minded.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Pediatrics, Geriatrics.
what health risks? if everything is done correctly and the proper universal precautions are followed, everything will be fine. If you work in the medical field, and I'm sure you do, you know what the artist should and shouldn't be doing. Personally, I feel that if someone is willing to commit to a piece of art to their bodies for the rest of their lives, then that shows that they may also posess the commitment to whatever they are doing, like nursing. but, I'm sure not everyone will see it that way.....

Hepatitis, Aids, staph, etc. etc.

Maybe you and I are smart enough to check it out but many others are not. I always advise pts/family members that if the choose to get one to make sure they watch the entire process from beginning to end to make sure fresh, sterile instruments are used, etc.

I never said that *I* think there is any connection between choosing tatoos and intelligence/nursing ability. Heck, my husband has several tatoos...but I would never get any...just not my cup of tea. I merely cautioned you how I have seen others react, so you must be willing to let these comments roll off your back.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Pediatrics, Geriatrics.
As far as keeping them covered that is totally my choice not my bosses/commanders or anyone elses!!!!!!

many facilities in my area do not hire if you have visible tatoos, so it would limit your possibilities or force you to move to find job placement...

not saying its right or that I agree, but it is the way my facility and others nearby operate.

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I work with a younger patient group since I work in NICU or L&D and I have never heard of anyone having a problem with tattoos on their healthcare providers. A lot of them have tattoos. They are really so mainstream nowadays that I wouldn't worry about it at all. Personally, I love colourful tattoos. They are great ice breakers with your patients

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Specializes in long term care.

I have one small tatoo on my upper left arm. Mine has personal meaning to me. When my husband decided to do cross-country truck driving 4 years ago, I had his name tatooed into a heart so he would always be with me. But it is up high enough to where it is concealed when I work.

But, I work for a catholic hospital and any visible tatoo must be covered up.

I don't think having a tatoo reflects on a nurse's ability at all.

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Specializes in Ortho, Med surg and L&D.
what health risks? if everything is done correctly and the proper universal precautions are followed, everything will be fine. If you work in the medical field, and I'm sure you do, you know what the artist should and shouldn't be doing. Personally, I feel that if someone is willing to commit to a piece of art to their bodies for the rest of their lives, then that shows that they may also posess the commitment to whatever they are doing, like nursing. but, I'm sure not everyone will see it that way.....

Hi edgreen,

I concur. The artist that did my work customizes and made his own needles and had autoclave running when I got there, (and for each subsequant visit to complete the peice). He also opened up the new ink bottles right in front of me and was/is very skilled and talented as well as understood the importance of good asepstic technique. He had also 'inked' nurses and doctors in the past.

The piece is not visible when in a work uniform or a shirt that had shoulders. It goes from the tip of my right shoulder and crosses down along my back to my left hip/side. It is great work, and I have been pleasantly surprised by the wonderful comments that people who see if share with me. :) It is my only one and I waited over ten years to get it, so went big, real big, it worked though.

Gen

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