I was way younger when I got my tattoos done, before considering nursing.
I have on on my wrist going onto my hand, and on my other hand, I have one right on top of it.
I've used dermablend which did not work, used Kat Von d and didn't work, used Glamoflauge which did not work, went to a Sephora artist and they played around with a mix of makeup and nothing worked.
YES I know I shouldn't have gotten them there, so don't go judging me for it. I already learned from it. I don't want to hear all of that "you should get tattoos in other places" .. "You shouldn't have done that" .. All of that. I'm not here for that.
But if you have experienced the same thing and tried to cover any visible tattoos of yours or knows someone who has visible tattoos (e.g. Hands, fingers, wrists, forearms, neck, face, etc) please let me know or ask around what they've done to cover their tattoos up.
My professor has let me use a thumb hole long sleeve shirt for labs and she said she would speak to the director about my tattoos for clinicals .. But she never had and she KNOWS I have tattoos. So idk why she has yet to speak to he director and I start clinicals on the 23!!!
I emailed her days ago and she has yet to reply back and my school is closed. I was thinking of maybe wearing latex gloves (or non latex) prior to entering the pts room? A few nurses I've spoken with (during different tattoo removal consultations) suggested to use medical gloves or use the big bandaids that are waterproof ..
But I do plan on getting my tats removed during nursing school so that I can have them removed before graduation/before my nursing career.
Huh. I read and reread the OP and still can't see where it states the director has seen the tattoos.
Anyway, it is surprising (and annoying) that the products specifically for covering tattoos don't work well. I don't have any, but I have worked in cosmetics and tried to help customers cover them up and it is difficult. Hope you can find something that works for you.
OP, I am a pasty white girl, and no matter how many things I have tried, nothing has worked. And honestly, anything that might work will likely wash off early on the floor.
I do hope you hear back soon. I'd be antsy by now, too. I wonder if this is one of those situations where they choose not to address it so they don't have to address it. Meaning: if you stay quiet about this, they will, too.
My skin tone is glow-in-the-dark, elmer glue pale and for clinicals, and my dark tattoo is on my forearm.I have one of those sleeves, where it's the sleeve only without the shirt part. When I'm at work, I don't cover it. It's not offensive, no one comments on it, and sometimes I forget it's there. I was also dumb and got it in a place where I couldn't cover it, and then moved to the desert from the PNW. I like the sleeve, as it's breathable and isn't too hot. Otherwise, you could use bandages. I use one for the back of my neck and it works great.
My skin tone is glow-in-the-dark, elmer glue pale and for clinicals, and my dark tattoo is on my forearm.I have one of those sleeves, where it's the sleeve only without the shirt part. When I'm at work, I don't cover it. It's not offensive, no one comments on it, and sometimes I forget it's there. I was also dumb and got it in a place where I couldn't cover it, and then moved to the desert from the PNW. I like the sleeve, as it's breathable and isn't too hot. Otherwise, you could use bandages. I use one for the back of my neck and it works great.
I know this is sort of an 'off' comment, but I had a tattoo and I removed it myself. I used TCA 80%. Not recommended at that concentration because I had no experience and left a scar... my tattoo was on my stomache. I would wear gloves at clinical
I have a somewhat large tattoo on my wrist. It's non-offensive (Just a knotted heart and the gaelic word for sister). I work in a more customer service centered job at my clinic and none of my leadership has said anything about it. Interestingly enough no one ever notices unless I point it out. A few patients have noticed it, but I've received nothing, but compliments when they do. So I imagine if I don't make a big deal out of it, no one else will. It'll most likely be my only visible tattoo. If I get more, they will be easily hidden under my scrubs. I have yet to try any cover ups. If someone tells me my tattoo isn't allow, then I'll consider it, but so far no one seems to care where I'm at.
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
What's done is done so you won't get any lectures from me. In truth Tattoos are not my thing but I have seen some that qualify as genuine art. I would see of you could do clinical with thumb-hole sleeve for the time being. Most of the nurses I know which Arm tattoos wear a sleeve over them. in fact someone asked to see my tattoo because I wear a Tommy Copper support sleeve on my right arm. When and if you decide to get your tattoos removed make sure you go to a board certified dermatologist with experience in tattoo removal to minimize scarring.
I have a small tattoo of a heart with a music note in the middle on my inner forearm. I never had any problems in nursing school or at work as a nurse.
Nurse Leigh
1,149 Posts
Huh. I read and reread the OP and still can't see where it states the director has seen the tattoos.
Anyway, it is surprising (and annoying) that the products specifically for covering tattoos don't work well. I don't have any, but I have worked in cosmetics and tried to help customers cover them up and it is difficult. Hope you can find something that works for you.