Tattoos and nursing

Nurses General Nursing

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Ok so I have a question. I am going to be starting school soon to be a LPN. My question is I have a pretty good sized tattoo on my left wrist. It isnt offensive, its very pretty. It is a dragonfly. Do you all think I will have problems with employment and people taking me seriously after school is done. I want honest opinions. I will not get offended by anyhting any of you have to say. I am just trying to get all info I can. Thank You! :p

Specializes in ER,ICU,L+D,OR.
Unfortunately to make extra money for nursing school I worked at HOOTER's :imbarand there none of your tats could show. I would cover mine up with theatrical flesh tone makeup. It can be alittle pricey but I assure you it covers tattoos flawlessly. Good luck!

That would cost me too much. I have far to many tattoos. But Hooters would never have hired me anyway. I never measured "Up" to their standards. Im barely a "B"

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I've always wanted a 'sleeve' but was unsure of how it would come across. I am pleased to see so many nurses not having their career threatened over it. Maybe I will get one after all.

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Specializes in ER,ICU,L+D,OR.

That is all up to you dreamon, For myself, I love it. I also realize it isnt for everyone. But if everyone did it. Then I wouldnt want to. Does that make sense. I love getting all those looks, stares, and glares when Im out showing my colors. I love showing who I am.

After running that marahon a few weeks ago. There must have been a couple thousand runners. I over heard some people talking about it. They said did you see that girl with all those tattoos. She was so cool. So I do get picked out of a group.

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I understand. I think it looks incredible and is certainly an attention-getter. Especially on a woman. People always freak out and say it isn't ladylike, doesn't look good in a dress, blahblah. That wouldn't bother me one bit.

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Specializes in critical care: trauma/oncology/burns.

I think it is sad that so many people that we work with need to find somthing to complain about (regarding tattoos or hair style).

I have nine tat's, my hair is shaved very short and i have multiple ear piercings. Since I am in the Army can't wear the earings, I am used to being called "Sir", on occassion, and one sees more different types of tattoos from full length sleeve styles to tat's on the neck (Newer Army regs say as long as the tattoo can be covered up with your ACU or Class A sleeve and as long as the ink is not racist or offensive)

"To each their own"

athena

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Specializes in ER,ICU,L+D,OR.

None of my tats are racist and certainly not offensive. except maybe to a Republican.

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Specializes in Management, Emergency, Psych, Med Surg.

In my opinion they are tacky and unprofessional. You should find some way to cover it up. I know that tats are a trend now but for a lot of the baby boom and older people, they are offensive. I would recommend that you not show them in the work environment.

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Specializes in ER,ICU,L+D,OR.
In my opinion they are tacky and unprofessional. You should find some way to cover it up. I know that tats are a trend now but for a lot of the baby boom and older people, they are offensive. I would recommend that you not show them in the work environment.

Most are covered at work. Can not cover them all. nor do I try to hide them. You may find them tacky, unprofessional and offensive. But you really are a minority. But that is ok there is room for all of us. For your information I am a very successful nurse of long duration. Ive seen admisnistrators, and CEOs and CNOs and everyone else come and go. I keep working in my semi retired capacity now. Friendly, respected, and very well known. Tattoos are an outward skin deep only demonstration of who I am. Deep down I am who I am and that is totally inbetween my ears.

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Specializes in IMCU.

I don't understand the need for tatoos, with the exception of some of them which are pretty and sensual such as the one called the "Tramp Stamp" which sounds sort of mean. If I looked like some of the girls that I have seen them on I would probably have one too! This should definately be covered at work. Many of my coworkers have them. One girl has a huge tatoo of praying hands on her back! How is that for a statement? Our youngest charge nurse has her tongue pierced. Now that I don't get. Not even pretty, just seems painful:bluecry1:, but she is one great nurse. She is very professional in her approach to patients. and is serious about doing a great job. I can't judge a nurse by her/his tats or jewelry. Honestly, I have seen a few people who were so extreme :no: that I would have a hard time not judging them if they were nurses, but I would try not to.

Mahage

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In this case just cover and be professional. It should be OK.

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Specializes in PACU, ED.

My experience is that nursing school is more strict on covering up tatoos than most workplaces. There were several in my class who had to wear a large bandaid on their neck during clinicals. My tatoos are covered by scrubs so I had no problem.

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Specializes in ER and Home Health.

I have tattoos but few are visible at work, none are radical or likely to upset anyone. I also have piercings but nothing extravagant at work.

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