Nurse jobs that allow modifications?

schnookimz · Dec 23, 2013

Actually I worked at a very nice hospital that couldn't have cared less. They may not have allowed tons of piercings and tattoos. But I had my nose pierced with no problem and many people had 2-3 visible tattoos and a piercing and it was no problem.

However when I worked at a clinic for the same healthcare company as the hospital they were very strict and had no tolerance.

Retired APRN, MSN, RN, APRN · Dec 23, 2013

What kind of NP do you mean? Family practice? Adult health? Some situations are likely to be more modification friendly than others. For example, I imagine that a clinic that caters to younger people would be less restrictive. I know that nurses and NPs in prisons often have tattoos. (I don't know about piercings, etc.) Of course, it all depends on the particular place of employment or practice.

You didn't mention where you are in your journey. If, for example, you are still in nursing school, you have a good few years to go and attitudes may change in the meantime.

I guess it's also a question of priorities. Once you have decided if your modifications are more important to you or your career as an NP is more important, you will have a good guideline on how to proceed. I'm not trying to be Judgie McJudger here - just giving my personal opinion.

Good luck! :)

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Dec 23, 2013

I like tattoos and piercings...not my particular cup of tea....but for someone else I can admire good work. Many schools will require you to cover them. Multiple facial piercings many have to be removed for clinical bedside. Just how extensive are your modifications?

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Dec 23, 2013

If you are still "planning on" these, you might consider that, like it or not, a large portion of the patient population you may serve, or be required to meet during your clinical training (many elders, mommies, others ...), will hate anything like visible ink or visible piercings except for traditional ear lobes (not those big open hole things, and not multiples). You could put off these embellishments until you find yourself work in a setting where nobody will care. For which you will search diligently before you graduate. Word to the wise. (Yes, I have some nice ink and plans for more ... but not where the world can see it.)

RunBabyRN · Dec 24, 2013

Depending on how extensive your ink and piercings are, you may be fine. I have a visible tat across the back of my neck (flowers, nothing offensive), and I haven't heard word one, except for a few compliments from patients. I plan to get my nose re-pierced once I have a job and I am certain it's within the uniform standard (I'll be bummed if it's not!). Depending on where you are in the world and the culture of that specific location, you may be just fine. I've worked with plenty of people with lots of initials after their names that you would NEVER know because they're extensively pierced and/or tatted. It may limit you some, but probably not as much as you might think.

RN9742 · Dec 24, 2013

In my experience it really depends on how extreme the modifications are. Honestly my school is more strict than the facilities we have been in! I must abide by school guidelines until I am done with school, but after I'm sure it will not be as big of an issue. I have found that facial piercings and head/neck tattoos seem to be a big issue. We have had a few people with small gauged ear piercings and they have not had an issue, larger probably would have been though.

TiffyRN, BSN, PhD · Dec 24, 2013

Probably areas that cater to younger (though not necessarily pediatric) patients. A general hospital setting probably won't work because the facility usually has to have the same standards for all employees.

As you know, in general older people take a dim view of people who have tattoos & piercings. That's going to make it difficult for your typical hospital patient to see you as a reliable healthcare provider. Let's be clear; this is not my view but what I've repeatedly heard from older patients.

LoveNeverDies · Dec 24, 2013

OP, I would first like to say that I really adore piercings and tattoos as a form of expression. Heck, if I could I would have facial piercings/rainbow hair/and tattoos. However, one of my goals is to be a Nurse Practitioner and I would hate for anyone to find me unprofessional or lacking due to that. I would say think long and hard about what you get because some people will be offended by it and it can hinder your job options. I remember reading some other posts of yours, please remember that the choices you make could possibly ruin your career. Good Luck in school!

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Dec 25, 2013

I remember reading some other posts of yours, please remember that the choices you make could possibly ruin your career. Good Luck in school!

This made me go back and look at them. LoveNeverDies is right. Please start making more adult choices before you go to nursing school, or it will be a waste of time.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Dec 25, 2013

I am going to be a nurse practitioner, but I plan on having visible tattoos and piercings. I know there are places you can work other than a hospital (which obviously have very strict dress codes). I was wondering if any nurse jobs allow visible tattoos/piercings? Please be polite in your response. I understand not everyone likes modifications, but please be respectful.

In the nicest way possible ...make a different plan if they already don't exist.

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 25, 2013

Something you need to think about: even before getting in to PA or NP school, you usually have to go through rounds of interviews with several schools before you're accepted. Having visible tatts & multiple piercings is going to be a big negative. Part of the criteria is professional appearance. If you're vying for a coveted seat, you might not even get in at all. I'm not saying it's impossible, but you're really stacking the deck against you before you've even started and are really limiting your possibilities.