Got accepted to Nursing school...but I want a tattoo :(

[RedXIII_]

So a few weeks ago I got the notice that I was accepted to a nursing program at the local CC (which apparently is extremely competitive). I've started working on getting everything finished (forms and other stuff I need to get done). The thing is I want a tattoo haha. I'd like an ambigram on my wrist. Not sure exactly what to get, but I was thinking of the ambigram that says angel, and when you read it upside down it says devil...or I could completely get something else. I just don't want this tattoo to ruin everything and keep me from getting hired? The last time I went to the ER, the male nurse that was with me had a big tattoo on his forearm, so maybe its ok. I just wanted to know how the hospitals that you all work at take it? Is it something thats frowned upon, or do they not care? Should I wait until I graduate and get hired first and then get it? lol. blaah. I'm just talking too much now. Hope some of you could let me know how your facility takes tattoos.

[horrorxgirl]

I've been a nurse for 8 years and my arms are pretty much completely covered with tattoos from shoulder to wrist. My job has no restrictions regarding it at this time, and I've never gotten any complaints against me. I am pretty experienced and a good nurse and attitude can make people ignore anything. Trust me, when I walk into a room all smiles and willing to answer any questions and help someone out however needed, they aren't going to judge tattoos when compared to maybe another nurse with no tattoos but a bad attitude.

However, I accept the responsibility that if my job were to change the dress code, I'd be willing cover them. I have no tattoos that can't be covered by long sleeves. I also cover all tattoos during job interviews.

Also, I will be starting nursing school to get my RN soon, and I am sure that I will have to cover them for that too. And eventually when I get my NP I'm sure I will have them covered at all times in the workplace.

For me, tattoos are very much a part of my life and I wouldn't trade them. Is it inconvenient to cover them? Yes, but it's worth it for me, not worth it for everyone.

[BULLYDAWGRN, RN]

would be best if you got a tat that said "will work for food" on your chest, the way the job outlook is at present we all might need to get one.

[krstxn]

I recently graduated from nursing school and when we went to clinicals you were NOT allowed to have a tattoo showing. They made you cover it with a band aid or go home if you showed up to the site without it concealed. I would wear a long sleeve shirt that covered it during interviews- but, where I work I see alot of nurses with tattoos. We don't have a policy that requires them to cover them. Good luck with school!

[RedXIII_]

I recently graduated from nursing school and when we went to clinicals you were NOT allowed to have a tattoo showing. They made you cover it with a band aid or go home if you showed up to the site without it concealed. I would wear a long sleeve shirt that covered it during interviews- but, where I work I see alot of nurses with tattoos. We don't have a policy that requires them to cover them. Good luck with school!

Maybe a watch will cover it if I don't wear a long sleeve lol Hmm thanks!

[RedXIII_]

I've been a nurse for 8 years and my arms are pretty much completely covered with tattoos from shoulder to wrist. My job has no restrictions regarding it at this time, and I've never gotten any complaints against me. I am pretty experienced and a good nurse and attitude can make people ignore anything. Trust me, when I walk into a room all smiles and willing to answer any questions and help someone out however needed, they aren't going to judge tattoos when compared to maybe another nurse with no tattoos but a bad attitude.

However, I accept the responsibility that if my job were to change the dress code, I'd be willing cover them. I have no tattoos that can't be covered by long sleeves. I also cover all tattoos during job interviews.

Also, I will be starting nursing school to get my RN soon, and I am sure that I will have to cover them for that too. And eventually when I get my NP I'm sure I will have them covered at all times in the workplace.

For me, tattoos are very much a part of my life and I wouldn't trade them. Is it inconvenient to cover them? Yes, but it's worth it for me, not worth it for everyone.

THAT...is amazing. Women with full sleeve tats = just amazing haha. I hope I'm able to get some later on without a problem! :) Thanks.

[wsuRN09]

Do you only want one tat? If not, I would get a different one in a place you can easily hide (like your shoulder or back) until you know what the policies are. Or I guess if the one on your wrist is going to be small enough, you could hide it with your watch. Either way, that pic you posted looks pretty sweet!

[RedXIII_]

Do you only want one tat? If not, I would get a different one in a place you can easily hide (like your shoulder or back) until you know what the policies are. Or I guess if the one on your wrist is going to be small enough, you could hide it with your watch. Either way, that pic you posted looks pretty sweet!

Yes, I only want one honestly lol. The reason I want it on my wrist is because it says Angel, and I would have to move my arm so that it reads Devil. Wouldn't really work on another part of my body lol.

[Baloney Amputation, BSN, LPN, RN]

Wait until you can get a tattoo that says "Angel, RN" and "Devil, RN."

Honestly, if your heart is set on it but you are having second thoughts about its timing because of your recent admission to nursing school, wait a bit and feel out the clinicals before you commit to the tattoo. Then you can see if it'll be no biggie or if it will be a major pain to cover and fuss with while dealing with your other responsibilities in clinical.

[RedXIII_]

Wait until you can get a tattoo that says "Angel, RN" and "Devil, RN."

Honestly, if your heart is set on it but you are having second thoughts about its timing because of your recent admission to nursing school, wait a bit and feel out the clinicals before you commit to the tattoo. Then you can see if it'll be no biggie or if it will be a major pain to cover and fuss with while dealing with your other responsibilities in clinical.

Yeah, I guess my only option right now is to wait..I really do want it though. :) thanks.

[Forever Sunshine, ASN, RN]

Do you want to be a nurse or do you want a tattoo?

I hate tattoos but thats me.

They will make you cover it up in nursing school. Also remove any piercings.

I don't mean to preach but if you were a little old lady confused as anything in the hospital or nursing home.. would you want your nurse to have some weird looking tattoo on his/her arm? Just something to think about before getting a tattoo.

[RedXIII_]

Do you want to be a nurse or do you want a tattoo?

I hate tattoos but thats me.

They will make you cover it up in nursing school. Also remove any piercings.

I don't mean to preach but if you were a little old lady confused as anything in the hospital or nursing home.. would you want your nurse to have some weird looking tattoo on his/her arm? Just something to think about before getting a tattoo.

As long as the nurse knows what they're doing, I'll be okay with it. I think I included it in my post, but I was in the ER a few months ago and the nurse had a full arm tattoo. Looked amazing more than anything. Also tattoo could have personal meanings to them. My best friend has a tattoo that goes from his elbow to his wrist. It's in hebrew too. It's actually his moms name in hebrew. She passed away a few months ago from breast cancer.

[lifelearningrn, BSN, RN]

I personally don't mind tatoos, though I'll probably never get one. Having said that, I don't think they look very professional when they are in places that aren't covered (wrist would fit that mold). The tatoo is a cute idea, however I think if you do it now you'll regret it later. Definitely wait. BTW- I'm a metal chick too... man I could bang my head back in the day.