Help: Tattoo Ideas!!

TerpGal02, ASN · Jan 16, 2009

SOunds like the OP plans on getting work done in a place that is easily covered. Under a watch band sounds like? Honestly, I have NO issues with tattoo covered people. Many of them are my friends, in fact, we are GOOD friends with 3 or 4 tattoo artists, but for myself and my family, I think its best to keep them to places that can be covered while in the workplace. There IS still a stigma surrounding tattoos. My husband has quite a few VERY big tattoos that I paid for as Christmas/birthday gifts. I think they are beautiful, but I MADE him promise that anything he got could be covered by a short sleeved dress shirt. He has one REALLY small one on his forearm near the antecubital area, but if you weren't looking really close, you might just think its a big birthmark LOL! I do have one friend that is a pretty successful attorney and almost his ENTIRE body is covered, but he wears a suit everyday and you would NEVER know unless you saw him outside the professional setting. IMO, if you can cover it up with clothing while at work, its no big deal.

Mommy_of_3_in_AL..RN · Jan 16, 2009

The OP asked for ideas about what to get, something that is representative of their accomplishment and hard work, not a speech about the professionalism associated with it. I agree, sometimes it is hard to take a person seriously when they are inked all over, but it doesnt make them less of a professional or any less able to perform their job. I have two tattoos right now, and want another. However, i agree that you should wait a little while after choosing what you want and where to get it before you actually do it. Simply because what seems nice now, may not in as little as a few weeks. Make sure it is symbolic to you, and something that will still be symbolic in the future. I got my second on a whim..a purple playboy bunny on my bikini line..a few months later i was pregnant with my second child..a good many stretch marks later, and my bunny's ears are crooked..and i hate it. I want it covered, but will not do so until i am SURE of what i want to replace it.

krzysiu · Jan 16, 2009

Okay guys....i just graduated from school and am a real CRNA now. I am very excited and proud to be doing what I'm doing. I was thinking lately of getting a tattoo related to medicine/anesthesia.
I need help coming up with ideas.
I was thinking of either a latin or greek word (want a small one on my wrist). Nothing long and fancy.
I was thinking of the word: VIGILO (which is latin for vigilant).
Any other words, symbols, or phrases you can think of for nurse anesthetists and what we do.
any help would be awesome!!!

As a big admirer of tattoos, unlike some who have responded, I'll try and offer advice. Mainly, don't rush into anything. Really research what you want and more importantly who you want to do it. Good tattoos are not cheap and become a real time commitment.

However, in the end, you can truly get a piece of art that anyone will appreciate. I have had nothing but positives from patients who notice mine. It's an excellent ice breaker and conversation starter during a time when you see people that are extremely anxious or at their worst. Plus, if you're really worried about it, put your lab coat on. Your demeanor and professionalism will speak for itself and no one will think any less of you if you have a tattoo.

Sure there will be a small segment of the population, more than likely not born in this century, that will not like tattoos. However, they have probably never seen a good one. There are artists out there can mimic the beauty of a priceless piece of art displayed in a museum. So, what is difference between it being displayed on a wall canvas or your arm? I dare these individuals to say they have never admired a painting and the such.

I would like to start my second sleeve incorporating Hypnos and the AANA seal, Morpheus, Death, Saint Rene, with background use of poppy and other elements. Just tossing some ideas out there for you. Where are you from? Maybe I can help you find a reputable artist within your area? Hope this helps.

Chris

Qwiigley, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, CRNA · Jan 16, 2009

Well, I was born in this century and I don't think that tattoos are a good idea. I don't like to see exposed tattoos when I have a person taking care of me whether a waiter or a professional (especially). I will not hire a CRNA who has exposed tattoos. It is not professional. Buck the system and do what you want, but remember the opinion of the person giving you the job as well as the client is what is truly important if you want to make a living. Period.

krzysiu · Jan 17, 2009

Well, I was born in this century and I don't think that tattoos are a good idea. I don't like to see exposed tattoos when I have a person taking care of me whether a waiter or a professional (especially). I will not hire a CRNA who has exposed tattoos. It is not professional. Buck the system and do what you want, but remember the opinion of the person giving you the job as well as the client is what is truly important if you want to make a living. Period.

I better apply for unemployment now then. So, hire me or pay my welfare through your taxes...

just kidding

Not hiring someone over a tattoo is kinda like saying an asian guy would be good at math or an african american guy is good at basketball etc. Very stereotypical and quite discriminatory. However, since we live in this great called the United States, everyone is entitled to their opinion. I'm just saying it can be done tastefully and you can remain professional if you have them. Plus, you'd be surprised who has them under their "professional" attire. I can play the part too. You'd never know I had them...until it's too late. I'm not saying go get a piece on your face a la Mike Tyson. If you did something ridiculous like that, then you're just asking for it. It can be done in a way that isn't a sign of rebellion, attention seeking, or mental illness. Stay warm out there (if you're from around here)

Qwiigley, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, CRNA · Jan 17, 2009

If the tats are not showing, it does not come into the discussion at all. It is no ones business. And therefore does not interfere. Private is just that. Keep your privates, private.

And thanks for the "keep warm" but its so hot here! It's 85! Santa Ana winds!

Now I have to go to Disneyland for a conference! Believe it or not, I'm forcing myself to go!

CherryAmes_RN · Oct 9, 2009

WOW. i couldnt subject my eyes to read all 6pages, but i wanted to thank you guys for putting this all out there. im pretty tattooed (ive got about got about 40hrs of work on my body. i also have 1' holes in my ears and took out most of my piercings when i started nursing school)... none of my tattoos are offensive but i understand that many patients will react differently when one walks into their room with it all out there. yes i cover up for interviews, yes i had to cover up for school & yes, i hope that one day i dont have to cover up for work. i know that it can ultimately be 1. a distraction and 2. for lack of better words, a turnoff to prospective patients, particularly in the hospital where care is short term. ive had experiences in clinical with older (80-90 y/o) pts that when i was bathcing them & sweating my face off, asked me why i was wearing long sleeves. when i told them i had to because im covered in tattoos, they asked to see them & one lady said "honey when youre as old as me & your skin looks like sh-t, no one will care what you had drawn on it..." BUT not everyone feels that way. i also had an older lady tell me i was going to hell for what ive done to my body. at a gas station. its not fair that we can be judged on appearance... but we are. by race, sex, and everything else. yes, tattoos are a choice, but it doesnt make someone a bad person. however, its our responsibility to do our jobs- no matter what they are- and if i need to wear long sleeves to do that, im willing to do so. i made this choice, but it still sucks having to hide this huge part of myself because of how someone will react. hopefully one day, before im retired, people will see past it.

lacrisha hall · May 4, 2011

Congrats!!! And to the person saying they are unprofessional...I am completely professional, great at my job, and my patients and co-workers like me! I do see your point about patients not liking them and people judging them but who says you have to get tattoos that show! All my tattoos (3) are covered by my scrubs and I made it a point to only get tattoos that will not show at work for that reason!

portland medic · May 9, 2011

As a healthcare provider and someone whose upper arms are covered in large colorful tattoos I feel I have some good advice for you; wait. Wait for a year before deciding on your first tattoo. Decide what you want, then wait for a year, and if you still want that tattoo a year later, get it.

Your first tattoo is special. It's indoctrinating you into the world of body art, and for some, there's no going back. As for me, I got hooked. I'm always thinking about my next tattoo, and I'm sure one day my entire body will be covered sans lower arms, as I would like to be able to wear 3/4 sleeve shirts and still hide my tattoos for professional / social reasons.

But if you can't wait, get it in an inconspicuous area that can easily be covered up. The upper arm is a very popular first tattoo area, and can easily be covered up by a large T-shirt.

Finally, and this is important, this advice you would be wise to heed; DO NOT go to the corner tattoo parlor. Don't go to a garden variety tattoo person. Go to a reputable ARTIST, with a large body of impressive work, has a good reputation, has a waiting list, and charges more than the average tattooer. this is much easier now with the internet. Do some homework. This is your body he / she is PERMANENTLY altering. A good tattoo artist considers your skin his / her palate, and will take enormous pride in the work they do on you. If they have been nationally published in tattoo magazines, even better. Seriously, DO YOUR HOMEWORK AND GO TO A TRUE PROFESSIONAL. It can be a little more expensive, but you will not regret it. After all, this is forever we're talking about here.

Good luck and congratulations on your new career!!!!

manusko · May 12, 2011

I better apply for unemployment now then. So, hire me or pay my welfare through your taxes...
just kidding
Not hiring someone over a tattoo is kinda like saying an asian guy would be good at math or an african american guy is good at basketball etc. Very stereotypical and quite discriminatory. However, since we live in this great called the United States, everyone is entitled to their opinion. I'm just saying it can be done tastefully and you can remain professional if you have them. Plus, you'd be surprised who has them under their "professional" attire. I can play the part too. You'd never know I had them...until it's too late. I'm not saying go get a piece on your face a la Mike Tyson. If you did something ridiculous like that, then you're just asking for it. It can be done in a way that isn't a sign of rebellion, attention seeking, or mental illness. Stay warm out there (if you're from around here)

It would make sense that a tattoo would not matter if you can't see it. If you can see a huge tattoo on someone at the interview then it can be off-putting. My hospital makes you cover them and if they can't be covered then you will have a problem getting hired. They also have a policy against visible piercings other than one set in the earlobes. It is a professional image not whether the person is a professional. I'm also a military member and I can tell you that no one I know has ever asked for permission to get a tattoo but would get in trouble only if it was visible in uniform or in bad taste.

I think your comparison to race is ridiculous. To treat tattoos on the same level as race is a ridiculous comparison.

subee, MSN, CRNA · May 29, 2011

As a big admirer of tattoos, unlike some who have responded, I'll try and offer advice. Mainly, don't rush into anything. Really research what you want and more importantly who you want to do it. Good tattoos are not cheap and become a real time commitment.
However, in the end, you can truly get a piece of art that anyone will appreciate. I have had nothing but positives from patients who notice mine. It's an excellent ice breaker and conversation starter during a time when you see people that are extremely anxious or at their worst. Plus, if you're really worried about it, put your lab coat on. Your demeanor and professionalism will speak for itself and no one will think any less of you if you have a tattoo.
Sure there will be a small segment of the population, more than likely not born in this century, that will not like tattoos. However, they have probably never seen a good one. There are artists out there can mimic the beauty of a priceless piece of art displayed in a museum. So, what is difference between it being displayed on a wall canvas or your arm? I dare these individuals to say they have never admired a painting and the such.
I would like to start my second sleeve incorporating Hypnos and the AANA seal, Morpheus, Death, Saint Rene, with background use of poppy and other elements. Just tossing some ideas out there for you. Where are you from? Maybe I can help you find a reputable artist within your area? Hope this helps.
Chris

I've waded through all six pages. I know that nice people get tatoos and I'm trying to not act on my prejudices against them BUT when I read that someone wants to put the AANA seal on their skin, I'm gonna be totally comfortable with the idea that this person has NO judgement. Tatoos are hard for us over 40 to get because we don't get this self-absorption thing. I recently saw a study by a music professor about how the lyrics of songs over the past 30 years or so have changed from the concept of "us" to "me."

love-d-OR · May 31, 2011

Professional or not, wait until YOU are 100% sure. And by the way, congrats on finishing school... you could get the date you passed boards, or your graduation date, or maybe the words "watchful care"