NCBON views on visible tattoos

midwife2b · May 1, 2006

I'm not sure the BON has ever written their views on body art. You might want to ask the nursing schools you are applying to, however; they may have policies related to visible tattoos and piercings.

When I taught nursing school we did have a uniform policy that stated the only visible piercings could be in the ears; some of our students had nose rings that had to be removed. I'm not sure of current policies though, so it may be wise to check. Asking is free!

luvmy2angels · May 2, 2006

Not sure either about the BON, but our nursing school had it written in thier policy that all visible tattoos must be covered and no piercing besides the ears were allowed. I have 2 tattoos but they were easy to hide, one on my ankle and the other on my shoulder. Some employers I have interviewed with have said no visible tattoos either so I'm sure each school/employer has their own policy this issue.

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mamaof7 · May 2, 2006

Well, it is on my hand, between my thumb and index finger, could possibly cover it with a band-aid but not sure. I don't want to lose my dream of nursing over somthing I did when I was 14. I will call the nursing director and find out, then call the hospital I plan to apply to and find out their policies on this as well, thanks.

LoriAlabamaRN · May 2, 2006

There's a type of makeup used to cover tattoos on actors/actresses during filming; also to cover burns etc for those with facial scarring. Perhaps that would work?

luvmy2angels · May 2, 2006

my friend had one that went around her wrist like a bracelet and the instructors made her wear a bandage around it when she wore short sleeves to cover it up. To me, that bandage looked worse than the tattoo itself!!

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · May 3, 2006

I reiterate what other posters have stated. The NCBON, to my knowledge, has no policy on tatoos. They address the major issues of nursing practice standards (APN, RN, LPN, CNA II), nursing education standards, professionalism, and protecting the public (ensuring "safe, effective nursing care" in North Carolina). However, many schools of nursing have policies on visible tatoos. At our ADN school, for instance, all visible tatoos must be covered. I would advise the OP to check with her nursing school - one quick phone call to the director of the program would provide all the information needed :)

mamaof7 · May 4, 2006

Thanks guys..so much, by the way..anyone know the name or type of make-up I could use, I don't wear make-up, never have so be gentle LOL. I called the nursing director, left a message and am waiting on a response. thnkas guys!

Aneroo, LPN · May 4, 2006

I would doubt you would be able to use makeup on your hand to cover it- It'd easily be washed off by the first hour at clinicals.

Bummer01 · May 7, 2006

Don't quote me but I believe the make-up in question is called Dermablend.

RNSuzq1, RN · May 15, 2006

Hi Mama,

Like everyone said - call your school to make sure, but I really don't think a little tree frog on your hand is a big deal - some patients might get a kick out of it. A few girls in my class had small tatoos and don't think it was ever a problem.

We had to present a professional image during clinicals - good grooming, no visible body piercings, hair pinned up if it was long and what they were really concerned about was anything that might harbor bacteria - like long nails - real or fake (neither is allowed). Keeping your nails short is something you want to do not only for your patients - but for yourself as well, really don't want to be bringing all those germs home to your family. Hope this helps. Sue