Nureses and Tattoos (esp. in San Francisco area)

[oldskoolchop]

I am wanting to start in the nursing program next fall, but I have many tattoos that are going to be hard to cover up. Long sleeves is no problem but there are still some on my hands fingers and even 2 small ones under my eyes. I am planning on moving to a larger city (considering San Francisco) and maybe it will be easier. But here in west Texas it seems to be a really big deal. Has anyone else had to deal with this? Is there anyone in the San Francisco area that could tell me what some of the policies are in the area? I figured it would be more common in some of the larger cities, but a nurse friend of mine in New Orleans told me that people have the same issues with having to cover them up there to.

[mentalhealthRN]

Try Los Angeles or NYCity. Personally I don't care about someone's tats as long as they are kind and know what they are doing. A good nurse is a good nurse. Course I may be biased being that I have a few. Granted none on my face but....I did have a nose piercing when I worked in psych ER as did a few others and no one seemed to care. I also have a tat that is about 3x1 on the inside of my wrist. The rest are out of site--my hip and ankle. But I have never had any problems in the hospitals here in NY state--upstate. Can't say for San Fran though. I would guess NYC and LA would be the most liberal. The area you are in as well may make a difference. I have found in psych and Chemical dependence that I see more. The patients don't care since many of them have tats and piercings. Though for safety the tats are definately safer then piercings for both the factor of having something grabbed and pulled out and for infection risk. Good luck to you and I hope you are able to find a way seeing as it sounds like you have the will.

[phoenixrn]

If you can find a job in SF (especially difficult as a new grad), most hospitals won't care diddly squat about your tattoos. I wouldn't proclaim them in your interview, though.

[mskate]

I am also heavily tattooed, knuckles and all... and I have worked all over the country. I had great experiences is southern and northern california, compared to other areas of the country. I have also had better luck in county hospitals instead of rich, private facilities. You may need to use some cover up make up for your facial tattoos... I wear long sleeves and high necked shirts in some facilities. I cannot (and do not try) to hide my hands or fingers because you simply can't properly wash your hands with bandaids, etc...

When it comes down to it - your skills, professionalism and personality generally out-weigh the tattoos. Call hospitals before hand to find out from HR what the hospital's tattoo policies are, interview well-covered and do your best. You'll be fine. :)

[Dazglue, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Most hospitals or organizations are more lenient towards tattoos than your school. You should see what your school's policy is towards the tatoos. Here? You are required to cover them with long sleeves, band-aids, or make-up. They HAVE to be covered up or you won't be allowed to participate and this is something you don't want to find out AFTER you paid all of your money which is then non-refundable. lol

[Rabid Response]

I have visible tattoos and work as a nurse in San Francisco. I know a lot of nurses with tattoos, and nobody here seems to care. When patients have commented on mine, it has always been positive or neutral. I'm not so sure about the facial tattoos, though. You might consider having them removed or find a good way to cover them up. It's very, very hard to find a job in SF right now, especially for new grads.

[JujuBente]

Saw some nurses with tats on their arms here in LA county.

[noahsmama]

I live in Oakland, and I would not recommend moving here as a new grad -- there are no jobs for new grads, tattooed or not.

[fromtheseaRN, BSN, RN]

like mskate said, it really depends on the hospitals policy. i have to keep my sleeves covered for school, but the hospital i am currently at for clinicals does not require this unless the tattoos are deemed offensive. there are several nurses and surgeons i see at the hospital with full sleeves as well. however, i'm not sure how face tattoos would go over. dermablend is a makeup product that can cover them really easily if need be.

[laudamia]

It depends on hospital, but also the unit itself. Some managers are open and care very little about tattoos, what matters to them are your skills and professionalism. I find it sad that in 2011 there is still a harsh judgement against those whose appearance is less mainstream. I have encountered people being okay with others having tattoos as long as they are popular locations or common designs. However, once you have a more visible one, on an unusual location or add some other 'alternative' look to the mix and people do freak out. For example, someone with dreadlocks and no tattoos, no problem as long as they keep their hair (as with any other hair-do) tied back. Then, someone with a tattoo and a nose piercing, no problem... but once you have someone with dreadlocks, a piercing and a tattoo, then becomes an issue? It makes no sense to me if independently all those variables are accepted, but you can have a perfectly capable and professional nurse be judged because he/she dared to have more than one of those variables present?

However, like most are saying here, do play the game, because ultimately it is only from within the system that you can bring that change. And right now, tattooed or not, getting a job is extremely difficult.