Nurse jobs that allow modifications?

hayleyyelyah · Jan 3, 2014

Thank you so much. Some of the comments made it seem like I was being immature? It's really sad that I can't do what I want to my own body without people judging it. Especially if it's a tattoo with meaning behind it. These people should really be more educated with body modifications.

Bouncyball · Jan 3, 2014

Just get them in areas where they can be covered with clothes and you will be fine.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Jan 3, 2014

Thank you so much. Some of the comments made it seem like I was being immature? It's really sad that I can't do what I want to my own body without people judging it. Especially if it's a tattoo with meaning behind it. These people should really be more educated with body modifications.

Yep, life is tough. Your decision as to what you want to do about it, though. Just don't say nobody told you it might not be peaches and cream out there. Good luck.

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 4, 2014

Thank you so much. Some of the comments made it seem like I was being immature? It's really sad that I can't do what I want to my own body without people judging it. Especially if it's a tattoo with meaning behind it. These people should really be more educated with body modifications.

Let's face it: the world judges you, no matter what. Sure, you can do whatever you want to your body, but don't be surprised that you're judged. Everyone is judged, it's human nature. If you do something that is considered outside cultural "norm", you're going to be judged. If you know a profession expects certain standards regarding appearance, again, don't be surprised if you're judged negatively. It's how you handle that criticism that shows your maturity.

So go ahead and get all the tats & mods you want. Just don't be surprised when the professional world doesn't embrace it with open arms.

flyersfan88 · Jan 4, 2014

Thank you so much. Some of the comments made it seem like I was being immature? It's really sad that I can't do what I want to my own body without people judging it. Especially if it's a tattoo with meaning behind it. These people should really be more educated with body modifications.

your employer and patients won't know or care if your tattoo has meaning. I don't think it's really too much to consider getting tattoos in places they can be covered up.

Retired APRN, MSN, RN, APRN · Jan 5, 2014

[...]
So go ahead and get all the tats & mods you want. Just don't be surprised when the professional world doesn't embrace it with open arms.

Yep.

The freedom and maturity to make decisions comes with a price tag: choices have consequences. I have the freedom to use four-letter words in my every day speech. I might even say that this is how I best express myself and that there are no other words to indicate precisely the meaning I want to convey. But there is also a price tag, in that I will not be considered professional, I will not be asked to give presentations or academic opinions, and many people will consider me immature and unprofessional. In turn, there would almost certainly be a negative impact on jobs available to me.

Children and adolescents expect to do what they want without any consequences. You aren't a child. The opinions you have heard from some of us in this thread represent some of what you will encounter in the job market. Yes, you can certainly have tats or piercings or other modifications if that floats your boat. But being aware of the consequences of your choice only makes you more powerful, able to make more considered decisions.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jan 5, 2014

Thank you so much. Some of the comments made it seem like I was being immature? It's really sad that I can't do what I want to my own body without people judging it. Especially if it's a tattoo with meaning behind it. These people should really be more educated with body modifications.

Express yourself. No one is saying that you can't.... all we are saying is that with that choice comes taking responsibility and understand that in this profession there are limitation/consequences for visible tattoos. Get your tattoos but in places not visible to the public.

Saying it's sad that your self expression is limited and the tattoo has "meaning" I mean after all it is your body...that other people need to become more educated belies your immaturity....like in the thread when you want to keep smoking "weed" I mean, why not? after all you are only taking your prerequisites.

There are expectations for every job. The employer makes the rules. While the POTUS may have tattoos that say Born to rule or I love Mom doesn't mean they should be across his face with a nose piercing.

Express yourself but be mature and accountable for your actions

mrsboots87 · Jan 6, 2014

I have some tattoos. Rather large ones actually. The kind you can see from very far away. They are beautiful. They each have meaning to me. That being said. I got one before knowing I wanted to be a nurse, and the others after. I got them in places that can be covered by my scrubs or undershirts. One may need a bandage cover at the top because sometimes it peaks out my shirt in the back, but I will have to deal with a potential employer not wanting me at all due to that visibility. I dont think employers or patients should have to change their views for my own personal satisfaction with my tattoos. I go into this knowing that many people expect a certain level of professionalism with this position and I will have to adhere to that, no matter my view on body art being beautiful. You would be mindful to change your attitude and do the same. Go ahead and get your mods but your two options are to a)get them in places that can be covered with clothing or a bandage if its a facial mod, or b)expect to have a VERY hard time obtaining employments, and then also pleasing patients who might not like body art. The choice is yours, but as others have pointed out, the consequences are as well.

And by "hiding" your tattoos doesn't mean they have to be hidden forever. Just at work. My two largest are a half leg sleeve around my left leg and a piece that covers most of the upper part of my back. When not in scrubs, unless I'm wearing jeans and a sweater, they are visible. And in summer, all is visible. But again, only outside of work. You can have your dream career and your mods, just be smart about it.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jan 6, 2014

Thank you so much. Some of the comments made it seem like I was being immature? It's really sad that I can't do what I want to my own body without people judging it. Especially if it's a tattoo with meaning behind it. These people should really be more educated with body modifications.

Isn't that the whole point??? For getting tatts & body mods, I mean. If you alter your appearance in a way that can be seen by others - no matter whether it's a new hairdo or horn implants on your forehead - you want people to notice. If this is the case, you can't carp about people exercising their own independent judgement, because this is exactly what you are espousing in the first place.

jaycam, RN · Apr 24, 2014

I have piercings, including stretched ear lobes. I have a tattoo. I'm also just getting ready to start my journey as a nurse, as well as belong to a very conservative religion. I work as a caregiver in a supported living setting. I know that this means that I will have people who judge me, both at school, work, and in my personal life. All of this means that I know how to hide my tattoo and my ears in ways that are pleasing to most people. I wear shirts that cover the tattoo, I wear small tunnels or plugs that can pass as studs without close examination, and most of all, I don't get defensive about them. It's a sacrifice I make in order to do this. If someone doesn't like them, that is their personal choice. I don't make it for them, just like they didn't force me to sit in a chair and get them done. It's not worth getting angry at them or trying to force them to educate themselves. All you can do is be the best person you are, and hope they judge you on your own individual worth.