Nurses with tattoos

[Deargceann]

I'm starting nursing school soon, and I am trying to figure out which specialty I might like. I am leaning towards psych, but I don't want to be pigeonholed. I have tattoos on my arms which will be visible with scrub tops, but I know I'll have to wear something underneath to hide them. My question is, are there any specialties that would be more or less prohibitive for wearing long sleeves? Thanks in advance.

[tara84]

I am in nursing school, and have no idea as to what direction I want to take. I have tattoos, but they are covered by my scrubs. Honestly, Don't let something that can be covered up dictate which path you want to seek out in nursing......it is what YOU want......not the ability to show/cover your tattoos. :)

[CNL2B]

If you have tattoos on your forearms and your employer or school says you need to cover them up and you do, you should be fine. I don't know of anywhere that you aren't allowed to wear a long-sleeved T-shirt under your scrubs or a scrub jacket. Even if you go work in the OR where they require that you wear the hospital scrubs most of them these days have long sleeved jackets in the locker rooms. I can't really think of a specialty that would refuse you for having tattoos if you can cover them appropriately.

Hope this helps alleviate your anxiety! I know many nurses with small tattoos that show (wrists, ankles) and it's not really any big deal at all. I suspect if you were covered from head to toe it might be an issue, but then again, it would probably be an issue at any normal-ish, professional-ish job environment out there.

[PedsAtHeart, LPN]

I agree with the other 2. Don't let your tats dictate where you go. Most (not all) places these days dont really care as long as they are not offensive. And if they want them covered then you have that option of wearing a long sleeve shirt on top or a lab jacket. Just dont do like some people do and TRY to cover them all up with band aides!!!

[netglow, ASN, RN]

This topic always makes me smile. When I was in school, our DON made a HUGE ISSUE about how bad tattoos were. How you would look like a gang member/biker and scare all the old people, etc. Big frown on you as if you were not nursing material if you even had one. So, one day near the end of my first semester, I saw her in a skirt turn the corner into her office, and what did I see? A tattoo on her leg! Sure, hers would be hidden when working, but still, the big THOU ART A LOSER performance in light of this tattoo she sported I found entertaining even tho I don't have any tattoos myself.

[healthstar, BSN, RN]

Thank God I don't have any tattoos in my arms/wrist because I cannot tolerate heat and I hate wearing long sleeves. But if it is possible to cover them go for it, many people judge when they see that a nurse/doc has tattoos. Personally, I freak out when I see a nurse who has tattoo sleeves, I do not want her to take care of me. It does not mean that they do not know how to do their job or anything, I just don't feel safe or comfortable especially with nurses who have tigers and lions( the entire zoo in their body)lol but I am okay with flowers, butterfly I feel comfortable with those little tattoos :) :)

[threelittlebirds]

My clinical experience last semester was at an inpatient psychiatric facility for children. Though I didn't see any RNs with tattoos, many staff members (mental health techs, etc) had tattoos and piercings; some had full sleeves!

The semester before that, I was at a hospital....and everyone was very clean cut. It depends on the setting. When in doubt, opt for conservative! Also keep in mind that as a student, you have to abide by the guidelines of your program and those of your clinical site.

That said, I think that nursing schools make a bigger deal about tattoos, piercings, etc, than some employers do. Conduct yourself professionally, follow the guidelines you're given, and you'll be fine! :]

[ShayRN]

There is a HUGE thread on this topic over on Nursing Polls. I think that you would be shocked to find out how many nurses have tattoos, even the ones you would never in a million years suspect. I have a dophin on my back and whenever the subject gets raised about tattoos eyebrows fly up and people say YOU have one? Really, YOU? LMAO! I am pretty surprised myself how many people I now know have them once I admit to mine, it really isn't a shocking thing anymore.

[laynaER]

I agree with what the others said. Tattoos shouldn't dictate where you work as long as you can hide/cover them up. I have one in an extremely visible area but most people don't realize its there because it's in such a weird place. hehe

I'm just waiting for the naysayers to show up and flame the OP for having tattoos, period. "its not professional/nurses shouldn't have tattoos/shame on you." haha

[PetiteOpRN]

I don't know if tattoos are prohibited in the OR, but long sleeves are. Any clothing worn in the OR must be scrubs material, and laundered by the hospital. Jackets need to be removed whenever you're doing anything sterile (ie prepping) because they get in the way.

[reidob]

Another perspective: if the place you are seeking to work is so stuffy that they can't stand a few tattoos, you probably don't want to work there. I work in a rather freewheeling place that is nonetheless professional in demeanor and where we get to give excellent nursing care, but tattoos are tolerated, as long as they aren't offensive. Hey, I'm turning 54 soon, and I just got my first one! Viva la tats!

[Pegasus65]

I didn't get a tattoo until I was 36. I have a snake that encircles the upper portion of my left arm. My scrub tops cover it completely. I have had mixed reactions from folks. Some folks think it grotesque.... and some think it really cool. I was born in the year of the snake and I wanted something a little different.... hehehe I am not the "flower" kind of gal what can I say..

Have a great evening everyone!