Nurses with tattoos

Trillion · Oct 30, 2010

I'm so glad to read these comments because I'm strongly considering going into nursing and I my hands are tattooed. Both hand have similar, large, gorgeous, abstract minimalist flower designs, very bold and strong shaped. A bit hard to describe. They are the opposite of "trashy" and I get many compliments on them from people of all walks of life. HOWEVER, I am nervous about investing tens of thousands and over 2 years for a graduate degree in a field that could be closed to me because of un-hide-able tattoos. I live in SF, so I reckon if I choose nursing, I need to stay here where people are more open minded about personal expression.

Deargceann · Oct 30, 2010

I hear Hawaii is pretty lax about having tattoos.

melloyello13 · Dec 22, 2010

This is sort of late, but as a tattooed nurse, I felt that I should respond. I have many tattoos up and down my arms and a few very visible ones on my fingers on both hands. Additionally, I have piercings and I have dreadlocks (I'm white, so it's a little more unexpected on my hair type). At work, I always have all my piercings removed and wear long sleeve shirts under my scrubs. I try my best to keep the tattoos covered because people do pass judgment (unfortunately). Since visual impressions are a major driving force in determining someone's professionalism and character, I don't want the way I look to cause me trouble. In nursing school I had a professor who made a negative remark about my hair. I was a little upset over it, because basically what she said was that I would not be able to get a job. Turns out, I was one of the first people from my graduating class to get a job! (I graduated in Dec 2009 and it is and was VERY difficult to find work as a new grad in NYC). Additionally, I just got a new job at a hospital in upstate NY, where people are not as open-minded as those from NYC. So the way I look has not gotten me into any trouble thus far or inhibited me. I make sure to carry myself professionally, I treat everyone very respectfully. When I go for interviews, I dress VERY professionally to make up for the tattoos and the hair that might be distracting. Truth is some people will hate tattoos while others will love them. Depending on the facility dress code, you might even be able to keep some uncovered. Because I have so many I cover them. But honestly, if you use some common sense and are cautious, you will be fine.

mentalhealthRN · Dec 22, 2010

I have worked for years in psych and never had a problem--never asked to cover my tats. I also had a nose peircing when I worked in psych ER and so did a couple of other nurses. No one ever said a word. Personally I found the patients to see me as a real person--like them and more approachable. In psych that is acutally helpful, I find, in providing a level of comfort for patients to feel unjudged and honest and open with me. I have seen more tats on nurses. I wouldn't worry too much. Like someone said as long as they are not offensive-- naked women/men, foul language, beer bottle, pot leaves, etc.

Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP · Dec 22, 2010

I have a pierced nose as well as tattoos and I work in Critical Care. I find it ridiculous to be told to wear a band aid over the nose piercing. Either take it out when at work, or buy a clear acrylic retainer which is what I did. I found a nose stud retainer on Ebay for like $4 and you can't even see it when it's in, and it retains the piercing hole.

vegas2009 · Dec 22, 2010

I'm just glad I don't have any. I don't mind seeing small tatts on people. I like the cute ones. But, honestly - for me, they're more of unnecessary pain. I don't like needles. The whole process of getting tatts just looks painful.