Nursing School/Tattoo Vent

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Hi,

So 4 weeks ago I started my first semester of nursing school. I got accepted into the program in November and had orientation on December 16. The head of the nursing department was the one holding the orientation. Now, I have tattoos on my left wrist- 2 small black Kanji tattoos that are close to my hand on my inner wrist and the second is a floral band that wraps all around my wrist above the Kanji tattoos. I was very nervous to show her them, because I knew they have a strict no visible tattoo policy. I showed her my tattoos and she said to cover the floral one with a watch that has a wide, stretchy band and cover the other ones with Dermablend for clinicals. She made me feel better about the tattoos so I registered for classes and paid my tuition. I bought my books, supplies, and uniform. I bought Dermablend to cover my tattoos. Spent about $3,000 for the semester all in all, not to mention all the money I spent on pre-req's. All I had to do was wait for classes to start.

Fast forward to Week 3 of NS and we have our first skills test, and there is a major problem with covering my tattoos. The Dermablend did NOT work. Neither did any of the other products I bought to cover my tattoos. My instructors wouldn't even let me test for hand washing. After my second attempt at trying to cover the tattoos and take the test, my instructor took me to the head of the nursing department. She didn't remember me at first, but then she remembered seeing my tattoos at orientation. She insisted that Dermabland has worked for other students in the past, so it should work for me. I told her I have tried everything I could to cover them and nothing worked. She wouldn't let me use a band-aid for the smaller tattoos, wear long sleeves, wear a lab coat, nothing. Just make-up and if I couldn't cover up my tattoos with make up then I couldn't continue in the program. She said it's the clinical site's policy to not allow visible tattoos, not the college's. So I cannot continue in the program and I'm out.

Now, I believe she should have told me when she saw my tattoos that were going to be a problem. She also never told me I had to cover them during testing, only at clinical. Should I just let the matter drop and take a loss or fight back and try to get some of my tuition money back? Any thoughts, suggestions? I know there are nurses out there that have tattoos, even if they are covered under long sleeves.

Chrissy

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Specializes in Infusion.

I would find a way to have them removed. I'm not sure of the cost but if you really want to be a nurse, you should strongly consider this and think about placing tattoos where they can be easily covered. Most healthcare facilities have pretty strict policies about tattoos and piercings. Maybe in 50 years, things will change but right now, most of the patients and residents are of an age where visible tattoos and facial piercings are not acceptable. Best wishes in whatever decision you make.

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Wow. I would definitely try to get my tuition back. The people in my program with tattoos are allowed to wear long sleeves under their uniforms to hide them. Some people use bandaids for small ones. I understand that its the hospital policy so the schools have to enforce it but I don't see why they would insist that Dermablend is the only solution. If it can be hidden with a long sleeve shirt then that should solve the problem I would think.

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Getting tattoos removed from what I've seen is expensive and takes a

While. An idea I have that you can try is to get a tattoo that is the color of your skin to cover up your current tattoos. It's cheap and fast; compared to getting it removed. It's like permanent make up that some people actually get done. I don't have any tattoos, so I'm not experienced with all the coloring etc. And the procedure

Of getting one done, but it's maybe something you can try. Hope that helps.

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Wow. I would definitely try to get my tuition back. The people in my program with tattoos are allowed to wear long sleeves under their uniforms to hide them. Some people use bandaids for small ones. I understand that its the hospital policy so the schools have to enforce it but I don't see why they would insist that Dermablend is the only solution. If it can be hidden with a long sleeve shirt then that should solve the problem I would think.

If you can document someone in authority telling you that they would be manageable before someone with less authority told you they weren't, you might have a case. Call some lawyers in your area for their reaction if that's your plan. But simply getting them removed and reentering the program at your next chance may be the path of least resistance.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Long sleeves have been shown to be major carriers of MRSA, C.Diff and other nasties in the hospital setting, and many hospitals are now banning them with an expected wave to continue until pretty much all of them do.

I would have the tats removed. Even if the school found a way to make it work, a lot of employers would not.

I feel badly for you that you were lead to believe this would be workable.

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A girl in my class has an inner wrist tattoo and puts a large bandaid looking thing over it.

You need to fight this tooth and nail. If nothing else get EVERY penny you spent on school back AND a letter stating you left the program in good standing.

You can do nursing elsewhere and get through it. There's no uniformity in what programs expect out of students.

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I think it is very wrong for them to kick you out after they told you it would be okay if it was covered. It kinda seems like they just wanted your money. I can understand that they would not want someone with tatoos but there are a lot of places that are okay with it. Maybe you could talk to a lawyer or someone that is designated to handle formal complaints that works at the college (student services dean at my school).

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Specializes in Pedi, Geri, Hospice, Corrections.

Sounds like discrimination to me...might want to check your school's policy on discrimination. You may have a good case.

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I have a tattoo on each inner wrist, and I'm in nursing school. It can be done. I would pursue getting my money back and look for another program.

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I remember having to shave my Mohawk for classes. I was extremely unhappy. I wish we lived in a world where all people weren't so judgmental, but what are you going do? Tattoos, piercings, hair-dyes, etc., are really not that important. I would work on getting them removed, but that's just my opinion.

If you don't want to get them removed I have a couple buddies in the program with tattoos as well. They use a special concealer that works great for them. Even the darkest of blacks won't be visible. The stuff is pretty expensive though. Here's a link:

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P231113

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

I think you should fight for your place. It's ridiculous that someone would be prevented from becoming a nurse for a couple of small tattoos. If you choose to go that route, you could certainly make the case that you were given the go-ahead on your orientation, and would have a legal case to make.

In the meantime, maybe you'll find a product that works for you. Not exactly a direct comparison, but my daughter is in a 6 year Physical Therapist program already working out in the field. She has a bird with open wings near where you will be taking people's radial pulse someday (inner wrist) - nobody has said a word. Best wishes to you.

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