Nursing and tattoos

Published

  1. Do you have any tattoos?

    • 716
      No, never would
    • 525
      No, but would like to
    • 712
      Yes, but only one in a discreet area
    • 83
      Yes, but I wish I didn't
    • 990
      Yes, I have more than one, but less than ten
    • 132
      Yes, my body is a living canvas

1,962 members have participated

:D Just thought we needed a new poll...
I think the whole professional argument comes out of the fact that some people (not saying that it is right) tend to pre-judge when they see tattoos and even non-traditional piercings. I personally have 3 which are all covered by my scrubs. I also think that it has to do with where you live/work as to if people are accepting depending on how conservative or liberal they are.

I guess you summarized my rhetorical questions.

I just can't stand the pre-judgers. The worst ones are RARELY the clients or even the bosses, in my experience. All too often, they are from a jealous coworker or colleague who dislikes you for some reason, and uses it to gain some perceived advantage.

If people think it is 'unprofessional" than by logic, the opposite is true. Hey, anyone know any unprofessional non tattooed people? Thought so. There are so many important things in this world to worry about. What someone injects into their skin and calls art is not one of them. YMMV.

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Specializes in med/surg , hospice and oncology.

I understand that it is your body to do as you please...but I feel that the tats and piercings do look unprofessional. Might as well wear a black bra and undies under the white scrubs..maybe I'll express my individuality that way...

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If tats are unprofessional because it alters the body then why not go all out.

Being overweight can be changed. Is it unprofessional to? How about being pregnant or ugly?

A beard? Glasses. Wearing a religious symbol?

What makes a tattoo unprofessional?

If you have time to look at someone and judge them you have time to do some work. Bleh.

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Specializes in EMS, ER, GI, PCU/Telemetry.
If tats are unprofessional because it alters the body then why not go all out.

Being overweight can be changed. Is it unprofessional to? How about being pregnant or ugly?

A beard? Glasses. Wearing a religious symbol?

What makes a tattoo unprofessional?

If you have time to look at someone and judge them you have time to do some work. Bleh.

:yeah::yeah::yeah:

you rock, stanley.

i totally agree.

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Specializes in ER,ICU,L+D,OR.
I understand that it is your body to do as you please...but I feel that the tats and piercings do look unprofessional. Might as well wear a black bra and undies under the white scrubs..maybe I'll express my individuality that way...

While I am heavily tattooed and multiple piercing, trust me I would never wear black bra and panties under white scrubs.

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Specializes in Trauma.

I think some tattoos and piercings look nice and are not unprofessional. I have a nose piercing where the stud is tiny; you can barely see it. I like it and I've received many compliments on it; patients, nurses, doctors and managers alike have complimented it. I have a friend who has her whole left arm sleeved in tattoos; well done, beautiful tattoos. She's never had a problem with patients saying anything negative; and actually, her patients compliment her tattoos fairly consistently.

It's all just a matter of opinion:)

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Specializes in MS, LTC, Post Op.

I have a breast cancer awareness ribbon with dragonfly wings on my left ankle. I got it for my 30th birthday and in honor of my mom who had BC.

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Specializes in LTC, MDS, ER.

I don't have any, but mostly because I've never found anything I could commit to for the rest of my life!

I did take care of a patient who was in the Navy during WWII...he had Mickey Mouse tattooed above his left knee and Minnie Mouse above his right knee (the tattoos aged pretty well). I always thought those were cute, but was surprised to see those on such a "tough" guy. (He really was a sweetheart underneath his gruff exterior).

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Specializes in Cardiac/Med-surg/ LTC.

No can't say I do.

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Specializes in ER and Home Health.

I have tattoos, started while I was in the service. My mother did not like my military tattoos, but is mother to like everything her daughter does. I have had more since. My nose is pierced but few if any patients ever really notice it. My tongue is pierced, and again few if any notice it while I am at work. Most everything else is mostly covered up. Except when I am on the beach.

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Specializes in Emergency.

i think tattoos represent our individuality. i have two tattoos and plan on getting more. that doesnt make you less professional than others. i would rather have a tattooed doctor, nurse etc than a untattooed idiot working on me.

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I have my tongue pierced, just about every single person I know is not even aware of the fact that I have it unless I tell them. I also have both of the tops of my feet covered in flowers and my right foot says "La Bella Vita" next to the flowers. I plan on getting more, all can be covered with scrubs.

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