Tattoo/employability question

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I've been considering Nursing school for a few months, only problem is I'm worried that I will go through school and not be able to find a job, based on the fact I have a Facial tattoo...It's a black star beneath my right eye 1" x 1"...along with 54 more on my right arm..... I knew the facial tattoo would make things "Different" for me, and I'd have to accept it.

I live in San Antonio, and upon completing school, I'd like to work in the area, does anyone live in the area and have any input for me? As to the likelihood of finding work with "ink" on my face?

Someday society may be more accepting of tattoos in a professional environment. Until then, I would do as the others have said and find an effective way to cover the tattoos. That way you can still pursue a nursing career without limiting your options. Some people may call that "selling out" but I just see it as being practical.

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One thing to consider as well.....an inner city hospital that serves the poor would most likely care more about your nursing skills than your tats....in fact, your tats may be an asset since the population served might better relate to you.

Just food for thought.

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Specializes in ER.

Having tattooes has nothing to do with being a good nurse but it does having everything to do with having a professional appearance. Fair or not that is reality. You've made the choice to have a tattoo on your face and many more on your arm. Perhaps you could have the one on your face lasered off? You'll have to decide what is more important to you.

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Actually I have thought about th Laser option in the past.. I decided not to do it then, and I doubt I will change my mind now.

I have a decent job, in Sales, if you folks could believe it.. a LARGE international distribution company. It is a decent job, but in no way satisfying or fulfilling to me...

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My nursing school says they have to be covered up, yet say we can't wear long sleeves under scrubs for clinicals. Our ADON suggested buying the tattoo coverup makeup for some tattos on the face/neck. Some people in our class have them on their wrist and she suggested large band watches or sweat bands.

As for employability, I think it varies on the hospital. I once had a nurse in the ER with sleeved arms. I think if you're upfront with the employers/school and tell them you're willing to conform to their policies, then it wouldn't be a problem.

Good luck!

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Specializes in School Nursing.

I am in Dallas-Fort Worth, so a little North of you, but at the hospital where I used to work there were nurses with visible tats. I asked my manager about it once (as I was and still am considering a wrist tattoo) and she said "there is not much you can do about it if they are hired with one", which I thought was really vague!

As far as school, for lectures in the summer I let my two ankle tats show, but my scrubs covered them for clinicals. No one ever said anything about them. I would think a long sleeve undershirt would be a good idea, and you might have to wear a bandage on the face or a really good concealer.

If nursing is your passion, don't let those tattoos stop you (they sound really cool BTW!)

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Specializes in Psych, ER, Resp/Med, LTC, Education.

Not able to wear long sleeves under your scrubs!?!?!?! That's CRAZY. **** I am in NY and would have frozen to death!!! That's not practical when you may be incredibly uncomfortable if unable to be warm enough. Its a good thing they didn't have that policy where I went cause I would not have put up with that ****....I'd be in the head of the schools office! You can't work if you are that uncomfortable and it is like I said not practical. Damm!

And again I think this whole issue with the tats is descrimination........

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Where I work, we have plenty of nurses (and supervisors) with visible tats. There is no policy to cover them.

In nursing school, we were supposed to cover them. Mine were covered by my lab coat (we couldn't wear long sleeves under our scrubs, either). I guess you could put a bandaid on it if they really didn't want it visible.

I've known a couple of people who have attempted to have laser removal of facial tattoos; it has not been very successful. There will always be a faded area--might as well keep it, get it touched up when necessary to keep it looking sharp, and wear it proudly!

I was staying at a snazzy hotel this weekend, and noticed in the pool area that the tattooed nearly outnumbered the "blank slates". Tattoos are becoming so common in our society, I think this issue of visible tattoos hindering employment is less of an issue than it once was.

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Specializes in MPH Student Fall/14, Emergency, Research.

In 10 years, no one will mind about tattoos and piercings anymore. I sure do miss mine though.

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Specializes in Medical.
My nursing school says they have to be covered up, yet say we can't wear long sleeves under scrubs for clinicals. Our ADON suggested buying the tattoo coverup makeup for some tattos on the face/neck. Some people in our class have them on their wrist and she suggested large band watches or sweat bands.

Wow - I'd be much more concerned about infection control than visible tattos!

One of the guys I work with had a mid-forearm piercing that he covered with a bandage at work, for infection control purposes and so the barbells at the end wouldn't catch on anything. He works bank and it made no difference to his hours, no complaints etc.

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My nursing program requires that all visible tattoos be covered. There are a few guys in my class who are covered in tattoos, but they just wear long sleeves to keep them hidden.

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yes, it'll be very difficult to obtain employment with a facial tattoo. you WILL have to cover it up - either with a bandaide or make-up. sorry :(

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