Tattoo Question

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I applied for bscn to various college/universities but would like to know what's the rule on tattoos?

I got a half sleeve on my right arm, the tattoo stops before the elbow so forearm has nothing on it. Must I conceal it?

If you guys are wondering what the tattoo is, it's a Koi which wraps around my arm with lotus leaves

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Specializes in intensive care, recovery, anesthetics.

I would guess nowadays it shouldn't really matter much, if it's not offensive. So many people have tattoos. Depending on the hospital/health region policy they might want you to cover it, if possible.

5cats

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Not sure about when you are working as a nurse, but at my school (BCIT in British Columbia) tattoos must be covered during clinical time. A girl in my class had an upper arm tattoo and wore three-quarter sleeve shirts under her scrubs to keep it covered. Each individual school (and health authority when you start working) will likely have their own policy.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

It would depend on where you work I guess. My charge nurse has a large rose on her lower leg and she wears shorts to work in the summer. Apparently not a problem.

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I guess it depends on the school. I also have a half sleeve and my facilitator told me that while I'm representing the school in various wards, it's best to keep it covered up. I just wear a 3/4 sleeve t-shirt under my scrubs...no problem! Once you're working, it will just depend on the ward policies and type of client...

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Specializes in Medical Surgical & Behavioral Health.

My school requires all ink to be covered at all times. Which mine are because of their locations. I also wear a tank under my scrubs because the one on my shoulder can faintly be seen through the whites. One of the girls has a upper arm one, and the scrubs for L&D do not cover it, she was required to wear a coat over it for the entire shift. I have been in 2 different programs and both had the same policy. The 1st school added more to it to request that we not get anymore while we were in the program.

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Specializes in oncology, acute rehab.
:twocents: Meeting the dress code while in nursing school is one thing; tattoos, piercings, hairstyle are no longer (only) your personal business. But there are good reasons. Consider this: when you are in clinical settings and handling patients, most acute care nursing will require you to be sleeveless below the elbow. The infection control challenges require that you can wash your hands and lower arms when soiled. Those cute little long-sleeved tees are infection vectors. Bacteria and viruses don't need to develop legs or wings when we are so willing to carry them around!
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K thanks everyone looks like the school doesn't like it, but hospitals are somewhat okay with it.

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I've never had a problem with long sleeves at work. The infection control gowns are all long sleeved and before anyone jumps on me, yes, we take them off and leave them in the room's laundry.

BUT, long sleeves are permitted (the Muslim nurses need it for their dress code) and some with scars prefer to wear them. All our unit asks is a clean one every shift and roll the sleeves up for good hand and arm washing.

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Great question l have been wondering myself. Although l keep my ink covered at all times. Personal thing l guess.

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I think we also need to consider the patients we are caring for. The older more senior population could/can be offended by your ink. I personally have 2 tatts and they are covered (lower back and inside left ankle). There are SOME cultures that see tattoos on females as offensive - just another area to think of when caring for people in our multi cultural society :)

Cheers

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