Tattoos and body jewelry policies in hospitals

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Do most hospitals in general have a policy against tattoos or piercings? I do not have any vulgar or offensive tattoos, and the only one that is visible is my name tattooed on my arm. I also have a couple of piercings - should I expect to be asked to remove them when I get a job in the medical field? I have a very professional attitude but I can see how these things may be viewed as unprofessional. Getting rid of the piercings is definitely a sacrifice I would make and the tattoo could be covered up. Any advice is appreciated.

Specializes in Primary Care, Critical Care.

Of the four hospitals I have worked in, only one had any policy regarding tattoos. I found out that I had to cover up with long sleeves (long after my interviews, orientation etc) so I promptly found another job and then quit. It is not 1950 anymore and I have no interest at all in working anywhere that wants to place those sorts of restrictions on me or on self expression. Oddly enough, most Catholic hospitals I have been in had nurses and other staff showing off their tattoos.

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

It really varies from institution to institution. I work for a facility where there are many tattooed/pierced nurses, and some who have dreadlocks.

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Specializes in MH/MR, post-op, oncology, GI, M/S.

Where I work we have a policy like this, which states something like, "no offensive tattoos" and "no facial piercings including tongue rings, and only 2 pair of earrings." as well as "hair color must be within varying degrees of natural" meaning it can be dyed, just not neon green. However, it is my observation that this policy is largely disregarded by everyone from floor staff on up to management. I was interviewed and hired wearing a tongue ring, and I wear it every day. It's a hoot during neuro exams for CN XII.

I think the policy exists so they have some way to get you to correct behavior if a patient satisfaction issue comes up, but otherwise I agree with Icantsurf: it is not 1950 anymore, and what I look like has nothing to do with how well I nurse.

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What's the general consensus on having stretched ears and being a nurse? I have no problem taking the jewelry out during work hours, I'm just curious.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.

Our policy does not address stretched ears. ONe piece of jewlery per ear, pierced facial areas covered with bandaid. oNly one bracelet or necklace, only wedding ring. It does not address tats.

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Great! Thank you everybody for the advice. It is very much appreciated.

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The hospital I got hired for is very strict. When I was hired there they explained to me I must have my hair pulled back,no fake nails,only two earings in one ear,no nose piercing,no visible tatoes,colored-coded uniforms (navy and/or white),professional shoes (no open toe,sandals),no weird hair color,no strong make up..basically a very professional appearance...I really dont mind that since I'm not into tatooes,body piercing,weird hair color although I like weird shoes (clogs),dark lipstick,and painting my nails,LOL

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