Tattoos in healthcare

[savoytruffle, BSN, RN]

Just curious about others' thoughts on tattoos or other modifications in healthcare. I work in long term care, which tends to be more conservative in dress codes. Facial piercing and ear gauges are not permitted, visible tattoos are becoming acceptable as long as they are not offensive. The last facility I worked at had a rule about hair color, and your scrubs had to match. No joke. How restrictive is your work place? And have you ever seen a senior member of administration with any body modifications? I am going for m MSN in administration and I have several large tattoos. (Most covered by pants and a lab coat-one wrist, but I am planning on full sleeves when I have the money).

[Asystole RN]

Professional employment (like administration) requires a professional appearance. The most I have ever seen is a floor supervisor on night with some visible tattoos. My hospital tolerates some tattoos and piercings but they are strongly discouraged.

[Ruas61, BSN, RN]

Think about full sleeves 20 years from now.

[SionainnRN]

I've worked in three hospitals and many doctors offices and all of them have a policy on no visible tattoos or piercings. You can do what you want but you are going to severely limit your job options, especially if you want to go into management.

[limaRN, BSN, RN]

I work in an ICU and several of my coworkers have visible tattoos on their hands and wrists. As long as it's not offensive nobody really seems to care. I can't wait to get my first tattoo!!

[JDZ344]

The UK NHS uniform code is pretty strict, tattoos should be covered if you can.

I personally dislike tattoos. That's fine, I don't have to get one, and I don't care what other people do to their own bodies. BUT, people should think before they ink. Someone equally as qualified as you are, may get the job because the interviewer thinks they look more "professional" without the visible tattoo.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

There have been several threads on this topic on AN recently-- search them and see what others think. As for me, some of mine are older than almost anyone posting here :) and all are completely covered by professional attire. You don't have to like it, and you might think it's not fair and people should judge you for your professionalism and caring and education and all that, but the fact is that many of the people who will be in a position of authority over you will not like them and will prejudge you whether you like it or not. Word to the wise.

[Altra, BSN, RN]

And have you ever seen a senior member of administration with any body modifications?

No, I haven't. So if you are going to invest in higher education with a goal of pursuing a management career ... take that into consideration.

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

And have you ever seen a senior member of administration with any body modifications?

I have never seen a member of administration with a visible tattoo, nor have I see with with any piercings in 'unusual' places (lip, eye brow, etc.). I have never seen administrators with stretched/gauged ears (or whatever the correct term is).

[~PedsRN~, BSN, RN]

I have two tattoos and want a third.... both of mine are hidden now. I have one on my right lower back and one on my left ankle. I'd like a small wrist tattoo, but I do worry because that would be "more" visible than the ones I have currently.

[Mommy&RN, BSN, RN]

I have 3. 2 can be completely covered by normal clothes. I have a small clover on my left wrist that can easily be covered by a watch. I picked the left when I had it done so I could cover it with a watch.

[eatmysoxRN, ASN, RN]

Think about full sleeves 20 years from now.

When people say this I truly don't understand. If my tattoos are the most worrisome part of my life in 20 years, I think I will be doing well.

~ No One Can Make You Feel Inferior Without Your Consent -Eleanor Roosevelt ~