I have a question. I have 4 tattoo's any of which could possibly show in scrubs. None of which would show fully.
1 is on the back of my neck and I have long hair, but even with my hair pulled up my shirt covers most of it.
The other 3 are on my upper arm area where my sleeve would cover it unless my sleeves came all the way up like a tank top almost. Like, if I wear a top with cap sleeves you can see a little of it.
The one on my neck is a sun, moon and stars.
The ones on my arm are 3 Kanji symbols.
So, finally, here's my question, is this something that a hospital will flat out not hire a nurse over?
In all my hospital stays I've never seen a nurse with a visible tattoo, or at least never noticed it.
Our hospital recently revised the tattoo policy- it now just says no offensive tattoos. I've got a lot on me- chest, neck, back, legs, feet... not that I have to worry about patients' seeing my feet. Usually most scrubs cover them up- sometimes they peek through. Nothing has ever been said to me regarding them. I will say however, while working on my Master's degree and doing clinicals there was a policy stating no visible tattoos. I was required to cover up. I think like other people have said, be professional on the interview, and see what the policy is.
Oh my ! I just got a tattoo on my hand yesterday.. and hadn't EVEN considered the workplace "dress code". Hope I do not get into trouble. It's small and tasteful... and my nursing abilities are not in any way hindered by it.
I'd like to think in the yr 2010, we're beyond this... in most places anyway.
I have one tattoo right now...on my hip, so that's not an issue. But I want at least two more. And one of them....I can't seem to think of anywhere to put it but my wrist. I was thinking of copying my friend(she has the same design; the national flower of Chile--we were exchange students there and that's where we met) and getting it in a brown color. Though I'm super pale, it'd be a lot more subtle than black. I'm just nervous about getting it on my wrist.....though that's easier to cover up than a forearm, I assume. Just put a watch on, right?
where i work now is pretty laid back. There's a CNA there who has black writing on her wrist. I wear my nose ring(well, a small stud) in almost every day, though sometimes I put in a clear retainer if I feel like it or have been waitressing(funny how the restaurant cares more than the hospital). My supervisor told another CNA that if anyone said anything, to just take it out, but she didn't care.
This thread is the one that brought me to allnurses. In he past several years the way people look at tattoos have changed IMO. I however am being very careful to not get any visible ones untill after nursing school. I am thankful for everyones input here, I have been reading this thread off and on for a few months.
I am a brand new RN and I have a nose piercing. I think it is attractive and I don't see how it would offend anyone. As far as I know, our hospital doesn't have rules against it. My nursing program did (I had to use a plastic plug that made it look like a blackhead!@?!?!), but as far as I know, when I go to orientation on Monday I will have it on and don't intend to take it out. I have given presentations at the RN staff meeting, and I wore it at graduation and no one complained. It's really no big deal. I have a tattoo on my forearm that means loving-kindness, and when someone asks me what it means and I tell them, they always give me a warm, loving response. I'm a 49-year-old lady, a breast cancer survivor (just finished chemo/rads in January) and mother of three, as well as a new nurse. Can't see how I would freak anyone out!
OK, personally I would find this offensive and the way I figure it if you have your nose pierced while working as an RN, you are not very profession in your nursing duties as well. I am an RN and have multiple tattoos on my body. NONE can be seen. I used to have some on my hands but got them lasered off years ago. I think it looks ghetto to have them where the patients can see them. Is it a stereotype, YES, maybe but it still looks ghetto also with piercings the in the nose. And to say you will NOT take it out for an interview..haha. You would NOT get hired by me..You appear to be a Newbie in the field.
I am getting my 7th tattoo started on next week! They are all placed where they are covered with scrubs, except for the one on my neck that reads Love is Patience.....never had anyone complain about it!
Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
OK, personally I would find this offensive and the way I figure it if you have your nose pierced while working as an RN, you are not very profession in your nursing duties as well. I am an RN and have multiple tattoos on my body. NONE can be seen. I used to have some on my hands but got them lasered off years ago. I think it looks ghetto to have them where the patients can see them. Is it a stereotype, YES, maybe but it still looks ghetto also with piercings the in the nose. And to say you will NOT take it out for an interview..haha. You would NOT get hired by me..You appear to be a Newbie in the field.
As long as it doesn't violate the dress code, why would a hospital view it as unprofessional? My facility allows nose studs up to 1/8", whether the piercing was done prior to employment or during. I also fail to see the link between a small, subtle piercing and life and death patient care. A nose ring doesn't cause a brain to stop working.
Disclaimer: The only piercing I have is a single ring in each ear. My tattoo is hidden when working. Piercings and tattoos are viewed differently now than they were even ten years ago. Don't let your personal opinions make you prejudge someone.
"I am a brand new RN and I have a nose piercing. I think it is attractive and I don't see how it would offend anyone. As far as I know, our hospital doesn't have rules against it. My nursing program did (I had to use a plastic plug that made it look like a blackhead!@?!?!), but as far as I know, when I go to orientation on Monday I will have it on and don't intend to take it out. I have given presentations at the RN staff meeting, and I wore it at graduation and no one complained. It's really no big deal. I have a tattoo on my forearm that means loving-kindness, and when someone asks me what it means and I tell them, they always give me a warm, loving response. "
I'm a 49-year-old lady, a breast cancer survivor (just finished chemo/rads in January) and mother of three, as well as a new nurse. Can't see how I would freak anyone out! OK, personally I would find this offensive and the way I figure it if you have your nose pierced while working as an RN, you are not very profession in your nursing duties as well. I am an RN and have multiple tattoos on my body. NONE can be seen. I used to have some on my hands but got them lasered off years ago. I think it looks ghetto to have them where the patients can see them. Is it a stereotype, . You would NOT get hired by me..You appear to be a Newbie in the field.
This post is really confusing, it's hard to tell you're quoting someone or not.
OK, personally I would find this offensive and the way I figure it if you have your nose pierced while working as an RN, you are not very profession in your nursing duties as well. I am an RN and have multiple tattoos on my body. NONE can be seen. I used to have some on my hands but got them lasered off years ago. I think it looks ghetto to have them where the patients can see them. Is it a stereotype, YES, maybe but it still looks ghetto also with piercings the in the nose. And to say you will NOT take it out for an interview..haha. You would NOT get hired by me..You appear to be a Newbie in the field..
Maybe some of the noobieishness (?!) has worn off since she posted this two years ago.
At one point in time, I had 18 piercings in. I didn't get struck down by lightning, so I'm assuming I'm good to go.
I wish I could get facial piercings. I hate being so restricted because of my chosen career. Naturally I'd rather have a job then a tongue ring. But I miss it sometimes.
ivorybunny
75 Posts
Our hospital recently revised the tattoo policy- it now just says no offensive tattoos. I've got a lot on me- chest, neck, back, legs, feet... not that I have to worry about patients' seeing my feet. Usually most scrubs cover them up- sometimes they peek through. Nothing has ever been said to me regarding them. I will say however, while working on my Master's degree and doing clinicals there was a policy stating no visible tattoos. I was required to cover up. I think like other people have said, be professional on the interview, and see what the policy is.