tattoos and Nursing

caliotter3 · Sep 23, 2009

My daughter wasn't allowed to have any of her tats showing while she was in nursing school. She does not go out of her way to cover them or to show them off in the workplace and says nobody, so far, has ever bothered her about them.

Psqrd · Sep 23, 2009

I have heard that cover up makeup works really well...use that for the interview then when you are hired..it's to late. I work with nurses that have tattoos that show piercings too...no problem that I have seen.

Just my 2 cents.

P2

randomguy1972 · Sep 23, 2009

I work at a Children's Hospital that has a policy that tattoos should not be visible. I have many down my arm from the military. I wear Under Armour under my scrubs/shirts to hide them. It is comfortable and looks rather sporty; however, I am a guy, so I'm not sure how feminine it would be.

Lacie, BSN, RN · Sep 23, 2009

I use Dermablend products and they work really well. Depending on your skin tone you may have to use 2 different colors blended to give a good cover.

kappykatlpn · Sep 23, 2009

I have 3 tattoos, two are visible at times ( on my arm and ankle). My workplace has never said anything about them. There are many workers with visible tattoos where I work. My nursing school and work place had more problems with my nose ring than the tattoos! In school I had to remove the nose ring, and at work I have to wear a small stud.

tewdles, RN · Sep 24, 2009

My generation doesn't have so many tatoos and we are often now in the management positions. I have seen this translated into ridiculous requirements when it comes to body art and piercings. Be sure, however, that the tide of opinion will turn as the next generation ages and tatoos on senior citizens becomes common place rather than out of place.

Lacie, BSN, RN · Sep 24, 2009

My generation doesn't have so many tatoos and we are often now in the management positions. I have seen this translated into ridiculous requirements when it comes to body art and piercings. Be sure, however, that the tide of opinion will turn as the next generation ages and tatoos on senior citizens becomes common place rather than out of place.

Someone asked me one day what am I going to feel when I'm 70 and in the hospital with all the ink? My response was I'm not concerned as anyone wanting to look at my body at that age "more power to them" and also that most of the nurses and caretakers by then will probably have more ink on them than I do LOL. By the way I'm 52 and female, been management and a DON. I have a full back piece and a 1/2 sleeve plus one on my ankle. Working on a thigh piece at the moment. I've had ink since I was in my 30's and it's never held me back in anything I've set out to do. I dont show them off until someone has gotten to know me as after that it really doesnt matter. If they want to base thier judgement on my skin then they arent worth knowing in my eyes. Everyone of my tats have a meaning and represent an important part or person in my life. Most have to do with my faith. So unlike a wearing a cross or a pendant with a picture in it mine happen to be on my skin.

tishirajan · Sep 24, 2009

Great info about the Dermablend. I'll be in nursing school next year and was wondering what to do about the 4 little stars I have on the inside of my wrist.

LOL Lacie, you are so right on! :up:

auburngirl95 · Sep 24, 2009

I have one wrist tattoo and 2 others that can be hidden(lower back and ankle), no one has said anything about my wrist one. In clinicals my watch fell nicely over top of it and I dont think anyone noticed. Mine is also a word "rock" which is my family, (husband, son, daughter and me). So as tatt's go I dont think it gets noticed.

Lacie, BSN, RN · Sep 24, 2009

Great info about the Dermablend. I'll be in nursing school next year and was wondering what to do about the 4 little stars I have on the inside of my wrist.
LOL Lacie, you are so right on!

If you get it be sure to get the setting powder and the remover as it's not so easy to remove with just soap and water. Check ebay also that's where I got mine. I believe they have another called Coverblend which is less expensive but Dermablend works extremely well if you blend the colors correctly. I only use it when I'm attending special events where I may have to wear formal wear such a fund raising events and such. I'm in Daytona which is Biker Country lol so tats are the usual around here. I've worked with Docs with full sleeves and funny how no one says anything to them in the workplace (Gotta luv it)

Blindsided · Sep 24, 2009

Speaking of tatoos and piercings, this unvelievable story was just related to me. A nurse was in the restroom of a local business with another patron who was at the sink washing her hands. Next thing she knew, the nurse came out of the stall, and exposing a very private place to the woman, showed her a new piercing she had just gotten. The woman, also a patient, never wants that nurse to touch her again. What the h*** is a matter with people??? What kind of fool would do this? Based on the source, I have no reason to doubt that this did take place. Personally, I have no objection to tatoos and/or piercings, it's personal preference, but I think I would almost have felt assulted if this had happened to me.