Tattoos in Nursing

mindofmidwifery, ADN · Oct 22, 2015

It seems like nowadays, managers aren't so strict about tattoos as long as they aren't obnoxious or offensive. However, I will not have any seen tattoos because I want to be held at a higher standard of professionalism. It's like having piercings, crazy hair colors, etc. You're seen differently by the public, especially elderly and conservative individuals.

Editorial Team / Admin · Oct 22, 2015

If you type tattoos into the search bar, you will find a wealth of information and opinions, several from within the last month or two. Tattoos are a frequent topic here.

~PedsRN~, BSN, RN · Oct 22, 2015

Yes, I feel this this topic comes up every so often. :)

I have four tattoos - only one of which can be seen when I am working (it's on my forearm). I have never had a parent or a patient express anything but admiration for it.

SarahMaria, MSN, RN · Oct 22, 2015

What do you think about Nurses with tattoos?
Do you have tattoos?
Should tattoos be shown during work as a Nurse?
There is no right or wrong answers. Thank you.

I have no problem with nurses having tattoos either visible or not. In my work environment, tattoos on staff is commonplace. Working in forensic psychiatry, patients have no problem with them, and fellow staff usually like them. In my work area, it is appropriate to show tattoos while working if one wants to. I have 4 tattoos and patients can sometimes see them.

mindofmidwifery, ADN · Oct 22, 2015

Yes, I feel this this topic comes up every so often. :)
I have four tattoos - only one of which can be seen when I am working (it's on my forearm). I have never had a parent or a patient express anything but admiration for it.

What is your forearm tattoo?

mindofmidwifery, ADN · Oct 22, 2015

I have no problem with nurses having tattoos either visible or not. In my work environment, tattoos on staff is commonplace. Working in forensic psychiatry, patients have no problem with them, and fellow staff usually like them. In my work area, it is appropriate to show tattoos while working if one wants to. I have 4 tattoos and patients can sometimes see them.

What are your tattoos? Just interested now lol

~PedsRN~, BSN, RN · Oct 22, 2015

I have three small (and different) arrows, for my three kiddos. :)

Mandychelle79, ASN, RN · Oct 22, 2015

My tattoo is covered for work and my next one will be too. My coworkers is not and the patients love to talk to her about what it means. Most of my patients are tattooed, usually heavily.

nlitened · Oct 22, 2015

I don't mind seeing tattoos on nurses. I have a whole bunch myself (only 2 very small ones that are visible). I am always asked about the meaning, and have never had a negative comment.

I also don't mind the piercings or crazy hair colors. But I also know that is not for everyone. I just don't see how being an individual means you are any less professional.

mindofmidwifery, ADN · Oct 22, 2015

I also don't mind the piercings or crazy hair colors. But I also know that is not for everyone. I just don't see how being an individual means you are any less professional.

Because to many people, tattoos, piercings and crazy hair colors are still seen as unprofessional and are likely to be discriminated for it.

I have very short, unnaturally blonde hair and am aware that I may be judged for it especially because of my skin color (being non-white). I plan on keeping my hair like this so I'd rather not be judged even more by having visible tattoos and piercings :)

cocoa_puff · Oct 22, 2015

What do you think about Nurses with tattoos? I like tattoos, and I have absolutely no problems with nurses having tattoos. A nurse with a tattoo still does the same job as a nurse without a tattoo, so why should it matter?

Do you have tattoos? Not yet, but I want to get 2-3 (shoulder blade, foot, and wrist).

Should tattoos be shown during work as a Nurse? Sure, why not? (as long as they aren't hateful messages, scary looking, or extremely offensive). Tattoos are pretty mainstream now.