Tattoos in Nursing

AcuteHD · Oct 27, 2015

The End.

No, apparently

This is the thread that never ends

yes it goes on and on my friend

some people started reading it

not knowing what it was

and they'll continue reading it forever just because...

AcuteHD · Oct 27, 2015

...I want to incorporate my capoeira name into it...

I had to google that, then I remembered the Bob's Burger epoisode, then I got a sad because I miss OC.

"Bob's Burgers" Sexy Dance Fighting (TV Episode 2011) - IMDb

TC3200 · Oct 27, 2015

You see more and more people out there marked up like Yakuza. A tattoo seen from a distance, particularly on an arm, just looks like you've been working on your car's greasy engine...

Okay, I might not have described it quite that way, lol. But it does bring up a valid point: They have started to look unsanitary to me. I'm not sure how, when, or why I started to have that reaction to tatts. I didn't set out to develop a dislike of tattoos. It just sneaked up on me. I definitely have that kind of strong negative reaction to them now. I was looking through old photos the other day, and I thought it was very refreshing to see nothing but tattoo-free people who look CLEAN.

Stare? Yes, of course people will stare at it. Have to, to see what the design is. I can tell your eye color in a fraction of a second, but I'd have to stare at a tattoo a while. That's if I wanted to actually see what it is.

People called them "not cutting edge anymore." And that is so true. Cher tatted herself up in what, early '80s or so? Everyone and their Aunt Debbie in my town is now a copycat sporting full sleeves and tatts running up and down their legs. It's TOO MUCH. I'm weary of seeing it. Blanking go scrub it off. I just want to see clean natural skin, quiet and restful.

Having had psych patients go off at something that bothered them about my earrings or something I said, I sure as heck would not want to have one jump me because he or she thought my tattoo creatures were swimming out to poke his/her eyes out or something.

Be careful out there. Being bland means making yourself less of a target on all fronts.

SororAKS, ADN, RN · Oct 28, 2015

I have one, which I don't show for personal reasons. Depending on where you work, they either look askew at it, require it be covered, or don't allow it.

5SPDRN · Oct 29, 2015

I have 2 tattoos & I do not feel that it is has been a problem with me showing them. Tattoos are so much of a common thing nowadays that I really feel as though no one cares. I would however say that tattoos that are offensive should be covered up. This is for the sake of not causing any problems with your patient population. The one tattoo that I have visible is flowers & the names of my children, so needles to say not offensive.

hybr1d · Nov 5, 2015

I got a few tattoos and piercings. Piercings in the face and ears. Bosses react more than patients. They cant fire me for it since the swedish guidelines state that there isnt a correlation between that and infections in patients.

ActualNurse · Nov 6, 2015

I got a few tattoos and piercings. Piercings in the face and ears. Bosses react more than patients. They cant fire me for it since the swedish guidelines state that there isnt a correlation between that and infections in patients.

Yes bosses do react more than patients. Most bosses I have had have been total twits, half were not even nurses.

Jensmom7, BSN, RN · Nov 7, 2015

Yes bosses do react more than patients. Most bosses I have had have been total twits, half were not even nurses.

I know this is off topic, but I just flashed on Monty Python's "Twit of the Year" routine.

Anyhoo, on topic. I used to not appreciate tattoos in a professional setting (yes, I am a COB), but times have changed.

Now I look at whether the person is competent in their job and knows what they're doing.

Ink no longer rates a side eye from me-true, sometimes I wish some of my younger colleagues weren't so liberal with the "body as canvas" school of thought, but if what's visible is in good taste and not obviously gang related (and I'm from the South side of Chicago so I know a lot of them), then rock it.

If you're working in a "no visible ink" zone, then cover them up. Engaging in a pissing contest with your employer usually doesn't end well...for you.

ActualNurse · Nov 7, 2015

I know this is off topic, but I just flashed on Monty Python's "Twit of the Year" routine.
Anyhoo, on topic. I used to not appreciate tattoos in a professional setting (yes, I am a COB), but times have changed.
Now I look at whether the person is competent in their job and knows what they're doing.
Ink no longer rates a side eye from me-true, sometimes I wish some of my younger colleagues weren't so liberal with the "body as canvas" school of thought, but if what's visible is in good taste and not obviously gang related (and I'm from the South side of Chicago so I know a lot of them), then rock it.
If you're working in a "no visible ink" zone, then cover them up. Engaging in a pissing contest with your employer usually doesn't end well...for you.

That is so funny re: Twit of the Year Award. I can't help but think of one of my ex-bosses, but I think she has some serious mental health issues, which is sad, but knowing that didn't help when I had to deal with her harassment/bullying. Sorry, off topic again. I don't necessarily agree with your last statement. It is usually true, but I do know a couple of former colleagues who are suing the Twit of the Year boss and I think it will not end well for the boss. I know of another situation where the boss was sued and fired as a result but somehow managed to get herself a good job in the end. Despite her EtOH addiction issues. She always seems to find someone to cover up for her. They live in her shadow and get a better job than they ever would because they are not that capable but being the protector gets them ahead. So glad I am in semi-retirement mode. Anyway, apologies for going off the tattoo topic. But hey, here's a thought, maybe these bosses can tattoos saying Twit of the Year and put them in a very visible place, like on the forehead. Then people would be aware of what they are dealing with. Maybe for Nurses Week, employers could give these Twit of the Year tattoos free to their managers.