Tattoos and nursing

cardsRN · May 15, 2007

big butterfly on my left hip, lizard on my r breast, symbols on my back (I know, i know it was a different time in my life) appointment on friday to get a flaming skull on my l arm. working on ideas for a half sleeve with my son's name.

no jail time or harley riding here either.

RNtigerEMT · May 16, 2007

Had to get in on this.

I have 3 tats. One, my first, on my L shoulder blade, of a tiger.

2- a heart with a rose encircling it on my L breast that I drew up (my DH has the twin image on his chest) and 3 an angel holding an infant on my R thigh. The only one even slightly visible in scrubs is my heart, and then just the top of it if I bend over and my scrub top is a loose one. I have been asked by several people, pts and coworkers, about it, and have never had a bad reaction. They all three have a very special meaning to me, and I am proud of them all. No piercings other than my ears, but do not have a problem with those that do.

I am a biker, but no jail time. Actually, being a biker, and having tats has often times been the way I've been able to connect with certain pts. Bikers, and tatooed/pierced pts in particular. I don't judge them, the pts, and they appreciate that. All of my tats can be covered, if I want them to be. I have more planned tats, the next one being 4 tiger cubs with my kids BDs on my L thigh. Just waiting for the $$$ at the moment. Plus my DH gets the next one.

Tatoos and piercings do not, IMHO, make any person less of a professional. Its the way they act in the workplace, and the way they treat their pts that is what is important. I personally know a cardiologist, who happens to also ride a chopper, who is one of the best I know. As far as I know he has no tats, but that wouldn't make a diff to me if I needed him.

Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP · May 16, 2007

If I need you to save my life, I don't care what you ride, what's pierced, or what tats you have.

FWIW, my dad used to ride a bike. A more straight-laced man you will not find anywhere. Bikers come in all shapes, sizes, colors, ages, I've found.

wonka · May 16, 2007

I completely agree, doesn't matter at all what tatoos or piercings people have, it does not say anything about how they do their job.

ShayRN · May 17, 2007

I work with two really amazing nurses. One, has years of experience in intensive care, mobile intensive and ER. The other was VP of nursing at a hospital in Michigan. I was the Assist. manager of a tele unit prior to taking my currant position. (Turned down the job of manager from the Director of cardiovascular services 4 days before I left. Old manager put her notice in.) What do we all have in common? TATTOOS! Yep, hurt our careers:uhoh3:

a21chdchic · May 18, 2007

I would cover the tatoo for the interview's for sure, and alot of places of employment will make you cover them while at work, and remove the piercings. It's pretty much a drag, but maybe they'll make it to the correct century soon.

a21chdchic in AZ

queenjean · May 21, 2007

Have tattoos, not mentally ill.

The director of my unit has a few.

My father is the CEO of a moderately sized company, and for Christmas two years ago I gave him a tattoo (he, I and my brother went together, it was a symbol meaningful to our family). It's on his arm, fully visible in short sleeves.

Classy gal, it's also common for people to be discriminated against because they are fat. So, do you also want to post a warning for all of those here who like to eat more than they like to exercise? What about posting warning women in general, since current research continues to suggest that men earn more than women. Maybe what we all need are sex changes!

Whatever. I'll continue to decorate my body the way I see fit. I have no desire to "achieve my potential" of becoming a stick-in-the-mud suit; and if I did, I wouldn't worry about my ink holding me back. Can you believe my hospital hired me? Pink hair, tattoos, advanced degrees, extensive work and teaching experience, multilingual; what were they thinking? Most places are coming into the 21 century; many people my age have tattoos and piercings; and guess what, so do our directors, CEOs, VPs et other suits.

Thanks for the face slap, but it was really unnecessary.

shellek · May 26, 2007

Ok so I have a question. I am going to be starting school soon to be a LPN. My question is I have a pretty good sized tattoo on my left wrist. It isnt offensive, its very pretty. It is a dragonfly. Do you all think I will have problems with employment and people taking me seriously after school is done. I want honest opinions. I will not get offended by anyhting any of you have to say. I am just trying to get all info I can. Thank You!

I myself do tatoo removal however love tats and question if this could be grounds for descrimination? I understand professionalism yet, also believe a person with a unsightly scar or disfigurement would necessarily interfer with employment due to our USA descrimination laws?? maybe something to check into. I do understand the jewelry thing as it may hang upon or become a way for a patient to snag you--this is for your safety. Tat's offer no harm into pt's skin or our safety. Good Luck!!

Ms.Sip · May 27, 2007

"Tat's offer no harm into pt's skin or our safety."

Amen.

I have none, but my boss, (55y/o, advanced practice, Facility Administator) has a few, all new, and she's getting another this weekend. Good for her, I say!

Lacie, BSN, RN · May 27, 2007

Well since my last post here I now have 4 more and next week getting another. I'm 50 and a nurse for 25 years it hasnt held me back at all in job seeking. I was showing up my new ones and now my boss is going to get her first lol. :)

muffie, RN · May 27, 2007

saw green cats eyes on the lower neck of a girl on the bus...cool

angel75 · May 27, 2007

They are very strict at our school. It must be covered at all times. For those who have tattoos on their arms they must wear their lab coats at all times.