tattoos and nursing, yay or nay

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Specializes in ICU RN.

I am planning on becoming a nurse, I am already a certified nursing assistant and working as one as well. I am 17, turning 18 in a few days. Long story short, for my birthday I want to get the words "breathe" or something similar (maybe in latin) on my inner arm. I want it because I suffer from depression and have anger issues and I want to see it when I am upset to remember to just take a deep breath and relax. I was wondering, will having this small tattoo be that big of a problem with finding a job? i wear long sleeves under my scrubs already because its cold in the nursing home and I dont see why couldnt do that with a future job as a nurse in hospital. Thanks so much!!

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It depends on where you work. Although I think your tattoo idea and meaning behind it is beautiful, remember that unfortunately people do judge others on their appearance. Although this isn't fair, it's reality. Just think it through, you're still very young and you have to weigh the importance of getting your tattoo versus possibly limiting your career opportunities in the future. If it's small and you can cover it easily with a sleeve or watch, I don't see why it would be an issue.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I'm going to weigh in on the 'think again and carefully' side. Just because you can and do wear long sleeves NOW- does not mean it will always be so. Get the tat in an area a standard scrub top will cover.

My daughter is now forced to wear long sleeves due to just such a tat. She is a home care nurse, and in the summer, being in and out of the car in the brutal heat is VERY uncomfortable. She has several non-visible tats, and her ONLY regret is this visible one.

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My husband is an Iraq War Veteran who has proudly served his Country. He is a wonderful human being. (Ok, I am biased, but I am not the only one who thinks this LOL). That said, his tattoos, which did not preclude him from enlisting in the US military the first time, would not keep him out at this time. Is that insane or what?

As unfair as it seems, or as "tasteful" as a tattoo may seem to you, a person IS judged at interview at the time you seek your job. I agree with prior poster to try and place the tattoo in a place where it can be covered with a standard, short sleeved scrub top. Good luck!

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My stepdaughter had No Regrets inked on her inner wrists. She has been told on three different job interviews that they don't allow tattoos. She now regrets it. She wanted money for Christmas to get them removed. Just my two cents.

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

dont do it........

if you do make sure it is an area that will be covered by standard scrub top

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

how about a simple bracelette or ring, with BREATH on it, or a pendant?

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I really don't like the idea of visible tattoos. I've got plenty that I can hide during interviews and work, but none visible - actually, I've got a white tattoo of an ampersand (&) on my left wrist. NO ONE notices that since it's white and I'm pale. If you're going to get a "visible" tattoo, get it small and in white. You can always go over it in darker ink later once you've secured a job. Never make the job hunt harder on yourself than it needs to be. :)

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I'm with the "don't do it unless it is in a covered area" group.

I have 2 tattoos myself, so it's not like I'm against them in any way, but they are both in places that can easily be covered. One is on my foot and only really visible in sandals, flats and other dress shoes (and easily covered up with black tights), and the other is on my shoulder and only really visible when I wear racerbacks.

I'm only 24, and at this point in time, I would never get a tattoo in a spot that might stop me from getting a job. I second getting a piece of jewelry with the word on it, or maybe reconsider the place you want it. My shoulder tattoo holds a lot of meaning to me and every time I see it it makes me smile, so even though it's not super often, just knowing it's there makes a difference.

Anyway, sorry for rambling, just my $0.02.

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Why would you get your very first tattoo on public skin? I am fairly well covered in tattoos, and all of them are covered by jeans and a 3/4 sleeve shirt. Don't do that to yourself. There are times when you want your personality to be seen, and times when you want to look like an average adult square-type person. Get it someplace where it's visible to you and not everyone's business. Tattoos freak older people out and will be a poor choice in particular in a nursing home.

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I've been to 12 different hospitals in the course of my nursing program and not a single one of them has had a policy for covering up tattoos. This is (finally) something that will be in the past.(as it should be)

Go ahead and do it. On your first day of school you can wear a long sleeved shirt until you learn your schools actual policy, but as far as hospitals are concerned, they don't have one.

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My school policy is that we have to cover it up, either with a long sleeve, watch/accessories, or maybe you can even use makeup concealer.

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