Tattoos and piercings

[averna]

Hey guys,

I'm about to start taking my prereqs for NS, and I was just wondering how tattoos and piercings are dealt with in nursing school and on the job.

I have a small tattoo on the inside of my left wrist, and I have a small nose stud. Both are very tasteful and not at all "in your face". (I also have my ears pierced, just one hole in each lobe.. I figure those are typical enough these days that as long as you're not wearing crazy big hoop earrings or dangly ones, it's fine to wear small ones there). Other than those, really, I'm your everyday typical girl next door.

Now, the tattoo I can see myself covering up with a wide bandaid. (Although I don't want my patients thinking I recently attempted suicide....) The nose piercing though.... It's not the kind of nose piercing that you can just take out yourself. I would have to go and have it professionally removed, and, if I wanted to get it back in, I'd have to go and have it professionally put in. Again. I *really* like my nose piercing, I feel as though it's a part of me, and I don't feel like it's offensive or a health risk. Obviously if my nursing school or job requires me to remove it, I will... I'm not *that* much of a stickler. But still.... =(

Just wondering how jobs, and nursing schools in particular deal with this kind of thing. Any stories? Thanks in advance =)

[TRISHA,SN]

seems to be across the board same response coming up--i'm in school in illinois and no piercings in the face are allowed , only one hole in each ear, and all visible tats to be covered! soo...my nose hole closed,eyebrow same story, and i always have to wear a white t-shirt under my scrub top since my ink is a few inches from the bottom of the back of my neck..no way to hide the one on my hand tho...no one has ever called me out on it either:twocents:

[horus2001]

Our infection control cultured her own nose stud, it came up clean. She got her nose pierced 2 years ago. I don't believe they are any more "germy" than earrings.

umm, under most normal circumstances, the nose is a lovely holding tank for staph and other bacteria.

[horus2001]

I think it's time for business to come into the 21st century. The 20 somethings today often have "non-traditional" piercings. Soon enough, these 20 somethings will be the administrators making policy, and I believe body art, jewlery will change accordingly.

I have my nose pierced, and have for 11 years now - long before it was popular, I like to say I started the trend. I wear either a small gold ball or a small dragonfly (my favorite). I want to get a Marilyn Monroe piercing above my lip, but I'm not sure how that will go over. The reason I want to get it is that our son was an artist. Among wall murals, detailing cars, motorcycles, he even detailed a truck for FDNY after 911 - he also designed tatoos. When he passed away, the family decided to honor Michael, they would get a body alteration of some kind. Most chose his name and his birth date and death date. I chose a Monroe. He had commented that it would look nice on me. I had it done when the rest of the family got their tat's. After it was nearly healed, I needed to take prednisone, and because of that, it got infected, and I developed a cellulitis. had to take the piercing out. Now there is a small scar. We are nearing the anniversary of his death, 2/23 - and I am feeling bad that I haven't honored the family agreement.

My piercings in no way interfere with my job. And, in all the years I've had the nose ring, and for the short time the Monroe, I never had a complaint. I'd like to get the Monroe done once and for all, but the hospital is cracking down on "non traditional" piercings. I think as long as the jewlery is tasteful and a unobtrusive as possible, it shouldn't be an issue. I know this sounds nuts, but it is really tugging at my heart/guilt strings. I NEED to do this to feel a part of him, I can't explain it. He was a wonderfully talented artist, and a handsome young man, he commited suicide at the age of 22. No warnings. How do I let my employer know that while this may seem "silly" to others, it has sentimental meaning to me, and I MUST be allowed to have it done. Any suggestions?

Thanks

anything other than a stud ear rings should be forbidden for safety. that nose ring seems pretty cool until it gets ripped out by a patient who is psychotic or caught on something during a code. it all comes down to safety, if not the patient's, yours. i always think: if i got punched in the face, would it cause me damage? a stud in the face would likely tear up the gum and cut the aggressor's hand (blood spillage) if you got punched. i understand that you want to honor him, get a piercing that is not seen. my brother had nipple piercing that he liked.

[coolpeach]

At my school any tattoo has to be covered up. We wear white scrubs so if you have a color bright tattoo it shows through your scrubs, and must also be covered. We are not allowed any jewerly during clinical this includes necklaces, braclets, rings, earrings or body piercings. Even clear studs are not allowed. The only exception is a wedding ring (which they still recommend your remove), and a watch. One of our students had a nose ring, and told the instructor if she removed she couldn't reinsert it herself daily, and it would close up. The instructor told her to decide what was more important to her the nose ring or being nurse.

[greysanatomyfan]

At my nursing school you can only wear stud earrings...one each ear...and no facial piercings. I have tattoos, but they are on my back, so I don't have to worry about covering them up....however, all the hospitals we have been to during clinicals say no to tattoos...it is not professional. 9 times out of 10 this will probably be the case. Hope this helps!!

[Asherah, BSN, RN]

Once upon a time, I came across an OR tech that had so many tats on his arms I can't believe he was allowed to expose them all. The most hilarious and ironic one was an iconic yet devilish looking nurse pictured in classic white uniform and hat...although her top was unbuttoned and her very large breasts were exposed. I'm not sure if an of the patients woke up from sedation and saw that.

However, in my school they enforce clinical dress codes very strictly: one set of stud earrings, no nose/lip/facial piercings, all tattoos covered by bandages or long sleeve uniform polo shirts. Pretty standard for most nursing programs I've come across.

[CRIMSON]

Tattoos covered. (Often a coban/coflex wrap around the wrist), Earrings 1 set studs only. No facial piercings.

That's how our school takes it.

[Crux1024]

Once upon a time, I came across an OR tech that had so many tats on his arms I can't believe he was allowed to expose them all.

How would a scrub tech be expected to cover arm tattoos?

[Smartferret]

A surgical tech is going to gowned and gloved during cases so no worries about exposing tats to patients then. Otherwise, we usually inhabit areas of the hospital where patients aren't wondering around.

M

[Crux1024]

A surgical tech is going to gowned and gloved during cases so no worries about exposing tats to patients then. Otherwise, we usually inhabit areas of the hospital where patients aren't wondering around.

M

I realize that as I AM one. :)

I just thought it was an odd thing to say.

I dont think anyone should have to cover anything, unless its blatantly offensive (ie naked women on their arm of the like), but thats just my that I'll save for another day.

[begbie]

I am a heavily tattooed female nurse. This includes tattoo sleeves. I never had any issues from my nursing school or any employer, it is discrimination. They are a great talking point with patients and staff alike.

Also wearing of long sleeves is not allowed for us due to occupational health and safety reasons.

Personally, if I was discriminated against by a health system/hospital etc, I would tell them to shove their job up their clacker!!!

My nursing skills are not related to my tattoos

[Busia]

I'm so glad my tattoos are both in places I won't have to worry about (shoulder and leg)! I have five piercings between my two ears, but usually only use the first holes anyway.