Tattoos

tattooednursie, LVN · Jun 5, 2007

I have two tattoos myself, getting a third one this summer, and I'm not stopping there . . . For as long as I have remembered I have had a goal of having 10 tattoo's (none on my arms or neck though). I don't think that there is anything unprofessional about tattoos as long as you don't have distasteful ones on your arms or other locations visible while you are in uniform.

I always make an agreement with my tattoo artists that the needles used on me will be opened from a fresh or steril packaging right infront of me, and I want to see new inkwells set out. Where I have gone they use disposable ink wells and their colors are poured into the ink wells from a larger container of unused ink. No tattoo artist has EVER given me a problem about my requests.

Tats are permanent, and I would get something that means something special to you that you won't regret years down the road. So far I have a flower with vines on my ankle which was my first tat. I got it done the same day as my best friend got hers done, so its kind of a friendship thing. My second tat is pretty big, covers the back of my right shoulder. it is an eagle caryying an american flag and there is a yellow ribon under it saying "9-11, never forget." (picture attatched), and that ofcourse is a meaningful one. The next one will be a butterfly on my chest that will say LVN and the year I graduated under it.

ERRNTraveler, RN · Jun 5, 2007

I have 3 small tattoos- all the shops I went to use disposable needles- they opened the needle & disposed of it when they were done right in front of me. They should also be wearing gloves, clean the site with antiseptic beforehand, and put the ink they're gong to use into separate disposable containers. If your shop does this, and you keep the site clean & covered, following your aftercare instructions, you should be fine. And remember, it can be tempting, but don't pick scabs! It can lead to infection & can cause scarring, ruining the appearance of your tattoo.

ann945n, RN · Jun 5, 2007

My personal opinion is that tattoos are the worse idea you could possible make. All the proof you need is to pull out a picture of yourself 20 years ago and look at your hair/clothing style. I doubt anyone wouldnt think they didnt look goofy for todays standards, thankfully those things arent forever. Why you would want to scar yourself for life when we try so hard to keep our skin looking smooth and blemish free in the first place. Just my two cents

luvmy2angels · Jun 6, 2007

My personal opinion is that tattoos are the worse idea you could possible make. All the proof you need is to pull out a picture of yourself 20 years ago and look at your hair/clothing style. I doubt anyone wouldnt think they didnt look goofy for todays standards, thankfully those things arent forever. Why you would want to scar yourself for life when we try so hard to keep our skin looking smooth and blemish free in the first place. Just my two cents

I respect your personal opinion, the one difference between "fads" and tattoos are that tattoos usually have a very personal and meaningful purpose to the person that you may not be aware of.

EarthChild1130 · Jun 7, 2007

I have 5 tattoos and want at LEAST 4 more, so no, I don't have a problem being a nurse and having them (of course they have to be covered at work)...as already stated, make SURE to check out the artist you're using...check out the studio for cleanliness, ask to see samples of his/her work, etc...I am also fan of disposable needles, but I've had 2 done in a place that used the autoclave too, and I haven't had any problems out of any of my tattoos...

As has already been said with the ink, the tattoo artist should NOT be dipping the needle into the stock ink...most will take the ink from the big stock and put it in smaller containers that they will dip from for your tattoo...they throw those leftovers out.

Make sure you practice good aftercare too after your tattoos are done...that will go a long way toward preventing infections.

Best of luck!

eligrace · Jun 7, 2007

I have a vine around my right forearm. It has caused me a bit of grief at work early on but not too much anymore.

I got mine about 15 years ago. I was new to that area so I didn't know of anyone word of mouth. I had seen this parlor downtown. Nice looking building, nice neighborhood. Then I was talking to a gal at work who had a friend who was also an artist and did his freehand. I went to that one, was very happy with it. Then about 2 weeks later the original place that I was going to use got shut down for 3 cases of Hep C. Talk about squeaking by!

Needless to say that is the only one that I have.

ShayRN · Jun 7, 2007

I have a beautiful tattoo of a dolphin on my back. It has a very personal meaning for me and that is why I got it. I love it and have had it for two years now. Maybe not 15, but still don't regret it. Look, my children are forever too;) I am planning on getting one more, around my ankle. I just have to figure out exactly how I want it to look like. It took me over 8 monthes to get the design of my dolphin, so it isn't something that I just walked in and said, ok, I want a dolphin and picked one off the wall. He designed one just for me. Also, I went to 4 different shops and looked around. My advice is to ask to see the portfolio books of their work. I get compliments all the time on my tattoo. Funny thing is this, I was at work one night and we were talking about them, every person working had a tatoo somewhere. ALL were willing to share and also why they got them and what they meant. It isn't as taboo as years ago. My favorite tattoo story was from a 67 year old cancer survivor. She told me she got hers 5 years before after beating the odds. Her daugher took her for her victory tattoo. She said she had spent her entire adult life playing by the "rules" and it was the one thing she did for herself. This she said with a BIG smile on her face. I think that can be said of everyone getting a tattoo. It is something for ME.