tattoos

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Im am studying to be an RN and i was thinking about getting a tattoo on my arm..It would be visible with normal clothing on. Is this a good idea? Will i be less likely to get the job i want with a visible tattoo on my arm? I dont see too many nurses with tattoos. In fact i dont think i have ever seen a nurse with a tattoo. So i was just wandering if i should or shouldnt put it on my arm??

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Nurses do have tattoos but most of them are under clothing lines. If they're visible they're usually very small. It would not prevent you from getting a nursing job but it would make it harder depending on who you interview with.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

here are several current threads about this topic:

curious - just wondering if anyone else has career related tattoo's

tattoos and nursing

nursing and tattoos

tattoo

tattoo's on nurses

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Specializes in L & D; Postpartum.

Lots of nurses have tattoos, but in places where they won't be seen during their working time. A nurse friend and I went together for our latest ones, and the tattoo artist mentioned how many nurses she has as clients. Pretty common, but make sure you can keep it covered while working.

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Specializes in OB, NP, Nurse Educator.

Our nursing school doesn't admit anyone with visible tattoos that cannot be covered up, and our hospital doesn't hire anyone with visible tats.

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I would get it somewhere less visible. I have one on my lower back. Nobody sees it unless I'm at the beach or the gym. That way no one can really pass judgment and think you're not as professional. IMHO

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

IMHO, nursing is considered a conservative profession and as such I would not get a tattoo that could not be easily hidden. Unfortunately, tatoos still carry a stigma and even though times are more liberal there are certain professions that will always be more conservative and nursing is one of them. Our job is to make our patients feel comfortable and for them to have confidence in our abilities and as unfortunate as this may-be our looks have alot to do with the first impression we make on them. Unfair yes but so is reality and life sometimes.

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I don't think that having a visible tattoo is a good idea. While society is becoming more tolerant of tattoos, piercings etc I don't think that it is a good idea to get a tattoo until after nursing school.

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Specializes in LTC , SDC and MDS certified (3.0).

Wow I have 6 and Can't wait to get more!!!

I do get them in places I don't show daily. just finished RN program

I was upset that I had to wear a dress for pinning as I have them on my legs but the teachers didn't care. In fact no one said a word!!

They did show through my uniform for school and no one said a word, Not even the clinical sites!! I keep them covered for a job interview and usually scan out the place and most nurses aides have them.

One older nurse did pass a comment at my last job as I had capris on and you could see one on each leg,( I had worked there for over a year) I told her I would gladly wear pants all the time when they make the aids with them on their necks , cover theirs(she was a co-worker not a supervisor). NEVER had a supervisor say anything. Facial piercings are frowned on, not tongue piercings just facial.

I say go for it but put it in a place that can be covered if needed !!:monkeydance:

For the record I live in the deep old south, with old fastioned values !

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