Tattoos

[niico]

Hey there.

I spent yesterday searching this website for information on nurses & Tattoos. I found lots of information, but I was looking for something more Canadian-specific.

I'm headed to college this fall, but I plan on getting tattoos over most of my arms. I was thinking about only getting them on the upper half of my arms so they wouldn't be visible under scrubs. But at the same time, I don't want to feel restricted in what I can and can't do.

So I'm looking at getting them down to my forearm, but not near my wrists. This way, I have the option of revealing them outside of work, because I tend to wear long sleeve clothing.

I'm going to either Centennial College or Durham College for Practical Nursing. i've searched their websites but nothing helpful came up.

Getting these tattoos means a lot to me because the art will represent the challenges I've faced, how I overcame them, and allow me to express my individuality externally.

A nursing career is important to me.. BUT, Finding happiness in life, which is ever so short, means more to me than any career, so I'll gladly forget about nursing if i'm going to be judged for doing what makes me happy.

Either way I'd prefer if patients didn't see my tattoos because I'd still like some personal privacy while working. As an LPN I'll probably be working LTC.

so could I wear a long sleeved shirt under scrubs ? Or should I just forget about pursuing a nursing career ?

Thank you so much for being understanding. I hope I didn't offend anyone somehow.

[vintage_RN, BSN, RN]

I have large tattoos on my arms that are visible and never had a problem at all in nursing school (I went to Mohawk) or in my job.

That being said, there will always be people who won't agree with tattoos and you have to be prepared for that. I wouldn't judge my happiness in life as to weather you are able to have tattoos or not...that seems a little extreme.

If you want your tattoos to be private, then put them in private, non-visible places. Or cover them with a long-sleeve shirt etc.

And...as an RPN you are not limited to LTC. So don't say that as an RPN you will "probably have to work in LTC." There is nothing wrong with LTC and if you want to work there great...but RPNs are in almost every setting. I work on a very acute surgical unit and I am an RPN.

Best of luck.

[SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS]

That sounds like a good solution. I am not a fan of wrist area tattoos for health care workers because covering them impedes good handwashing, but what you have decided on would be easy to cover when you want/need to. You can easily wear a knit longsleeve tshirt and push the sleeves up to your elbow area.

Best wishes in your career.

[niico]

Thanks for the quick replies.. Your input means a lot. :)

Vintagerpn; You're so right about not letting tattoos define your ability to be happy. It's just something I'm interested in. There are lots of other things that bring happiness in my life. Once I become an RPN I'd like to work in LTC because I have an aunt in the field and she tells me all about it.

Hey-suz; Thanks, its all very assuring and I'm starting to feel a lot better about it all.

[vintage_RN, BSN, RN]

Thanks for the quick replies.. Your input means a lot. :) Vintagerpn; You're so right about not letting tattoos define your ability to be happy. It's just something I'm interested in. There are lots of other things that bring happiness in my life. Once I become an RPN I'd like to work in LTC because I have an aunt in the field and she tells me all about it. Hey-suz; Thanks its all very assuring and I'm starting to feel a lot better about it all.[/quote']

Oh I see, I thought you meant you thought you could only work in that setting. I think it's great you want to work there. Good luck

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

Generally speaking, visible tattoos aren't a barrier to health care employment. There may be some employers who won't hire someone with little visible un-inked skin but I think they would be in the minority. As for wearing long sleeves, there ARE workplaces that have a prohibition on any clothing below the elbow. There is significant evidence that long sleeves increase infection rates, so just keep that in mind.

[niico]

janfrn: I've read about the long sleeves and infection rates as well. Thats why I want the tattoos below my elbow but still away from my wrists. This way, I can pull up the sleeves yet still conceal them.

[loriangel14, RN]

My school was very strict about tattoos being covered but my employer is ok with them. They also don't allow any clothing/watches below the elbow.

[niico]

These conflicting answers are making me worry more to be honest. I guess its my fault because i put too much stress on myself, but i also like to plan ahead.

So tattoos, or even just long sleeved shirts are sometimes allowed and sometimes prohibited, great.

[loriangel14, RN]

Different schools and different employers have different rules.

[Novo]

My classmate has tattoos on both arms, she isn't allowed to cover them up with long sleeves because of infection control (facility rule) but no one seems to mind.

[Trishrpn80]

I have tattoos no sleeves but on my upper arm which my scrubs don't always cover and now my wrist which is a date. My school said nothing (mohawk) and my employers have said nothing.

I work with a woman who has bilateral sleeves done and she hasn't had issues. The only time i think people get in "trouble" or at least in my experience is when they are visibly offensive (ex. Swear words, swatstika (sp?) or something along those lines ). I have seen people who had visibly offense tattoos in that case cover them. Usually with a dressing like opsite surgical or island dressings. They weren't that big but in an area that could be noticed and 100% not covered at all times.