Tattoos!

Farawyn · Jul 30, 2015

I have two very large forearm tattoos, one is an EKG line with music notes and a treble clef, the other is a quote. My employers haven't cared about them, so I haven't bothered covering them since nursing school.

That must be beautiful, the EKG with the notes and the treble. I've seen quite a few with the music notes, and it always sparks conversation.

Ravens1127 · Jul 30, 2015

I have tattoos that are easily covered by scrubs. My big issue is that I have unnatural hair color in the bottom layer of my hair, I've had it for over 5 years now. I currently work as a PCT in a hospital and no one has said anything. I didn't even try to hide it during my interview just to see if they would tell me it needs to go. There is a policy against it but so far no one has commented on it. I have dark hair and it's dark purple so in a ponytail it doesn't stand out too much, so that's how I wear it at work. But now I'm transitioning into an RN position on a different unit. Wonder what they'll say..I really think skills are much more important than looks, within reason of course. Maybe one day things will change.

melizerd, ASN, RN · Jul 30, 2015

I found nursing school to be more restrictive than the real world.

I do wear half sleeve shirts under my scrubs to conceal my half sleeve tattoo. My collar bone tattoo occasionally peaks out depending on the scrubs, the rest are easily hidden.

It does vary by facility and some places are more strict than others though. I waited till I had a secure job to get the collarbone that might be seen.

Lots of nurses in my hospital have tattoos, most of them cover somewhat but a lot have partially visible ones too.

studentnurse47 · Jul 30, 2015

I have a half sleeve that I love, however it has to be covered for NS. I have one on the back of my neck and one behind my ear. (regret those 2 for sure) Our schools policy is no visible tattoos.

Any time I have been to the school for anything nursing school related I have covered them up. (I do not officially start until 8-24) We have had orientation and a few other meetings. I am not ashamed of my sleeve, I just choose to cover it so my instructors don't make a prejudgment of me because of them.

I stay hot all of the time, and I am not looking forward to wearing long sleeves, but what can ya do?

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jul 30, 2015

I have a sleeve and tons on my legs as well as my knuckles. I have to have them covered for school, but I have TONS of friends that have even more than I do and they do just fine with them at work.

How do you cover tattoos on your knuckles?

Adele_Michal7, ASN, RN · Jul 31, 2015

How do you cover tattoos on your knuckles?

I've heard knuckle tattoos have a ridiculously high fading rate, and I imagine all the washing we do wouldn't help. My sister who is a hairdresser got knuckle tattoos. She said she really regretted it. They faded a lot, even though she went to someone good. I guess she didn't realize touch ups would be required.

AutumnApple · Jul 31, 2015

I think your personality/attitude will decide how they're perceived. I don't have any tattoos, but that's just because I don't think I'd look good with them. I don't have a problem with them on others.

If you have them, make an effort to cover them up a little, even if they're visible, most won't care. If your attitude says you don't think they're a big deal, people will pick up on it and not respond too much.

On the other hand, if you let yourself become uncomfortable or self conscious about it, people will pick up on that too and give you a hard time about them.

I've only seen one nurse have issues because of it. She was defensive about them, would walk into rooms and say "I know my tatts aren't covered but don't worry............". That kind of stuff is what'll make them an issue, IMO.

midazoslam · Jul 31, 2015

No tatts over here, but had rad purple and hot pink hair. Everyone was fine with that - in fact the boss loved it :)

Tatts are becoming more and more commonplace, and as such all healthcare facilities need to be more open-minded and accepting of this beautiful artwork.

skatezz · Jul 31, 2015

Not that I now of but surely there are some.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jul 31, 2015

You know what the final answer on all that is? Whatever your prospective employer's policy dictates. If you want to work someplace that has a specified policy, your choice is to either accept the job and follow the policy, or reject the job and work someplace where the policies are more to your liking.

Doesn't matter what anyone thinks of your tattoos, as it's only the people who decide if you'll get a paycheck from them who matter in the end.

I see tattoos, and no tattoos...people who obviously cover up existing tattoos and those who are able to cover with more discretion.

Even the military, known for its liberal acceptance and even encouragement of tattoos now has significant restrictions in place. For some people, because of the designs/location that they chose, that means being refused the opportunity to even enlist.

NO ONE in nursing management, upper management where I am has a single visible tattoo. Not one. Might want to consider what your aspirations are and plan your body art accordingly

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Jul 31, 2015

You know what the final answer on all that is? Whatever your prospective employer's policy dictates. If you want to work someplace that has a specified policy, your choice is to either accept the job and follow the policy, or reject the job and work someplace where the policies are more to your liking.
Doesn't matter what anyone thinks of your tattoos, as it's only the people who decide if you'll get a paycheck from them who matter in the end.
I see tattoos, and no tattoos...people who obviously cover up existing tattoos and those who are able to cover with more discretion.
Even the military, known for its liberal acceptance and even encouragement of tattoos now has significant restrictions in place. For some people, because of the designs/location that they chose, that means being refused the opportunity to even enlist.
NO ONE in nursing management, upper management where I am has a single visible tattoo. Not one. Might want to consider what your aspirations are and plan your body art accordingly

This is why I don't ever plan on getting tattoos in a visible area. Would I like to get a tattoo on my wrist? Yes. But I would like to get a job more. I don't know what future employers would think so I will continue to get tattoos where I can easily cover them with clothing.

WellThatsOod · Jul 31, 2015

I didn't plan on being anything fantastic when I was young and stupid and got my tattoo on my wrist. Everything else can be covered by a regular scrub to but that one requires a long sleeve undershirt.