Tattoos and unique shoes?

[Blur2713]

Times are changing, tattoos are all over the place. I have heard a lot of talk about them "not being professional." What exactly does a "professional nurse" look like anyway? What makes someone with a tattoo look not professional? What if a nurse has thier ears gauged, how is that different from "regular earrings"? I have never heard anyone ever give good explanation on this subject, maybe you all can help?!?!

[Blur2713]

Thanks for all who responded. My tattoos have worked in my favor with the population I work with. I work in psych, with kids and adults. Many of the kids would open up to me because they said I looked less "motherly and someone who is relatable." I always act professional. I've heard many nasty remarks made about my shoes or tattoos. At the end of the day I'm still a great nurse, to me thats all that counts.

[Mandychelle79, ASN, RN]

I work psych too and I often use the " so how bad did that one hurt there, Ive been thinking about getting one in a similar location" as an ice breaker.

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

Many places may have problems with tats because not that long ago the only people who had them were criminals. Back in the 80s and 90s if you saw someone with a tattoo it meant they were in a biker gang and were not supposed to be around. Now that it is much more common many places are relaxing their policies but if you work with the elderly probably not. As far as gauging goes, it really depends, smaller gauges don't bother me so much but those giant ones with the big holes scream infection waiting to happen to me. I can't understand for the life of me why anyone would want giant holes in themselves. Now the industrial piercings are ok too. I see lots of people with them but for nursing I see it as a hazard. But professional does equal conservative although someone who would complain about shoes is really just uptight if you ask me. I saw the danskos you are talking about and absolutely love them. They are so cute. I'm a pretty conservative person myself but I love those. The most wild thing I do is get funky colors for my nails.

[exp626]

I like tattoos, but I don't have any nor will I. My main reason is that my tastes are much too capricious for such a commitment, but of equal importance is my need for my patients to trust me. I don't want to risk sporting some fashion that causes my patient to question whether they can trust me and the care I deliver. People trust us with their lives and loved ones, and I need them to feel at ease from the moment they meet me. I can't have a visual barrier making them think twice. I've chosen a profession that, in my opinion, requires restraint in the expression of my individuality while at work, and I'm fine with that. I can blend in with the wallpaper all day long at work, and it doesn't bother me one bit. That said, that's what I think looks professional and it's my choice, and if you want to do otherwise, that's not my business.