tattoos in the workplace

Ortho_RN · Aug 12, 2004

Honestly, I don't see the big deal.. But some people may say that tattoos are unprofessional, etc... I don't think that a tattoo or piercings or whatever type scrubs you wear determine whether you are professional or not... But it does give off a difference appearance to other people.. I have not actually seen anyone with visible tattoos at work, several have them but they are hidden..

Still Riding · Aug 12, 2004

I have a little tatoo, but it is on my foot so not really visible. i think as long as it's tastful (almost anything that wouldn't offend someone, no naked poepleand the such)

but who am I to say?

jaimealmostRN · Aug 12, 2004

I really don't think it's a big deal either, but then again I am in my 20's. I know both a male and female RN who have large arm tattoos that can be seen at work. They have never said anything about difficulty getting jobs/pt complaints. But it also probably depends on the design; if its a scary grim reaper tatttoo, it might freak some people out as oppose to a tribal one. JMO.

TiffyRN, BSN, PhD · Aug 12, 2004

It really depends on what field of nursing you choose. If you are going to work with a largely older population (as you would in most med/surg type jobs), you may face difficulties. I don't have a problem with tattoos (husband has them) or piercings but I'm not a typical 78 yr old grandma. It may not be fair but a lot of the older population have a negative attitude towards such things. This might make your job more difficult. Some patients might not respect someone with tattoos/piercings. I know though that we all risk being pre-judged and can't change everything to please everybody.

Once more it depends on what area you choose. Now I work with infants and of course they don't care how we look but the parents might. However, most of the parents tend to be younger and would most likely have a more open view of things. These attitudes will undoubtedly change some in the next several decades because tattoos and piercings are so common now.

CHATSDALE · Aug 12, 2004

PER TIFFYRN: you are speaking of other prejudging.....please read your post are you not doing the same antiaged if you will.....people of any age do not have the same opinions of all other people their age..

bpowers · Aug 12, 2004

I try to look at it from the point of view.....how would I feel if I went to the ED and the doctor seeing me had a tattoo or piercing visible? Regardless of what it is I just don't think it's appropriate to be visible outside of the uniform. So I think IMO that nurses should be just as professional in their uniform, and that no tatoo's or piercings should be visible....otherwise people are going to judge you.

Just my opinion.

explorer · Aug 12, 2004

I try to look at it from the point of view.....how would I feel if I went to the ED and the doctor seeing me had a tattoo or piercing visible? Regardless of what it is I just don't think it's appropriate to be visible outside of the uniform. So I think IMO that nurses should be just as professional in their uniform, and that no tatoo's or piercings should be visible....otherwise people are going to judge you.
Just my opinion.

I think that having or not having doesn't determine wether a person is professional or not. Professionalism is determined by what you do, what you say and in generally how you treat other people. Professionalism is also seen in your everday life such as wether you yell at the clerk in the grocery store or talk to her about the way she is treating your groceries.

:rotfl: :angryfire

Tweety, BSN, RN · Aug 12, 2004

You are going to get a wide variety of opinions on this matter and I believe there was once a large thread about it sometime in the past maybe you can find that.

Tatoos on nurses don't bother me and I feel are an expression of their personality not an indicator of their profressionalism or competency as a nurse.

Now how your patients and the general public feels could be different that how I feel. If you don't have any visible tatoos right now I wouldn't get any more. :)

KaroSnowQueen, RN · Aug 12, 2004

I guess I am old fashioned. I have grown kids who have tattoos and it just upsets me to no end. I have offered to pay for their removal, but no takers.

If I am in a restaurant, and my server has visible tattoos it upsets me. It makes me feel creepy to have someone with ink in their skin serving my food. Don't ask me why, I KNOW it doesn't make sense.

I know my kids are good, clean, nice, moral people who happen to have tattoos and most everyone is getting them nowadays, but..........I just don't like it and can't say why. Guess it's from waaaay back in the day when I was a kid, only prisoners, sailors and Hell's Angels had tattoos. :rolleyes:

So......I am sure I would be upset if my nurse had a tattoo. Sorry. And I'm not even past 45, and certainly NOT elderly!

angel337, MSN, RN · Aug 12, 2004

i worked with a nurse once who had her bottom lip, tongue and nose pierced. the doctor we were working with that day made her take the rings out. she looked just fine if she was not in work clothes. but it did look tacky and unprofessional in a hospital environment. people can agree or disagree, but appearance does matter...especially when you are working with the public.

Trauma Columnist · Aug 12, 2004

I think too it depends on where you work...at the large hospital where I presently work - no tattoos can be visible and you can only have two piercings - one in each ear, two rings per hand, no colored underwear with white scrub pants, etc.. I'm not an old fuddy duddy - but I do follow the rules. In the end - generalizing about others is counterproductive.