Tattoos in the workplace

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The hospital I work at has a policy of no tattoos at work. Any tattoos that you do have must be covered up by clothing. I was wondering what other policies are out there. Are tattoos allowed? Is it enforced where you work? Do you like/hate the policy and how would you change it if you could?

You're free to hold this opinion, just know it's not very current anymore. I suspect it's generational.

But until there's a generation in charge that supports tattoos anywhere and everywhere...it doesn't matter what anyone thinks is 'current'.

Replace the word 'current' with 'trendy' and it's easy to see why they still aren't considered professional in (most) healthcare settings.

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Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.

I, too, think most publically visible tattoos are tacky. I keep my mouth shut in public about that opinion. I, however, will need to make a decision whether I will get nipples tattooed on after breast reconstruction.

Those will not be displayed at work.

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I guess I come from the generation where it's "trendy" or "current". I don't think it's necessarily tacky or unprofessional to display your tattoos at work. If they are derogatory or offensive in any way, then yes, cover them up. My employer does not have any policies regarding tattoos in the workplace that I am aware of, a lot of the male nurses display full sleeves.

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Specializes in Psych.

I have no problem with visible tattoos. Where I work as long as the tattoo is "tasteful" it is up to the manager if they can be visible or not. My coworker recently got a forearm tattoo and it is visible during the shift and she gets many positive comments from the patients. However, I work in a specialty where tattoos are the norm and sometimes are the easiest way to start the therapeutic relationship with the patient. ... So I see you have a tattoo on the top of your foot, can you tell me how bad that one hurt, Im considering that location for my next one... or just complimenting them on their ink goes a long way.

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You're free to hold this opinion, just know it's not very current anymore. I suspect it's generational.

Dang ! I am no longer current. 33 years of experience... a gazillion lives saved. I apparently must "become current".

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In my opinion tattoos are art, like all art some people are going to like it and some are not. It'srridiculous to think you are going to force people into liking tattoos or being okay with them just because you are.

I like tattoos but I don't think they should be visible at work. At least not as a nurse. Other professions is a different story.

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In my opinion tattoos are art, like all art some people are going to like it and some are not. It'srridiculous to think you are going to force people into liking tattoos or being okay with them just because you are.

I like tattoos but I don't think they should be visible at work. At least not as a nurse. Other professions is a different story.

Bingo. Body art is a personal choice. What "art" is expressed? How about marijuana leafs.. is that ok? Skull and cross bones?We care for an aging population that hold a specific mindset on tattoos.

That is why administration frowns on tattoos. I am open minded.. I however do not want a care giver with certain tattoos. They speak volumes .

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

I work with several CNA's and a few nurses with tattoos, it doesn't affect their work so I have no problem with it. What somebody chooses to do with their own body is their choice. That being said, none of these people [most are female by the way] have ink that could be considered of questionable taste.

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I was just in a Barnes & Noble store, flipping through a book on tattoos/body art. It was an amazing book, beautiful photos of some really extraordinary artwork. I can very much appreciate the quality of the artistry, the skill of the artists. Some of it was really too far 'out there' for my taste, more in keeping with train wreck voyeurism: it's there, just gotta LOOK. Overall, though, I appreciated the drawings in ink.

But.

As much as I enjoyed the book, I still don't think I'd like seeing the huge majority of it on a medical professional. I think art is best displayed on walls, tables....and coffee table books :)

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I have two tattoos but you can't see them unless I'm at the beach (to be honest I'd love to get rid of one of them haha ...)!

Although I don't really like visible tattoos at work, they don't affect how people do their job and they certainly don't affect the way I do mine!

Our hospital has no policy regarding visible tattoos (or it's very relaxed!) and our population doesn't seem to have any qualms (I work emerge so we get all ages, peds to geriatric).

Also, I don't think it's generational. I'm from a "tattooed" generation. I think some tattoos can be unprofessional ... But so is wacky coloured hair in my opinion, or other methods of "self-expression".

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How many of us have nursed the older generation with tatt's. I have often asked what it was supposed to be. Yhe sag no longer looks wonderful.. and most wish they'd never had it done.

To answer the question is has become very fashionable and most hospitals/LTC places no longer say anything, due to the discrimination issue.

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I, too, think most publically visible tattoos are tacky. I keep my mouth shut in public about that opinion. I, however, will need to make a decision whether I will get nipples tattooed on after breast reconstruction.

Those will not be displayed at work.

OMG, this is just too DANGED funny!! Sorry about the reason for the quip, but.....gave me a big smile :)

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