Tattoos - Yes or No?

[TiffanyE88]

Hello all! I am new here, taking my final semester of pre-reqs & wanting to go for my BSN. I am 30 years old and have tattoos all over but concerned with the acceptability of having ink in the medical workplace in 2019.

I was a freelance nail technician for 6 years so if my clients didn't like tattoos, well bye! Then I worked the last 3 years for a dermatologist who knows my mother and my serious work ethic so she hired me regardless however, I still wore long under shirts, kept my hair down & put makeup on the one I have on my face once I became head M.A. because I figured that's the "proper" thing to do. My husband feels it is not a big deal & that tattoos are very accepted in society today but I know realistically many employers won't even hire individuals with tattoos. (I added a picture so you can see how (in my opinion) I still look professional when the tattoos are covered)

So I began the painful, expensive & LONG process of laser removal on my neck; 2 years later it's still not 100% gone but could easily be covered by my hair or makeup.

My question for those in the field or maybe in H.R. is:

Do most hospitals feel comfortable with you simply covering tattoos or is it still a big enough deal that I should continue with the removal process?

Thank you to all who respond!

[Leader25, ASN, BSN, RN]

It is not something you should flaunt,they are not acceptable to many.In certain areas you might not be so visible ,like in recovery or OR unit,beware of areas that deal with alot of visitors ,they could be judgemental even on your best day. If you cover up for interview they will see them anyway during health examination, if you do get hired dont flash them.

[Sassy-RN]

You look fabulous!

Most schools will require them to be covered for clinicals.

Each hospital will have it’s own policy to follow.

Personally, I would keep them covered until you have a secure job. (and then see how things are before showing them at work.)

Sincerely, a 40 year old tattooed Nurse with her BSN whose getting another tat next week.

[Heylove, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

I can't see the picture, so I'm just speaking from personal experience. It's a pain in the butt to have to cover them...so stop getting them. I had classmates that had to put bandaids in weird places during clinicals.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Much depends on where you live and where you want to work. In my area (central IL) facial tats would be a big no no. However, in Chicago probably not so much.

Best wishes