Will my scars from cutting be a problem?

[S.F Skylar]

Hi,

When I was 14, and through to age 17, I would cut my arm every now and then because that was the only "coping mechanism" that worked for me (or knew of) at the time. Of course, I've stopped since then and I know how to deal with it.

The scars were never extremely deep; they're a little pale in comparison to my already-really-pale skin. They're really easy to notice, since they're on the back of my arm, but most people take awhile to notice. Still, nursing uniforms are always short-sleeved, CNA or not (right?).

I don't actually care about the scars, but people tend to think I am still cutting even though the scars are really old, or they just get weird about it. I was thinking of covering the scars with tattoos, but I feel like that wouldn't help me much, either, because of the reputation of tattoos. Or would it be okay depending on the tattoo? Such as using pretty flowers and grass instead of a ferocious dragon. If not, what can I do?

If there's nothing, that's okay. I chose to cut and I knew there was the possibility of the scars presenting a problem in the future. I just want to know if, in this case, they will present a problem. I'd greatly appreciate any suggestions and advice on what to do.

[caliotter3]

Weren't you in a bad accident that you can reference when you find it necessary to respond to nosy inquiries?

[Libby1987]

I don't know where you are in terms of being a nurse. I might wear a lab coat or something until my performance overshadowed anything like old childhood scars.

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

Lots of places require tattoos to be covered, so don't get tattoos to cover the scars. Just wear long sleeves under your scrubs if your scrubs are short sleeved--like a long-sleeved t-shirt....or wear a lab coat...

[dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN]

Oh! Life experience here! Both of my arms are covered in old self harm scars. I was a really severe cutter. The overlapping keloids look like healed burns from far away. Have not cut in over a decade.

I always wear long sleeves to the job interview and usually for the first couple of weeks while training. Otherwise I wear what is comfy. I am truthful to varying degrees when I get questions but I do not get many questions these days.

[ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP]

I have old cuts. Unless this is a psychiatric facility, I don't see why it would be problem to wear short-sleeves? Putting tats over it will just bring attention to your scars.

[vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN]

I like the idea of referencing an accident when you were a child. Then simply say you don't wish to talk about it.

Like the OP said, tattoos are also not allowed in many work environments, so that's probably not a good idea.

There are long sleeved breathable undergarments such as those by wonder wink. Koi also makes really cute scrub jackets.

Best wishes to you!

[calivianya, BSN, RN]

I don't have any interesting scars, but the hospital is always so danged cold that I am never without long sleeves under my scrubs, even when it's 100 degrees in the summer time. You would definitely not be in the minority if you wore long sleeves to work every day.

[westieluv]

Lots of places require tattoos to be covered, so don't get tattoos to cover the scars. Just wear long sleeves under your scrubs if your scrubs are short sleeved--like a long-sleeved t-shirt....or wear a lab coat...

This^^^. Most employers do not look favorably upon tattoos, and they would be much more likely to prevent you from getting hired than some old scars, regardless of their source.

I would wear long sleeves to the interview and then wear a lab coat while working. I don't have scars or tattoos, but I have been a nurse for a long time and I like wearing a lab coat. You are guaranteed pockets for all of your stuff, and it looks very professional. Most hospitals are cold in the summertime due to A/C, so I don't think anyone would give you a second glance if you were to wear a lab coat.

That's IF you are very self conscious about your scars and are concerned about people asking you about them. From my experience, older patients can sometimes be kind of nosy, and younger patients usually don't have the nerve to ask personal questions of their nurse.

[Graduatenurse14]

My hospital is cold so I (and many others) always wear a long sleeved shirt and there are several nurses on my unit who wear lab coats.

I don't think our society in general understands self-harm behaviors and the scars could reflect poorly on you, unfortunately. It's not hiding anything, it's maintaining privacy as protection from those who don't understand who could make an issue of it.

I wouldn't lie about their origin either as you may come to a place with someone who you feel needs to hear the real story but the lie is already out there and it could come back to bite you in the butt.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

I almost always wear a long-sleeve T-shirt under my scrub tops; they cover my arms for warmth and provide coverage under the V-neck. :) You could get tattoos if YOU want them, but like others have said many facilities have no-visible-tattoos policies, so you'd have to cover your arms anyway. I'd definitely wear long sleeves for interviews (blouses and jackets look professional anyway). The job market is tough, and I'd hate for past coping mechanisms to give any false impression of your present-day health.

[Jules A, MSN]

When I wore scrubs I always wore a long sleeved t-shirt under them because I was often cold and also to ensure no one was able to see down the v-neck as I was bending and hoisting!

I'd advise against lying because although after reading this thread I'm now worried that I probably stigmatized someone in my mind who wasn't a cutter but was actually in a horrific accident as a child, it really doesn't take a rocket scientist to recognize s/s of self harm. While I would never be so forward as to ask someone about scars I absolutely would consider their presence, as any self respecting psych nurse would. Although it is wonderful that so many have reported moving past that behavior in my opinion even if the scars are years old they still make a statement.