Tattoos and Nursing

[wiselion]

Does anyone know what the general guidelines are for visible tattoos?
If I cover them, is it a problem?
There are religious in nature and on my leftforearm and both wrists.

[Button2cute]

Hello,

Every employer will have guidelines for tattoos. My past employers suggested long sleeves, bandages, or removal of the tattoos for all direct and indirect medical personnel. If non-compliant x3 and a pink slip will be attached to your time card.

Good luck....

Buttons

[CaliRN]

Wear very long sleeves. It doesn't matter what the pictures are, they look very unprofessional.

[Gona_bea_nurse]

tatoos are hot and employers are prudes.

[Jweesser]

Having a tattoo is a personal choice. Becoming a nurse is also a personal choice with professional and personal responsibilities. Being employed by a hospital means that you owe it to that hospital and it's patients to act and appear professional as dictated by that facility's conduct and dress codes. If you do not agree with the employer then it is simple, don't work there. I understand that personal expression is very important to some people. I believe that those same people need to be sensitive to the perception of others, especially patients and patient families. They are the reasons we became nurses in the first place.

[Gona_bea_nurse]

I believe that those same people need to be sensitive to the perception of others, especially patients and patient families.

In that vien, when I was doing cna clinicals, one of the girls thought it would be cool to spike an old dudes hair into kind of a mohawk with some water. Long story short, he didn't care (out of it) but the family freaked and everyone got in trouble. The moral of the story, patient familys perception of your actions/looks is important but it's not for them most people go into nursing.

[peady2]

In that vien, when I was doing cna clinicals, one of the girls thought it would be cool to spike an old dudes hair into kind of a mohawk with some water. Long story short, he didn't care (out of it) but the family freaked and everyone got in trouble. The moral of the story, patient familys perception of your actions/looks is important but it's not for them most people go into nursing.

Actually the moral of the story here is that even "old dudes" who are "out of it" are human beings and as such are entitled to simple human dignities, especially when they are vulnerable. Treat all people with respect and you will never have to deal with a family (or patient) who "freaked" nor will you "get in trouble" for your actions.

It troubles me that people who would do such a thing to a helpless, vulnerable patient for a laugh, then think that it is only wrong because the "family freaked" and they got in trouble, are in the nursing profession. This is a sad commentary on people who think nursing is some kind of salary goldmine (it is NOT) and are only in it for "the money." But unfortunately it is typical of the new nurses I meet today-this basic lack of caring for the humanity and dignity of their patients and only being concerned with getting a job done so they can collect a paycheck. Yeah, I go to work for the paycheck as well-but the difference is that while I am there, I CARE.

[Gona_bea_nurse]

It troubles me that people who would do such a thing to a helpless, vulnerable patient for a laugh, then think that it is only wrong because the "family freaked" and they got in trouble, are in the nursing profession. This is a sad commentary on people who think nursing is some kind of salary goldmine (it is NOT) and are only in it for "the money." But unfortunately it is typical of the new nurses I meet today-this basic lack of caring for the humanity and dignity of their patients and only being concerned with getting a job done so they can collect a paycheck. Yeah, I go to work for the paycheck as well-but the difference is that while I am there, I CARE.

It was a high school class so I doubt anyone saw the wrong. I didn't at the time, she just fixed his hair, after a group of us cleaned him up. The style wasn't age appropriate but it wasn't done in malice.

[reesern1963]

It was a high school class so I doubt anyone saw the wrong. I didn't at the time, she just fixed his hair, after a group of us cleaned him up. The style wasn't age appropriate but it wasn't done in malice.

That's not the point. Are you able to explain why this was wrong? (And not because the family was upset.)

The more I read, the more frightened I become when I think about who will be taking care of my parents and me in years to come. Is there anyone in the new generation of nursing with a sense of decency?

[peady2]

Oh, as to tattoos, if there is a dress code, follow it. If not, I don't care how you choose to mark yourself, unless it is with profanity or obscenity-if so, then cover it up when at work, and save it for your social circle.

[malenursestudent]

Hello I am a young male student getting ready to take my pre req classes for the nursing field and I'm now contimplating getting a fairly big and noticable tattoo on the side of my forearm I was wondering what your professional advise and opinion is on the matter please give it to me straight.

[ljones2]

As a professional RN I ask you to please cover your tattoo's up, and to be mindful of the profession you represent. Remember, perception is ninety nine percent reality.

[funkybug]

I also have tattoos and a nose piercing ... not common for a 40-year old, but I'm fighting time ... lol.

Two of my tattoos are on my wrist. Most don't even notice them, but nonetheless, I made the CHOICE to become a nurse. No one forced me to do so. If I want to do this, then I must follow the guidelines and expectations. This requires me to remove my piercing and cover my wrists. Yes, it's HOT in the nursing homes I work in currently, but just as I made the choice to tattoo my wrists, I make the choice to wear long sleeves to cover them and do my job professionally.

The focus in nursing is the person you're caring for, not yourself. Patients and residents are not things for our amusement. They did not choose to be cared for by me. They allow me to care for them and do things they cannot do themselves. I see it as my professional and personal responsibility to make it as easy as possible for THEM to place their trust in me. If my tattoos and piercings hinder their ability to be comfortable with my care, then those things are hindrances to my profession.

On the topic of the hair style ... patients aren't toys, they're people. If you can't see that, you might find yourself struggling in your profession one day.

[EdwardZ]

I think as a nurse we should be the models of cleanliness and purity. This includes having no tatoo. But siince you already have it, you can also cover it if it is still coverable.

[scotttyna]

I think as a nurse we should be the models of cleanliness and purity. This includes having no tatoo. But siince you already have it, you can also cover it if it is still coverable.

You are right!!! But is it that matter to have a tattoo.