Tattoos and Nursing

[Meredith3464]

Just like everything individuals are judged on appearances. Multiple surveys have been done on patients rating how they perceived nurses in terms of competence and likability. More often than not patients perceive nurses to be competent and trustworthy based on how the look not necessary how they carry out their duties (I don't agree but this is reality). My advice is that tattoos may not reflect your ability to perform well, how ever they may impact in how patients perceive you ability to do something. I would recommend that you get a tattoo placed somewhere that you can cover up so that patients don't "prejudge" you on a tattoo.

[erinleighhartman]

I think it's totally fine to have tattoos as long as their covered up. If you worked in any other environment, they'd expect you to the same thing, too.

[NURSEDETROIT]

Having read all of the threads in this most provocative post, the one thing that strikes me, irrespective of the view taken; is the "judgement" of those who happen to sport the tattoos. Now, I am not part of the generation that has chosen this form of self expression, nor do I sport any tattoos. I hate needles. . . Some would call me a "throw back," and I've been called a "Bohemian" by many different people I've met in the course of my life. I've been judged by many; most of whom aren't in the position of "judge" to do so. I say, the "wrapper" you choose for yourself is a personal decision; it does not make you WHO YOU ARE. What is essential is invisible to the eye, as the expression goes. So for all those who would choose to judge another for whatever reason, remember, those who would judge, you too, will one day be judged. . . . .

People, STOP focusing on ALL the superficial; people who do this are MORE SHALLOW than a puddle. . . . Trends come and go; WHO CARES? If my kids choose to express themselves, hair, tats, whatever, that is their choice. . . I wouldn't care if someone chose to cover every inch of their skin; if they have the knowledge, competence, and ability to take care of me in any dire situation, THIS IS WHAT TRULY MATTERS. Then for ALL those who do choose to judge others based on the superficial, "Exactly WHO ARE YOU to judge me?"

[nursingschools]

its not a noble for the nurses to having tattoos, or kinda else. btw as you have already then you can just cover them, it will be some time gonna make a little wrong 0r bad impression on some peoples, but you can cover up you by your softness!

[Kaboodle]

I don't see any difference in tattoos than people wearing wigs, makeup, or jewelry.

[NURSEDETROIT]

I don't see any difference in tattoos than people wearing wigs, makeup, or jewelry.

Agreed, Truly and technically speaking, you are absolutely correct. Tattoos can and do have significance for those who choose to have them; be it for religious or personal reasons; it's those who view them with biased eyes/lenses that are imposing their values and judgement upon the individual with the tattoos.

I've seen many individuals wearing so much make-up; remind me of clowns in a circus. . .Others with hairpieces; well, honestly, looked like something my dog would have chewed on. . .are they criticized? That, as a patient or co-worker would scare me more. . . I knew a gal on one of my travel gigs; she was tattooed from her ears down to her toes; in her 20's; a walking work of art; and she happened to be one of the most competent nurses I've ever had the privilege to work with. . . a lovely personality and soul that could outshine anyone, even in darkness. . . I would rather have her taking care of me. . .than some of the "ugly" personalities who would judge her.

[NURSEDETROIT]

Thought I'd share something else about the subject. . . A brilliant physician I know shared this statement about tattoos with me recently, "Tattoos are a permanent reminder of a temporary feeling. . ." Thought it a quite appropriate statement and observation about tattoos. . .To each their own I guess. . .

[pete234]

I don't think tattoos are good for nursing.I personally feel in nursing patients are sensitive about every minute details of you as a nurse.So keep yourself clean and cover it up as you can.
Hope it helps.
www(dot)happythreads(dot)co(dot)uk

[SLukman32]

I have many large tattoos, but as a nurse they are all covered up while at work. Many hospitals have policies for "professionalism" of their employees which may include tattoos and piercings.

[amygarside]

Make sure that they are all covered up. While some people think it's cool to see someone with tats, other people don't. It's also a good idea to know what you company guidelines are regarding tattoos

[fluttersis]

How many tattoo are two many or dose it depen on the place that your working at? Is there a limit on how many ear piercing that a nurse can have?

[ronniew]

I have been a Nurse for many years and see nothing wrong with tattoos as long as they are tasteful…

[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.