Tattoos

[Meatball]

Before I start: I have looked at a thread before this with the issue of tattoo's. That topic was more of a discussion about if it should be allowed or not. If you continue to read, I'll explain what mine is about.

My name is Taylor, most call me Meatball. I'm new to these forums (as you can tell), but it looks like I might stay here.

This question is regarding Tattoos. I'm currently 19 years of age and am going to a community college to get my GE out of the way. I've been wanting to go into nursing for a few years, and I believe I am going to follow the feeling I have about it.

The issue:
I have one tattoo on my leg currently (which would be coved up by any uniform seeing as how I cannot see myself as a nurse wearing any type of shorts; period). I plan to get one on the bottom of my wrist soon (within a few months). It's not going to be anything offensive (It will state "This too shall pass"). I plan on getting a body suit done (nothing on the face or arms). It's all planned out; I just have to come up with the money to get it done with. Again, nothing offensive.

Can you please state the hospital policies regarding tattoos? Even if your hospital does allow them, please state so.
Can you also post what state the hospital is located in? This will help me get a better understanding about where they are allowed and where they are not.

Thanks in advance!

-Meatball

[kimmiejs]

Before I start: I have looked at a thread before this with the issue of tattoo's. That topic was more of a discussion about if it should be allowed or not. If you continue to read, I'll explain what mine is about.

My name is Taylor, most call me Meatball. I'm new to these forums (as you can tell), but it looks like I might stay here.

This question is regarding Tattoos. I'm currently 19 years of age and am going to a community college to get my GE out of the way. I've been wanting to go into nursing for a few years, and I believe I am going to follow the feeling I have about it.

The issue:
I have one tattoo on my leg currently (which would be coved up by any uniform seeing as how I cannot see myself as a nurse wearing any type of shorts; period). I plan to get one on the bottom of my wrist soon (within a few months). It's not going to be anything offensive (It will state "This too shall pass"). I plan on getting a body suit done (nothing on the face or arms). It's all planned out; I just have to come up with the money to get it done with. Again, nothing offensive.

Can you please state the hospital policies regarding tattoos? Even if your hospital does allow them, please state so.
Can you also post what state the hospital is located in? This will help me get a better understanding about where they are allowed and where they are not.

Thanks in advance!

-Meatball

I would strongly advice you from getting any tattoos that will be visible. This is against the dress code at most hospitals. The only tattoos that are generally allowed are those which will not be visible. Unless you plan to wear at all times a uniform that conceals most of your body be careful about the areas you have tattoos placed.

[Meatball]

I would strongly advice you from getting any tattoos that will be visible. This is against the dress code at most hospitals. The only tattoos that are generally allowed are those which will not be visible. Unless you plan to wear at all times a uniform that conceals most of your body be careful about the areas you have tattoos placed.

Is it possible to wear clothing such as a sweatband around your wrist or arm? I know some work places have had a few of my friends cover up arm tattoos when not in a long sleve by wearing a sweatband around the tattoo.
Does this depend on which hospital you work at, or how your supervisors would take it?

On another note, what happens when nurses have visible tattoos before being hired? Once they are hired, what do they have to do to cover them up? Are long sleve uniforms the only way the hospital will let you work? If so, what about knuckle tattoos, or other forms of tattoos that would not be covered by just a long sleve shirt...

Thanks in advance!

[SoldierNurse]

Is it possible to wear clothing such as a sweatband around your wrist or arm? I know some work places have had a few of my friends cover up arm tattoos when not in a long sleve by wearing a sweatband around the tattoo.
Does this depend on which hospital you work at, or how your supervisors would take it?

On another note, what happens when nurses have visible tattoos before being hired? Once they are hired, what do they have to do to cover them up? Are long sleve uniforms the only way the hospital will let you work? If so, what about knuckle tattoos, or other forms of tattoos that would not be covered by just a long sleve shirt...

Thanks in advance!

IMHO, if a tattoo cannot be concealed by clothing, then you will have a difficult time in getting hired in the health care profession... period!

[Meatball]

IMHO, if a tattoo cannot be concealed by clothing, then you will have a difficult time in getting hired in the health care profession... period!

That last question "on another note" was referring to nurses who have already been hired and what they do if they have tattoos that are not coverable by clothing.
What I meant by already have been hired would be something like:
Got the tattoo when they were 18. Hired at age 25 and the problem about tattoos is now arising when they are 40 or 50 years of age.

Sorry for the mix up...

[kimmiejs]

That last question "on another note" was referring to nurses who have already been hired and what they do if they have tattoos that are not coverable by clothing.
What I meant by already have been hired would be something like:
Got the tattoo when they were 18. Hired at age 25 and the problem about tattoos is now arising when they are 40 or 50 years of age.

Sorry for the mix up...

Most hospitals regardless of the age of the tattoo have the same policy... if they can not be concealed with normal clothing you can not have one. A sweat band would probably not go over well since this could be an issue with infection control. I realize that some view tattoos as a means of self expression however, in a hospital setting they are not appropriate.