Tattoos in the work place

[AmandaWIRN]

I have 3 tattoos- one each on my foot & shoulder (both of these are covered up at work), and one on the back of my neck. The one on my neck is visible when I wear my hair up, which I do at work, but it is so small, that no one has ever said anything to me about it at any of the hospitals I've worked at.

[aaminah]

good to see so much discussion. since my last post i have been hired at a cardiac/stroke rehab unit and much to my surprise my tats have not been a topic of any discussion other than comments by co workers about them and nothing negative. the one on my neck is pretty much covered by a collared shirt i wear under my scrub top and the one on my wrist i cover with a sweat band so i think the administration is appreciating that i am at least not displaying them overtly. so far so good...........peace

[Teeituptom]

Someone talked about Gen Xers and their tattoos. I am old hippie and I have mine also. Some from time in service during Viet Nam. and more since and more to come. They all represent parts of my life. None are offensive, except maybe to Republican righties. Me I always was a Demo, but the last 15 yrs or so I have gone with the Green Party and my tattoos show it.
I have visible tattoos, I have one of my ears pierced, I wear a pony tail, and I always wear a peace sign that I have worn since the early 70s. But no one complains, I am a good nurse and that is all that counts. The only problem I have had is with toddlers who thing they can try to pull the tats off my forearm, little ones are so funny.
Tattoos do not affect ones practice, and as long as they are not offensive, or racist or obscene in nature. No Harm, No Foul

[nursinghumor]

Originally Posted by Teeituptom

Tattoos do not affect ones practice, and as long as they are not offensive, or racist or obscene in nature. No Harm, No Foul

Highly subject to interpretation. I agree, they have no bearing on ability to practice - we know that.

Our patients however come with their own host of insecurities and biases. With the "customer is always right" attitude of administration and their obsession with Press Ganeys, I can see how they'd prefer you either didn't have tattoos to start with or kept them covered.

Andrew Lopez, RN
Nursefriendly.com, A National Nursing & Consumer Health Directory

[91B]

This has been a concern of mine, since before getting into nursing, I worked for a bit in a tattoo shop. My left arm is a full sleeve, based entirely on Oriental symbolism. Not offensive in any way, but I worry that it will have an impact on my ability to find work.

[SoldierNurse]

Originally Posted by 91B

This has been a concern of mine, since before getting into nursing, I worked for a bit in a tattoo shop. My left arm is a full sleeve, based entirely on Oriental symbolism. Not offensive in any way, but I worry that it will have an impact on my ability to find work.

Is that Oriental, or Asian symbolism? My wife hates it when I refer to things as oriental. She is Chinese-American, btw.

[cougarnurse]

Slightly off subject, Mag.....'Oriental' is refered to as oppossed to Occidental, ie: Eastern vs Western world.

Back to thread.

[Teeituptom]

I am going to get another tattoo today, Just the old hippie in me reexerting itself, Call it regression or whatever But I am loving life.

[Dfektiv]

haven't had a nursing Job yet, but during my CNA classes my tattoo on my left arm stuck out about 2-3 inches below my scrubs sleeve line. during classes the school was fine with it but asked me to cover it during clinicals. I was able to pick up a inexpensive long sleeve Underarmour shirt which wasnt too hot to work in... (granted it was a meager 5 hour class shift) but it was in sunny FL... my tattoos have no chance of being removed, done by my girlfriend/fiance and are magazine/contest winning quality... I will however be more choosy on placements of future ones. when I finally get to work the field whether it be at CNA, LPN , or clear after I finish my RN.. If they don't like it I'll wear sleeves... but the underarmour works...

[Teeituptom]

I know Vero Beach well, from the old days when I lived in Fla, mostly, cape canaveral, and daytona, and jacksonville.