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Sometimes it’s hard to know whether you’re rocking your scrubs or committing a huge fashion blunder.
So when a reader wrote in asking about the appropriateness of visible tattoos for nurses, we asked our Facebook fans for their opinions and personal policies.
And did we ever get answers! The topic was widely contested—here are some of the best answers for and against visible tattoos at work.
Show ’em off!
Tattoos and piercings are a part of the person who wears them. I think when we show our individuality it connects us to our patients and helps them feel more comfortable.
—Mari E. Thomas
I have one that’s visible on the inside of my left wrist. I actually have found that it’s more attention-grabbing when I attempt to cover it up. It isn’t the person’s appearance that’s caring for the patients…. I will finish with a riddle: What’s the only difference between tattooed and non-tattooed people? Tattooed ones don’t care that you aren’t.
—Anthony Grimm
I have multiple tattoos and my nose pierced. I keep such small jewelry in my piercing that most people don’t even notice it. All but one of my tattoos stays covered by scrubs and my half sleeve is easily covered by a scrub jacket. My sleeve is a collage of the national flowers of my and my husband’s countries of heritage. The times it has been noticed by patients, they ask to see it and say it looks like a garden or a painting on my arm. Some have even said it has changed how they view people with tattoos. Nurses are in a position to teach their patients about so many things: their health, love, acceptance and caring for people despite appearances.
—Mary Becker
It’s what is inside that makes you a good nurse or not. I have tattoos covered; for the most part, it’s never been an issue. I know some helmet-haired, perfectly coiffed, fake-nailed nurses exist that I wouldn’t let near my dog. This is subjective. You can’t judge a book by its cover.
—Nora Breuer
I have four tattoos, two visible. I cover one with a watch and one with makeup because my work makes me. However, they are in no way inappropriate. I think we shouldn’t have to cover them if they are tasteful. Mine only have ever started conversation and a bond!
—Shannon Guy
Most of my tattoos are easily covered, but I have a nurse on the inside of my right wrist and my patients love it!
—Christina Snyder
Next: Cover ‘em up! →
For more Career Advice for Nurses pick up the latest issue of Scrubs magazine, available at a retail store near you!
RN
Registered Nurse
I don’t have tattoos myself, but I understand the case for both sides. Ultimately, I think covering them is best. There are a lot of judgemental people out there who don’t understand and aren’t willing to try. Angie, you sound like one of the judgemental ones. :/
I do have tattoos but I chose to place mine where they cannot be seen. I believe that they need to be covered. We are professionals and need to look professional.
RN
Registered Nurse
I have a number of tattoos, and have turned down two jobs where I would have been required to cover them. Most of my tattoos reflect my military heritage and I have received a lot of positive feedback from patients. I have had patients express discomfort about having their care provided by black nurses, older nurses, Hispanic nurses, Filipino nurses, etc, and I am sure that patients may have been put off by my tattoos. People, including patients, just need to get over their prejudices.
I think all things in moderation are reasonable. I had an E.R. experience in 1998 with a nurse who made me think “I Have tattoos too. I COULD do this!!” He was inspirational and his comforting “this is gonna be ok. you will be ok. We’re ok.” personality to go with his ink allowed me to relate; therefore relax. All situations need an equalizer. If my ink isn’t preferred by one patient, another one may be looking for that same common thread for a little comfort. Mine is a delicate design, 4″x4″ butterfly in my inner forearm. I have gotten one questionable remark in four years: “Why would you get that There?” And still, it started a conversation for my patient. Two exploding grenades on either side of your neck with “FTW” in old english linking their pull pins…. Maybe a little excessive.
RN
Registered Nurse
It has been said that a tattoo is ‘a permanent reminder of a temporary feeling.’
In point of fact most other professions (even the Military) have policies now which prohibit visible tattoos. And all good Bridal Shops carry a cream cover-up just for the purpose of hiding the body art that ‘takes away’ from The Dress.
I have lived long enough now to have seen the effects of YEARS of ‘body art’ on persons aged 30-plus and have noted that wrinkles and skin movement very often change the shape of the original ‘canvas’, rendering the tat a poor representation of its original form.
There are some things which simply DO NOT BELONG in view of the patients and our colleagues.
However, if one cannot seem to ‘just say no’, remember that tattoos are considered ‘identifying marks’ if your body ever needs such a service…
RN
Registered Nurse
Student
Nursing Student (you can change this when you graduate!)
You know, I dont find them unprofessional and in a way I wish people did not have to cover them… but at the same time, if you are going to be a nurse or even THINK that may be a possibility I dont understand why you would tat yourself up knowing that its going to be a problem.
I have just been accepted into nursing school and begin in the fall. The only tattoo that is visible (unless I’m at the beach in a bathing suit) is a puzzle piece on the inside of my wrist. It is representative of the years I spent working with children with autism which has changed my life and my perspective on the world. Most people don’t even see it until they’ve known me for a few months or years. It’s always a conversation starter (everyone knows someone with autism) and everyone can understand the reason I got it. Spending time with an individual with autism changes you.
LPN
Licensed Practical Nurse
I have two Tattoos and unless I tell someone at work I have them no one would know I have them. I have a friend that went threw school with me she has on behind her ear and on on her hand they are both very taste full. I think they are trashy for someone going into health care. We are taking care of people of all ages and the old generation think it may look trashy, make us younger nurses look not capable of doing our job. They need to be covered and one needs to always think about getting a tattoo of spot they get it for any job.