EMTGrrl,
The Army use to be strict regards to tattoos. However, the policy changed drastically a few years back d/t max troop deployments to the Middle East. Enlistments started to decline drastically and recruiters were turning young men & women away for such a petty reason as tattoos. So, even though a Soldier may have some huge ugly neck tattoo, it's allowed with a few exceptions such as profanity, gang tatts, etc.
So, my point being with the nursing shortage and increased popularity of tattoos some schools & hospitals will have to revise their tattoo policy.