Hi all I am very interested in starting nursing school, I have been researching the "tattoo in nursing policies" as I have several on my arms, I do not want to think....... that having a tattoo would garnish me any less respect, can someone with some experience give a little input here.
Thanks all
Greg
Hi, greg, and welcome to the site.
I know some schools are a bit on the prudent side with the tattoos (such as cover 'em up); but from what I have seen, many residents/patients don't really mind them. All depends, though.
'Cat'
Thanks appreciate the reply.
No problem. Have you applied to any schools yet, or just in the 'thinking' stage?
'Cat'
I am researching schools now, I am prob going to go to santa monica college.
grege wrote:Hi all I am very interested in starting nursing school, I have been researching the "tattoo in nursing policies" as I have several on my arms, I do not want to think....... that having a tattoo would garnish me any less respect, can someone with some experience give a little input here.
Thanks all
Greg
Hey Greg,
Welcome and good luck in the application process. Regarding tattoos, I have none myself but a number of guys and some women I work with do have them. It's a guess but I believe that none of them have encountered any restrictions to displaying tattoos on their arms and hands because I see them all the time. As Cat said, I suppose it depends on the image and it's location.
R
I agree with others... depends on the exact tattoo & location.
So, describe these tats to us.
there is 4 visible tattoos, onk (egyption cross) on top of right arm, tribal wrist band on left, a kinda demon like face on right elbow, and a tibetan mask kinda upper arm cant really see.
grege wrote:there is 4 visible tattoos, onk (egyption cross) on top of right arm, tribal wrist band on left, a kinda demon like face on right elbow, and a tibetan mask kinda upper arm cant really see.
Hey Greg,
It sounds like you have an interesting mix going on there. The only one that makes me wince a little is the demon face. In general, what have the common reactions been to that particular tattoo? Positive? Negative? I realize that we're talking about your body and your preferences but consider how some patients may feel having to trust their health and safety to a guy with a demon face on his elbow. Just some thoughts, not judgement, pal.
R
grege wrote:there is 4 visible tattoos, onk (egyption cross) on top of right arm, tribal wrist band on left, a kinda demon like face on right elbow, and a tibetan mask kinda upper arm cant really see.
Well, except for the demon-like tattoo on your right elbow I don't see how they would be offensive to geriatric patients. Possibly you would be able to cover up the right elbow?
ya I dont have a problem with covering it up, it acutually doesn't really look as bad i make it sound........ what can i say I grew up listening to metallica, moved to los angeles joined a rock band got a few tattoos and went on tour for 3 years, thats the story behind them, I think I can even have more work done to it to kinda lighten it up (the tone of it) a little.
Heck, when I was in LPN training, had an elderly lady who had a home-made tattoo.... her bf's name between her knuckles. Go figure! :p
'Cat'
Many people go to nursing school with tattoos. I doubt the school will care but may have a clause about it in the dress code.
In my facility (geriatric) our dress code is to cover them. Long sleeves I don't mind but sometimes the big white bandages over the ankles and neck get a little much. One resident asked someone if her sore is ever going to heal, she'd been wearing that bandage for over a year. In situations like prison or group homes or something it may not be an issue, but in peds and geriatrics, maybe psych, you'd want to be more careful I suppose. I think for our elders who did not grow up with the kinds of tats we see, they may fee uneasy at the graphics we use now. Not just grampa's army tattoo anymore if you know what I mean. In nursing homes 40 years from now, we'll be teaching people how to bath around peircings in Nursing Care 101. Times change, but each career field has it's own standards of how it's members should fit into that image. Ask some local nurses.
grege wrote:Hi all I am very interested in starting nursing school, I have been researching the "tattoo in nursing policies" as I have several on my arms, I do not want to think....... that having a tattoo would garnish me any less respect, can someone with some experience give a little input here.
Thanks all
Greg
I don't have a tatoo myself but people I've gone to school with and worked with have been required to cover them up. One friend had to wear long sleeve shirts both in school and at the hospital he ended up taking a job at... I'll also note that the school and his hospital have reputations for being on the conservative side...
Hi,
I have worked all over the country and have been in the heartland area of the midwest for several years now. I work with nurses who have piercing and tats, I don't think they have any problems. One guy in particular I thought was a die hard harley guy and sure enough he was. Leather jacket and all. It works for him. Just be yourself and be comfortable in your skin. Inked or Not.
D:houra:
Regarding your concern with having a tatoo and applying to Nursing school, i would think that different schools has different policies. I do not have any tatoo but i know that in my school, you have to wear something that can cover your tatoos when you're in clinicals.
Nowadays, tattoos almost anywhere are acceptable. Otherwise they would be eliminating too large a segment of population from the potential nursing work force. So barring anything truly racist or obscene would beacceptable now. I know one nurse who has a large bold swastika on top of his hand, he works as a nurse. No one complains.
:offtopic: Tom, did you know the swastika is actually found in one of the Indian (as in India) religions?
cougarnurse wrote::offtopic: Tom, did you know the swastika is actually found in one of the Indian (as in India) religions?
He is not Indian, nor religious. But he is a good nurse.
Generally, I don't have problems with tattoos, but I would have a problem with someone who had a huge swastika tattoo.... To me, that is a symbol of hatred and ignorance, and the blatant display of such a powerful symbol completely disregards the feelings of others.
Everyone makes mistakes, and I believe people are capable of change, so if this person no longer holds the beliefs that caused his to get that tattoo, he should attempt to cover it up, or have it removed.
I don't care how good a nurse someone is- if they are putting something out there like that, something that will make most of their patients feel very uncomfortable, they are disregarding their patient's feelings....
Tattos, like jewelry, hairstyle, clothing and make-up are forms of self expression and of course, highly individualized. Healthcare professionals and the facilities in which they work have a well established history of conservatism. While tolerance and even acceptance of more vibrant forms of self expression is occurring, it's not fully there yet. Yeah, in essence, this school policy appears to be discriminatory but given the nature of self expression, conditional approval isn't fair either and some measure of control has to be in place. A single rose or Celtic band is not the same as a skull or bloody sword. Maybe it's less of a hassle to play by the rules, cover up and when school is over, seek employment in a place where tattos can be displayed.
R
I must be old fashion. I realize tattoos have become more the norm rather than taboo. I've never liked tattoos. I think they take away from a person's appearance. I realize the need for self-expression and tattoos provide that outlet. Our youngest son [27 yo] has one of those religious fish symbols below the neckline, posteriorly. So, it is easily covered and in no way is it offensive. My step-daughter [26yo] has several tattoos which all are easily hidden and nonoffensive. So, in these examples I find tattoos very tolerable.
Awhile back the US Army became desperate for recruits. The Army Regs on tattoos are now very lenient. The only true restriction is the tattoo can not be perceived to be gang related, or otherwise offensive. I see literally hundreds of young Soldiers everyday. It blows me away to see female Soldiers with huge tattoos on the visible side of their neck. I see male & female Soldiers with numerous tattoos in areas not coverable when wearing the Army Physical Fitness Uniform. I really hate the Army lowering their standards on military appearance.
Until nursing schools start having a problem with enrollment, or lack of, I doubt those with strict policies will back down.
I have seen men have tatoos that are in nursing. I don't think that would bar you from getting hired somewhere. I would wear long sleaves to your interview though. I am very against tatoos personally but I wouldn't keep that from hiring someone that wanted to be a nurse. If they are offensive, then I would recommend always keeping them covered.
