Nursing is an extremely rewarding profession that has a lot of perks and benefits.
There’s no job that’s more important than helping others, and nursing is a way that you can actively make a difference in your community and to other people. But that said, it does come with its fair share of challenges.
One thing you might be wondering when inquiring into this new profession is whether or not your tattoos will cause you problems.
There are certain job roles and lingering stigma against body art, so you’re probably wondering if nursing is one of them. If this is the case, then you’ve come to the right place!
In this article, we’re going to be telling you everything you’ll need to know about nursing and tattoos.
Whether or not they’re allowed, if there are any special rules regarding this, and some other things to expect when it comes to what hospitals will expect about your appearance when working.
We’ve also included a short FAQ to answer some other related questions.
Let’s get right into it.
Are Nurses Allowed Tattoos?
The short answer to this is generally yes. The longer answer is: it depends entirely on where you work and the tattoo you have.
Some places have specific policies in place for nurses, while others don’t care at all.
Sometimes it can depend on the type of tattoo.
In the following sections, we’re going to explore some different types of tattoos and some issues you could run into.
Large Tattoos
If you have or are planning on getting a large tattoo, there are some things you’ll need to keep in mind.
Large tattoos can be difficult to hide and may not fit well with a nurse’s uniform. This is especially true with scrubs.
You’ll want to inquire ahead of time about any specific state or hospital rules to do with large tattoos.
Most of the time you’ll probably be alright, but it will depend on the tattoo in question.
If you want to know more about this, check our section on Offensive Tattoos below.
Small, Concealable Tattoos
On the flip side, smaller tattoos are easier to hide under a nurse’s uniform.
They also tend to be less noticeable, which makes them ideal for nurses who want to cover up their tattoos.
Generally, if you have a small tattoo (even a visible one, for example on your wrist), you won’t run into any issues.
However, once again, this does depend on the type of tattoo; which leads us to our next section.
Offensive Tattoos
This is the more tricky subject, but one you’ll want to be aware of. If you have offensive tattoos, then you’re going to want to consider covering them up.
While you may be able to cover up a small tattoo, larger ones aren’t as easy to conceal.
If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo, then you should ask yourself if you’d feel comfortable showing it off during your shift.
Cover Up Strategies
Okay, so let’s say you have a controversial tattoo and you want to try and cover it up.
If this is the case, then you have two main options for what you can do. Let’s take a look at them below:
1. Conceal
If you have a small tattoo somewhere visible, then there are a few things you can do to conceal it.
If the uniform policy of your place of work allows you to wear long-sleeve t-shirts, then this is a good idea.
However, because nurses often work in a sterile environment, you’ll likely have to wear short-sleeved scrubs (see also our guide to getting ink stains out of scrubs).
The best thing to do is to consider the options you have in relation to your tattoo.
2. Remove Them
The other option when it comes to hiding your tattoo is to remove it entirely.
Removing your tattoo completely is an excellent way to avoid problems at work.
It’s important to note that removing your tattoo isn’t something that you can do without professional help.
In fact, you’ll probably end up paying quite a bit of money to have your tattoo removed.
We recommend that you talk to a doctor or dermatologist first before making any decisions.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! The truth is that you won’t know about the exact specifications around body tattoos and nursing until you inquire about them.
We’d generally suggest being open with employers providing your tattoo isn’t something offensive, and weighing up how much the tattoo means to you in relation to the job.
We hope that this article has given you some insight into tattoos and nursing and that you now have a basic understanding of the subject.
If you still have some questions, check below for a short FAQ that will give you some answers to other issues around nursing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nurses Have Body Piercings?
Body piercings are another common question among prospective nurses. This is because body piercing is a fairly popular trend.
Many people enjoy getting pierced, and this includes nurses. But body piercings can be much more difficult to manage than tattoos, and you’ll usually have to remove them before starting a shift.
This is for hygienic and safety reasons, and you can really run into issues with piercings that you can’t easily remove.
How Can I Get My Tattoos Removed?
When it comes to removing tattoos, there are several different ways that you can choose from.
The first thing that you’ll want to do is visit a doctor or dermatologist.
They will be able to tell you which methods are best for your specific situation.
There are also laser removal methods available, but these tend to cost a lot of money.
Not all tattoos can simply be removed, and some people opt for covering them up or changing them into something more palatable.