Can Nurses Have Tattoos? And Other Questions About Your Appearance at Work

​​Feeling ink-spired but worried about how your passion for body art might affect your nursing career? Realistically, can nurses have tattoos in the workplace? The short answer: It depends. While there is no law prohibiting nurses from having tattoos, some facilities’ protocol forbids workers from having visible body art.

Healthcare institutions have diverse tattoo policies. Some insist on coverage, others may permit them with specific rules to follow, and a few can be very strict.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about being a tattooed nurse. As a bonus, we’ll share some crafty strategies for concealing your tattoos if your workplace requires you to do so.

Nurses With Tattoos: Is It Professional or Not?

The question, Can nurses have tattoos?, is a topic under constant debate. On the one hand, there’s research supporting patient preference for the stereotypical image of nurses in scrubs and a white coat. On the other hand, as a society, we value freedom of expression.

Data shows that over 32% of the U.S. population now have tattoos, and 76% claim to be open to hiring others with them. Moreover, there are even organizations fearlessly fighting for the employment rights of body art lovers.

But can you have tattoos as a nurse? While this question might appear superficial at first glance, it delves into a profound issue. What are our societal priorities: self-expression or professionalism? Authenticity versus conformity? And is it possible to strike a balance?

From one perspective, research consistently tells us that patients have certain stereotypes toward tattoos and piercings. Since healthcare institutions prioritize patient-centered care, they may require all members of the treatment team to conform to the appearance preferences of patients. From another perspective, we all know that neither a nurse sleeve tattoo nor facial piercing changes their professional qualifications and skills. So why would it matter so much?

Can Nurses Have Tattoos in Healthcare: What Are the Rules?

First things first, let’s address legality. Currently, there are no federal laws protecting nurses from discrimination related to body art. This means that employers can reject job applicants with tattoos or ask them to cover their tattoos while at work

Depending on where you work, policies regarding tattoos in the medical field can vary widely. However, some common policies and trends include:

• Cover-up policies: Many healthcare facilities, particularly hospitals, have policies requiring healthcare workers with visible tattoos to cover them while on duty. This often means wearing long sleeves, pants, or makeup to conceal tattoos.
• No offensive or inappropriate tattoos: Most healthcare institutions have policies prohibiting offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate tattoos. Sorry, but your “party all night” tattoo might not make the cut.
• Size and placement: Some institutions are picky about the size and location of your tattoos. Tattoos on the face, neck, or hands may be subject to stricter policies.
• Covering or removing piercings: Some facilities require healthcare workers to cover or remove visible body piercings while on duty to maintain a professional appearance and prevent potential contamination or injury.

How to Get a Work-Friendly Tattoo

If you find yourself torn between your love for tattoos and landing a job at a facility that’s stricter than a librarian during quiet hours, don’t worry, we’ve got a solution. We’ve got just the prescription to ease your “inkxiety” — getting a work-friendly tattoo.

Check out these tips for designing a tattoo that will be an all-around win for you, your facility, and your career path.

• Location: Your skin offers many tattoo-friendly areas that won’t be visible at work. The only visible locations are typically the face, neck, arms, and hands. So, go for areas that can be easily covered up.
• Size: Think about the tattoo size. Smaller tattoos are easier to hide in workplaces with strict body art policies. But if you go for a big face tattoo, it could be a challenge. Consider the size and how easy it’ll be to conceal before getting inked.
• Content: Names and artistic expressions? Usually good to go. But if your tattoo features nudity, gang symbols, drugs, or foul language, it might make your boss raise an eyebrow or two. Think about choosing ink that won’t offend anyone’s sensibilities.

How to Cover Up a Nurse Tattoo

How can nurses have tattoos in facilities with strict policies? What if you already have a tattoo and are getting ready for an interview? Or what if your passion for tattoos is so strong that you won’t refrain from booking an appointment at a tattoo salon?

Despite common misconceptions, tattoos and a career in healthcare can coexist. There are plenty of ways to cover up your tattoos while working as a nurse.

• Tattoo-friendly uniforms: Consider investing in nursing uniforms with longer sleeves or higher necklines to naturally conceal your tattoos without the need for additional cover-ups.
• Tattoo concealer makeup: Invest in high-quality tattoo concealer makeup. These products are designed to be long-lasting and blend seamlessly with your skin.
• Tattoo cover-up sleeves: Many professionals choose to wear tattoo cover-up sleeves. They come in various colors and sizes to help nurses keep their jobs in organizations with rules about visible tattoos.
• Compression sleeves: Explore trendy compression sleeves that not only cover your tattoos but also provide health benefits, such as improved circulation.
• Tattoo cover-up gloves: Hand tattoos? No problem. You can use fingerless gloves at work to cover them up. Just remember to keep them on when you remove your disposable gloves after medical procedures.

In the end, the most effective approach to figuring out this question is to have an open conversation with your employer regarding their policies on visible body art. More often than not, you’ll find the official word in the employee handbook, where they lay out the guidelines for tattoos and piercings.

6 Questions About Your Appearance at Work

We’ve answered the question, Can nurses have tattoos?, but you may still be curious about similar topics. Here are some common questions about maintaining a professional appearance in the workplace:

1. Can nurses have piercings?

Many healthcare facilities require healthcare workers to cover or remove visible body piercings while on duty to maintain a professional appearance and prevent potential contamination or injury.

2. Can nurses have tattoos on their arms or wrists?

Healthcare organizations may have policies distinguishing between visible and non-visible forms of body art. Tattoos on the arms are typically considered visible, so they may need to be covered while on duty. You might consider investing in a tattoo cover-up sleeve or longer-sleeved uniform.

3. Can nurses have hand tattoos?

Hand tattoos are considered visible, so unless you work in a tattoo-friendly facility, you may need to cover them up while on duty. Consider investing in tattoo cover-up gloves or tattoo concealer makeup.

4. Can nurses wear nail polish?

Many healthcare facilities have policies restricting nail polish color and length. Nurses may need to stick to neutral or light colors. Additionally, some places ban artificial nails and extensions due to infection risks.

5. Can nurses wear open-toed shoes?

Most healthcare facilities require nurses to wear closed-toed shoes to protect their feet and provide a barrier against potential spills or accidents.

6. Can nurses color their hair?

Some organizations now allow unconventional hair colors, understanding that it doesn’t affect care quality. Always check your workplace’s appearance policies before going for a bold hair color. Some might have strict guidelines against it.

Embrace Who You Are

Society is evolving towards greater inclusivity, and this transformation is gradually extending into the healthcare field. Tattoos are becoming less of a concern for an increasing number of people, who are now becoming more accepting of diverse forms of self-expression.

Many organizations are shifting from a rules-driven to a values-driven culture, focusing on professional skills over appearances. Patients are also realizing that skilled healthcare professionals come in a variety of looks.

However, despite these positive changes, some stigma still exists in healthcare. If you’re a nurse with a tattoo, it’s essential to have a conversation with your manager and ask, “Can nurses have tattoos here?” No matter what, celebrate your authentic expression. You are worthy exactly as you are.

Express Yourself Through Your Nursing Career

We’ve answered your question, Can nurses have tattoos? Now, are you ready to make your nursing career your own? Learn how IntelyCare can match you with nursing jobs that meet your desired criteria.