Can I be a CNA with tattoos?

Author: Karolann Aufderhar  |  Last update: Monday, April 14, 2025

The simple answer is yes. A tattoo is unlikely to disqualify you from working as a nurse, though there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Depending on your place of work, there may be rules about the types of tattoos and visibility restrictions, but these can vary greatly from place to place.

Can you work as a CNA with tattoos?

Yes, you absolutely can have tattoos if you work in the healthcare industry.

Can you have tattoos in the nursing program?

As a nursing student, you are typically asked to cover up tattoos (you can cover your arms with long sleeve underscrubs if you have tattoos on your arms), but usually tattoos are pretty well accepted once you're through school, have passed your NCLEX, and are a nurse. At least that has been my experience.

What is a CNA not allowed to do?

They are typically not allowed to perform sterile wound care, assess wounds, or administer medications, including topical treatments that require a nurse's judgment. These tasks require the advanced training and clinical judgment of RNs or LPNs.

Can you get a nursing job with hand tattoos?

As mentioned above, there is no rule concerning tattoos on nurses by the American Nursing Association (ANA). What's more, these days, many medical facilities will allow small tattoos on nurses to be visible.

Can I Have Tattoos and Be a Nurse?

What tattoos can you not have as a nurse?

Some Common Body Art Policies For Nurses:

No tattoos above the collar or below the elbow allowed. No visible tattoos when wearing scrubs. Large or offensive imagery must be concealed.

Can nursing moms get tattoos?

The Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health advises against pregnant or breastfeeding moms getting tattooed. And while there is no evidence to suggest a newly tattooed mom's breast milk poses a risk to her baby, the possibility of mom contracting an infection is a major area of concern.

What can stop you from being a CNA?

What Disqualifies You from Working as a CNA?
  • Violent crimes.
  • Sex crimes.
  • Elder abuse/neglect.
  • Exploitation of the elderly.
  • Crimes against children.
  • Theft.
  • DUIs within the past couple of years.
  • Drug theft.

Do CNAs make good money?

California: $52,881 per year.

Why do CNAs quit?

A nationwide study found that 55% of health care workers feel burned out. For nurses specifically, the long shifts, constant pressure, and lack of support from leadership are just a few factors contributing to their chronic stress and compassion fatigue.

Can RN remove tattoos?

In California, besides doctors, only physician assistants and registered nurses can perform laser tattoo removal - as long as they're under a doctor's supervision. Cosmetologists, electrologists and estheticians cannot perform it at all.

Can you work in healthcare with tattoos?

In general, any tattoo that is easily covered up by clothing is perfectly acceptable for a medical assistant. Even tattoos on arms can be covered by wearing long sleeves underneath scrubs. Tattoos that are more visible are more questionable.

Can you be a nurse with a lot of tattoos?

The simple answer is yes. A tattoo is unlikely to disqualify you from working as a nurse, though there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Depending on your place of work, there may be rules about the types of tattoos and visibility restrictions, but these can vary greatly from place to place.

What can get a CNA fired?

Negligence or misconduct: CNAs and STNAs are responsible for providing care and support to patients, and any negligence or misconduct that jeopardizes their safety or well-being can lead to termination.

Can you get hired with a tattoo?

Tattoos are generally accepted in the workplace as long as they're not offensive, unprofessional or distracting. However, visible tattoos may not be appropriate for every profession. Even if your company allows body art, you may find that customers or coworkers discriminate against tattooed employees.

How stressful is a CNA job?

A heavy workload can be caring for more patients than you can reasonably handle or working too many shifts. A 2022 study focused on CNA burnout found that over 70% of CNAs attributed their burnout to the nursing shortage, and 79% of nurses surveyed by nurse.org attributed burnout to it.

What type of CNA gets paid the most?

High Paying CNA Jobs
  • Nurse Aide Evaluator. Salary range: $106,000-$106,000 per year. ...
  • Care Manager CNA. Salary range: $38,000-$58,500 per year. ...
  • Cna Ltc. Salary range: $36,000-$55,000 per year. ...
  • Hospital CNA. Salary range: $41,000-$54,500 per year. ...
  • Nursing Unit Clerk. ...
  • Nursing Attendant. ...
  • Geriatric Nursing Assistant. ...
  • Nursing Technician.

Can you live off a CNA salary?

It is possible to live off a CNA salary in the USA. However, it depends on your lifestyle and where you live. To make ends meet, you may need to make sacrifices, such as living in a smaller home or apartment. You can also look for CNA jobs that offer benefits, like health insurance and retirement savings plans.

What comes after CNA?

Going back to school to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) is perhaps the most obvious way to move forward on your CNA career path. Your education offers a clear path to go from CNA to LPN or from CNA to RN, increasing your earning potential and your skill set.

What's the hardest part of being a CNA?

Common Challenges
  • Physical Demands: CNAs often handle physically demanding tasks, such as lifting and transferring patients. ...
  • Emotional Strain: Providing care for suffering patients and those at the end of life can be emotionally taxing. ...
  • Making a Difference: ...
  • Building Relationships: ...
  • Embracing the CNA Role:

What is a Level 2 background check for a CNA?

These background checks are conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and may include: Criminal history checks: A Level 2 background check includes a review of an individual's criminal history records, including state, national, and FBI databases.

Can a CNA work from home?

What Does a Work From Home CNA Do? A remote or work from home CNA handles responsibilities related to telehealth. Telehealth is when you monitor, interact, and assist patients through computers and other audio and visual accessories.

How long does it take for a tattoo to heal?

On average, a tattoo takes two to four weeks to heal. However, it takes about three to six months for the skin underneath the tattoo to fully heal. 12 This time depends on specific skin reactions, tattoo size, and ink colors used.

Can you sell breast milk if you have tattoos?

A mom can donate if she has had tattoos, piercing and acupuncture in the past 12 months. The procedures must have been performed using single-use sterile needles. Also the labs must be done at least eight days after the procedure.

Can I get tattoos while pregnant?

There's no definitive rule against it, but most doctors advise waiting until after baby has made their big debut. There's a host of potential consequences to consider with tattoos and pregnancy, so you'll want to think long and hard before making a permanent and potentially risky decision.

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