Can I be a nurse with a face tattoo?

Author: Prof. Jess Emard MD  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 9, 2025

It's almost always prohibited to have facial tattoos, even if the facility has no official tattoo policy against facial tattoos. Hospitals, healthcare facilities, schools and nursing homes will often have different policies based on where and who you work with.

Can you work as a nurse with face tattoos?

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

What tattoos can you not have as a nurse?

Avoid tattoos on the arms; especially below the sleeve line and most especially the hands. Otherwise you'll be wearing long sleeved shirts in clinical and that might not be fun in the summer. Hand tattoos are particularly hard to conceal and some faculty really fuss if they are not covered in clinical.

Can a nurse have a head tattoo?

Common Policies for Tattoos in the Medical Field

Neck, face, or collar tattoos are widely restricted in the workplace. Visible body piercings, including on the nose, lips, and face, should be removed or concealed. Visible tattoos must be covered up by long sleeve scrubs, medical tape, or makeup.

Is it okay for a nurse to have a tattoo?

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 I Have Tattoos and Be a Nurse?

Can nurses have face piercings?

Most health facilities have no issue with nurses with nose piercings, especially when they are studs. The standard policy is for the studs to be small(think pin size) and more of a shade closer to your skin color.

What tattoo should a nurse get?

It's often used as a label on different types of nursing equipment and nursing uniforms. Composed of a staff entwined by two serpents, a tattoo of the caduceus will most likely give you immediate recognition as a nurse and a sense of pride in your profession.

Can you wear makeup as a nurse?

Makeup. Heavy makeup is not permitted for nurses and nursing students in clinical settings. Some nursing schools prohibit false eyelashes, including extension lashes. In some organizations, tattooed makeup is allowed if it is not distracting.

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.

Can I have tattoos in nursing school?

There is no universal policy concerning body art in the nursing profession. The same applies to nursing students. However, there are specific tattoo policies that could make your life difficult if you have a visible tattoo. It all depends on where you work and how strict the facility is.

What profession does not allow tattoos?

Workplaces Tattoo Policies
  • Military.
  • Airlines.
  • Medical Professionals.
  • Actors.
  • Teachers/Educators.
  • Law Enforcement.
  • Corporate.
  • Legal.

Can nurses do stitches?

Here are the types of nurses who are typically trained to suture: Nurse Practitioners (NPs): Advanced practice nurses, such as NPs, often receive training in suturing as part of their education and clinical practice. They can perform minor surgical procedures, including suturing wounds.

Can nurses have long nails?

To maintain proper hand hygiene and comply with regulations, nurses should follow these guidelines: Keep nails short: Trim nails regularly, keeping them no longer than 1/4 inch beyond the fingertip. Avoid artificial nails: This includes acrylics, gels, and dip powder manicures.

Can nurses have facial hair?

With those exceptions, a man's beard is no different than a woman's hair and should be groomed, maintained and not get in the way of providing quality nursing care.

Is it hard to get a job with a face tattoo?

Depends on the job and location really. They're not as vilified, but some people still consider them... less then flattering. Honestly, If you're not your own Boss, I wouldnt recommend visible tattoos on the neck, face, and hand.

What type of tattoo is always permitted in healthcare?

Tattoos that are decorative, non-offensive, and placed in less visible areas are generally always permitted.

What tattoos can nurses not have?

Some Common Body Art Policies For Nurses:
  • Must cover up any tattoo completely with long sleeves or bandages.
  • No tattoos above the collar or below the elbow allowed.
  • No visible tattoos when wearing scrubs.
  • Large or offensive imagery must be concealed.

Can you get an eyebrow tattoo while breastfeeding?

The general recommendation is that you should not get a tattoo while pregnant or breastfeeding. However, there is little research available and nothing reporting a bad outcome to a baby after their mother got a tattoo. There is a very low risk of any tattoo ink passing to the baby through the breast milk.

Is tattoo a problem for nurses?

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.

Can you wear your hair down as a nurse?

Nurses wearing hair up and out of the face may be seen as outdated, but proponents say keeping hair up is an evidence-based practice that contributes to infection prevention and optimal patient outcomes.

Are nurses allowed eyelashes?

Nurses allowed to wear false eyelashes, facial piercings and display their tattoos after an NHS trust update uniform policy.

Do nurses wear bras?

What Bras Do Nurses Wear? When working a long shift, it's not only important – but necessary – to wear garments that will allow you to be comfortable and feel supported while constantly on the move. This includes shoes, clothing, and what you wear under scrubs, bra included.

What is the best color for nurses?

Registered nurses and general medical staff commonly wear royal blue scrubs. Blue exudes a sense of trust and reliability, making it a popular choice for those in direct patient care roles. It also reflects a calm and reassuring presence. Aqua scrubs are one of the most popular colors of scrubs for nurses.

Is there a symbol for nurses?

The caduceus is sometimes called a nurse symbol. Nurses commonly wear the caduceus as a badge pin, but they're not the only group that uses it. And while you've probably seen this emblem before, you may not know its history or significance. Another common symbol in nursing is the lamp of learning.

Do nursing schools care about tattoos?

Currently, body art policies are up to nursing schools and hospitals. Some facilities make you cover up your tattoos with long-sleeved shirts and remove piercings altogether. Other institutions may allow tattoos, but only on specific areas of the body. Nursing schools tend to be less lenient when it comes to body art.

Previous article
Is vitamin A A toxin?
Next article
Why does my skinny 13 year old have stretch marks?