Can nurses work with tattoos?

Author: Prof. Eloisa Fahey II  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 4, 2025

So whether you were young and got a wild wrist tattoo on a whim or made a conscious decision to get a full-sleeve tattoo, take a sigh of relief because there is no law that prohibits tattoos on nurses.

Is it okay to have tattoos as a nurse?

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

Can you get a job 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.

What are registered nurses not allowed to do?

For example, nurses must refrain from openly discussing — verbally or in writing — patients' care with those who do not have a right of access to it. This includes maintaining confidentiality in the presence of other nursing colleagues and healthcare providers as well.

Can care workers have tattoos?

There are currently no workplace-specific laws surrounding tattoos, visible or otherwise. Therefore, it is it is possible for an employer to reject a job applicant purely because they have a tattoo.

Can I Have Tattoos and Be a Nurse?

What jobs have no tattoo policy?

Here's a short list of some of the most common employers that either don't allow tattoos or ask you to cover them up at work:
  • Healthcare Professionals. ...
  • Police Officers and Law Enforcement. ...
  • Law Firms. ...
  • Administrative Assistants and Receptionists. ...
  • Financial Institutions and Banks. ...
  • Teachers. ...
  • Hotels / Resorts. ...
  • Government.

Are tattoos not allowed in healthcare?

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.

What disqualifies you from being a registered nurse?

The California Board of Registered Nursing reviews criminal convictions on a case-by-case basis. However, sex offenses, violent crimes, failing to follow reporting requirements, and fraud may prevent a candidate from working as a nurse in the state.

What are the three things an RN cannot delegate?

Registered nurse delegators shall not delegate the following care tasks:
  • Administration of medications by injection (by intramuscular, intradermal, subcutaneous, intraosseous, intravenous, or otherwise) with the exception of insulin injections.
  • Sterile procedures.
  • Central line maintenance.

How can an RN lose their license?

The California Board of Registered Nurses may revoke the license of any nurse convicted of the following crimes:
  1. Physical or sexual abuse.
  2. Child abuse or elder abuse.
  3. Domestic violence.
  4. Felony DUI or drug offenses.
  5. Fraud or identity theft.
  6. Most felony crimes.
  7. Any violent crime.

Can you be denied a job because of tattoos?

Yes, California employers can ask employees to cover tattoos and piercings. Employers can even refuse to hire potential employees with tattoos or piercings.

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.

Can you have piercings as a nurse?

The short answer is yes, but the policies of the facility you work in may vary. Some hospitals and agencies may require you to cover up tattoos and remove piercings, while others may be more lenient. However, it's important to note that tattoos and piercings must not be offensive, derogatory, or obscene.

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 nurses have acrylic nails?

Avoid artificial nails: This includes acrylics, gels, and dip powder manicures. Skip nail polish: Chipped nail polish can harbor bacteria.

Can teachers have tattoos?

There is no law forbidding teachers from having tattoos. However, there is also no legislation protecting inked educators from discrimination. Each school district or private institution has the right to set its own dress code policies. Tattoos fall within that code of conduct.

What can RN do that LPN can't?

In all situations, RNs have a broader scope of practice than LPNs. Generally speaking, only RNs provide initial assessments. Therefore, an RN must perform all tasks that require close monitoring and frequent assessment, such as initiating blood products, the first round of antibiotics, and initial patient assessments.

Can CNA do finger sticks?

The CNA specialist helps residents live independently longer and avoid the need for entering a nursing home. Numerous states now allow CNAs to be specially trained and pass medications, perform finger sticks, collect lab specimens and insert urinary catheters.

What are 5 conditions that must be met for nurse delegation?

Five Rights of Delegation
  • Right task.
  • Right circumstance.
  • Right person.
  • Right supervision.
  • Right direction and communication[1]

What stops you from being a nurse?

Further, the following criminal convictions can prevent you from getting a nursing license no matter how far back the case occurred: a serious offense (such as murder, rape, or grand theft), or. a sex offense that requires Tier II or Tier III sex offender registration.

How far back does a nursing background check go?

How far back a nursing background check goes depends on the type of screening and local laws. Generally, most criminal background checks cover at least seven to ten years.

How many times can you fail RN test?

Individuals who fail the NCLEX must wait 45 days between tests, which means they can take a maximum of eight tests per year. However, there's no limit to the number of retests overall.

Can I be a nurse with tattoos?

So whether you were young and got a wild wrist tattoo on a whim or made a conscious decision to get a full-sleeve tattoo, take a sigh of relief because there is no law that prohibits tattoos on nurses.

What jobs prohibit tattoos?

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

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.

Previous article
What is the best order to steam a sauna?
Next article
What color tattoos heal the best?