Can surgical nurses have tattoos?

Author: Prof. Barbara Mertz  |  Last update: Monday, November 24, 2025

It depends! The American Nurses Association has no official rules or regulations on whether it is acceptable for nurses to have tattoos. Regulations are in the hands of the facility and their individual policies on tattoos in the healthcare industry.

Is it unprofessional for nurses to have tattoos?

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

Can I have tattoos as a surgical tech?

where exactly is it? The only concern should be if it's anywhere from 2 inches above the elbow and below. An open wounds (which bleed) shouldn't be scrubbed or near the surgical site. Only wounds that are not actively open, like papercuts, can be sealed with 'glue' or tagederms whereas tattoos can not.

Can you be a nurse if you have 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.

Can I work in the medical field with tattoos?

Yes, individuals with tattoos can work as nurses or physicians. Most healthcare facilities do not have strict policies against visible tattoos, but acceptance varies by institution and culture.

Can I Have Tattoos and Be a Nurse?

Which field does not allow tattoos?

Healthcare Professionals

More traditional ear piercings are usually accepted, but large tattoos may present problems in being hired to work in certain hospitals or clinics. Tattoos are usually restricted in this field because most healthcare professionals deal directly with patients.

Can you be a surgeon with tattoos?

Probably, yes. Dr. Dav Ora, a graduate from Columbia University Medical Centre, quotes,” Just because I have tattoos does not mean I don't know how to save patient lives.” According to him, getting tattooed is not a big deal.

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 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 head tattoos?

No universal rule applies to all nurses, and policies may differ from one institution to another. Some healthcare facilities, especially hospitals and clinics with more conservative dress codes, may have policies requiring nurses to cover visible tattoos, especially those on the hands, neck, or face.

Can an RN be a surgical tech?

Some registered nurses, or RNs, also support surgical teams, while others work in different areas of healthcare, including emergency care, oncology, and primary care. Both surgical techs and RNs have the training to make a significant impact in healthcare, but their scope of work and career opportunities are different.

Can a radiologist have tattoos?

Although radiation hazards exist in this occupation, they are minimized by the use of protective lead aprons, gloves, and other shielding devices, and by badges that monitor exposure to radiation. Can Radiologic Technologists Have Tattoos? Yes, but they should keep them covered with a long sleeve shirt or lab coat.

Are surgical techs allowed to have piercings?

Visible body piercing is not allowed during lab or at clinical. Tongue piercing is not allowed during lab or at clinical. Tongue jewelry must be removed.

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.

What is unprofessional in nursing?

Examples of unprofessional conduct cited in the State's Nursing Code include “failing to take appropriate action to safeguard a patient from incompetent, unethical, or illegal health care practice,” and “failing to take appropriate action or to follow policies and procedures in the practice situation designed to ...

What are unprofessional tattoos?

If the content of a tattoo is racist, homophobic, or problematic in some way, this is a different story. Problematic tattoos can be revealing about a person's character. They show employers what values or beliefs they might bring to a workplace.

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.

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 nurses have a lot of tattoos?

Tattoos are a personal choice, but they must be considered in the context of patient care and workplace policies. Nurses may need to adapt their appearance based on employer requirements. This could involve covering them during work hours or choosing less conspicuous locations for new ones.

Can a RN do Botox?

Who may inject Botox? Physicians may inject Botox, or they may direct registered nurses or physician assistants to perform the injection under their supervision. No unlicensed persons, such as medical assistants, may inject Botox.

How do I get my license to remove tattoos?

In many states, performing laser tattoo removal typically requires certification as a laser technician or laser operator. These certifications often involve completing a training program that covers laser safety, skin anatomy, tattoo removal techniques, and proper equipment operation.

Do surgeons try to avoid tattoos?

Tattoos can interfere with surgical planning in many ways, so surgeons need to be adaptable. According to a 2009 study, 79% of surgeons encountered tattoos at proposed incision sites with 61% preferring to relocate the incision site in order to preserve the tattoo.

Does Mayo Clinic allow tattoos?

"Tattoos may be visible if the images or words do not convey violence, discrimination, profanity or sexually explicit content. Tattoos containing such messages must be covered with bandages, clothing, or cosmetics.

Can I be a lawyer with tattoos?

Lawyers are not, say, lifeguards. They don't expose a lot of skin. And just about all of the advice we saw on the internet said lawyers can definitely rock a tat — just make sure it's not exposed.

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