Can you get a job as a nurse with a hand tattoo?

Author: Aron Wolff  |  Last update: Thursday, June 5, 2025

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.

Can you be a nurse with a hand tattoo?

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

Will jobs hire you if you have a hand tattoo?

Yes. Hand tattoos are definitely still job stoppers and will be for years to come. I say this as a successful guy with hand and neck tattoos. If I wanted to change careers my choices would be limited.

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.

What jobs can you not get if you have a hand tattoo?

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.

What Are Job Stopper Tattoos?

Is a hand tattoo a job stopper?

Face and hand tattoos are often referred to as “job stoppers” because they can keep people from getting high-paying corporate jobs. This is one reason a lot of tattoo artists will refuse to give these tattoos to young people who do not yet have an established career.

Are hand tattoos unprofessional in healthcare?

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.

Do nurses with tattoos get hired?

If you happen to be working in health care as a registered nurse (RN), you may be wondering if having a tattoo is a barrier to getting hired. The short answer? No.

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 I work after a hand tattoo?

Keep your new tattoo covered if working in a dirty or dusty environment, clothing and cream is sufficient. Avoid rubber gloves for a week or two if possible for hand / wrist tattoos. Those who work with their hands and desire hand tattoos should ideally plan 2-3 days off work.

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 get a government job with a hand tattoo?

Whether hand tattoos would adversely affect your advancement in the federal government is entirely up to whomever is your supervisor. Officially, there isn't a dress code so long as your position isn't in the public eye.

Does nursing school care about tattoos?

Can Nurses Have Tattoos? There is no universal policy concerning body art in the nursing profession. The same applies to nursing students.

How to cover hand tattoos for work?

Do you need to cover up or temporarily hide tattoos on your hands? Our new Light Skin Tone Finger-less Gloves are perfect for helping you cover up a tattoo at work or school. They are a nylon/spandex blend and will also provide mild compression depending on the size of your hands.

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 you be denied a job for 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 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 have hand tattoos as a travel 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.

Can you become a nurse with a hand tattoo?

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.

Will I not get a job if I have a hand tattoo?

Depending on the company you are seeking to have a career at and how conservative their policies are, hand and finger tattoos are not immediately written off as a reason for someone not to hire you. However, that is not to say that they are accepted everywhere.

Why are hand tattoos not recommended?

NOTE: Hand, finger & foot tattoos are NOT recommended and NOT guaranteed. They fade quickly (within days/weeks/months) due to the nature of your skin. Hands/feet always interact with other objects. Rubbing against anything will cause it to fade.

Does insurance pay for tattoo removal?

Does insurance cover tattoo removal? No. Since tattoo removal is considered cosmetic surgery, you can't get insurance coverage or use FSA or HSA funds to pay for the procedure.

How much is it to remove a 6 inch tattoo?

Across the United States, laser tattoo removal cost can range between $200 to $500 per removal treatment, which usually varies based on factors like tattoo size. At Removery, we also offer the option to pay-per-session and the average cost per removal session is $175 to $600, depending on the size of the tattoo.

Can tattoos be 100% removed?

It is difficult to give a one-size-fits-all answer to this often asked question, but broadly speaking, yes a tattoo can be 100% removed so long as your immune system is working effectively and you follow our sun-safe aftercare guidelines.

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