Cover-up policies: Many healthcare facilities, particularly hospitals, have policies requiring healthcare workers with visible tattoos to cover them while on duty. This often means wearing long sleeves, pants, or makeup to conceal tattoos.
Yes, you absolutely can have tattoos if you work in the healthcare industry.
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.
In reality? None. The three traditional ``professions'' are law, medicine and clergy. Visible tattoos are frowned upon in all three although likely more accepted in ministry than law or medicine in the 21st century in the US. True professions remain more conservative about appearance than other career fields.
The employer can refuse to hire you for any reason except your race, sex, age (40+), religion, national origin, or disability. Not hiring someone for having a tattoo is perfectly legal.
Some experts recommend that appearance should be appropriate for the patient population, and this can be considered. Although patients may not mind a resident's or fellow's tattoos, the same may not be said for attendings, as medicine has historically been a conservative profession.
Can I Be Fired for Having a Tattoo? An employer is generally free to maintain a policy prohibiting employees from displaying tattoos at work. That means in most circumstances, your employer can discipline or even fire you for displaying a tattoo.
Tattoos that are decorative, non-offensive, and placed in less visible areas are generally always permitted.
Tattoos are often completely acceptable in many professional settings, including some positions in the medical and legal fields. As the stigma surrounding body art fades, you may notice more professionals with tattoos. These days, it's not uncommon to see tattooed lawyers, nurses, doctors and teachers.
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.
If you have trouble obtaining any of the items, contact the EMT Coordinator. Visible tattoos (arms, hands, legs, neck, etc.) must be covered at all times while wearing the EMT uniform.
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.
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.
Some higher-level administrative or managerial roles require maintaining a certain image that aligns with the facility's branding and professional standards. However, this varies widely by institution. Specialty Areas: Some nursing specialties might be more accepting of visible tattoos than others.
You can have tattoos for sure but it is something your patients may frown on. You do have to think about how you present yourself to patients even if there isn't a specific restriction.
Common Policies for Tattoos in the Medical Field
Visible tattoos must be covered up by long sleeve scrubs, medical tape, or makeup. Small, tasteful visible tattoos may be considered, but employers have the last say on whether or not said visible tattoos are allowed.
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.
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. They usually do this to maintain a professional appearance and avoid distractions and potential patient discomfort.
The military, law enforcement and law firms still often enforce strict dress codes that restrict tattoos and piercings. Other employers may also have policies that prohibit them, so be sure to check with specific employers if you have any concerns.
Most people with tattoos can donate blood as long as they don't have risk factors that prohibit or limit blood donation, and if they got a tattoo at a state regulated facility. In the U.S. you have to wait 3 months to donate if the tattoo was from a state that does not regulate tattoo facilities.
Simply ask, "Is it okay to have facial piercings or visible tattoos at work?" This demonstrates honesty and allows the employer to assess your fit within their company culture.
Yes, California employers can ask employees to cover tattoos and piercings. Employers can even refuse to hire potential employees with tattoos or piercings.
Are tattoos and piercings acceptable in the workplace? Depends on the job! Most industries are accepting tattoos in the workplace but industries such as the military and airlines have limitations on visible tattoos (hands, neck, & face).