Is it okay to have tattoos as a nurse?

Author: Vallie Lockman  |  Last update: Thursday, January 8, 2026

As mentioned above, there is no rule concerning tattoos on nurses by the American Nursing Association (ANA). What's more, these days, many medical facilities will allow small tattoos on nurses to be visible.

Is it unprofessional for nurses to have tattoos?

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

Can I be a nurse with tattoos?

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.

What tattoos aren't allowed in nursing?

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.

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 Have Tattoos and Be a Nurse?

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 RN have 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 jobs can you not have tattoos?

Careers and No Visible Tattoos
  • Healthcare Professionals. Many hospitals and medical offices require some piercings and tattoos be removed or covered. ...
  • Police Officers and Law Enforcement. ...
  • Law Firms. ...
  • Administrative Assistants and Receptionists. ...
  • Financial Institutions and Banks. ...
  • Teachers. ...
  • Hotels / Resorts. ...
  • Government.

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 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 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 you have tattoos as a mental health nurse?

Visible tattoos are okay with us as long as they're not profane or offensive, in which case you'll have to use a tattoo cover product. Some NHS Trust partners might have their own rules though so you'll have to abide by those.

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.

Is it hard to get a job as a nurse with tattoos?

Now most employers are open to the idea of nurses having tattoos. That's because, even in the medical field, employers may view an individual's tattoo as a form of self-expression and individuality. With that said, if you are a nurse with a tattoo, make sure you consider your workplace's rules regarding tattoos.

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 ...

Can you be a nurse with a lot of tattoos?

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.

What nail shape is best for nurses?

Round nails follow the natural nail contour and are short and tidy. They're unlikely to chip, making them great for busy hands—perfect for parents, nurses, or anyone typing all day.

Why can't nurses wear gel polish?

Current policy prohibiting the use of methyl acrylate (UV hardened) gel nails may be based on the concern that as nails grow out, this creates a crack in the subungual space that may reduce the effectiveness of hand hygiene and pose an infection risk for patients.

Can you wear jewelry as a nurse?

Confused patients can pull on dangling jewelry and cause injury, so be sure to avoid necklaces and wear post earrings. Do not wear bracelets. They can touch and contaminate wounds or supplies that must be kept sterile or clean. Generally, a watch, wedding band and simple post earrings are acceptable.

Can jobs reject you because of tattoos?

Currently, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects employees and job applicants from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin, but does not yet prohibit discrimination based on tattoos or other forms of body art.

Why do people look down on tattoos?

In the modern era, tattoos began to be seen as taboo. This was largely due to their association with gangs and criminals. Tattoos were seen as a way to identify someone as being part of a certain group, and they were often used to communicate criminal messages.

What are RNs not allowed to do?

RNs cannot: Make medical diagnoses. Certify the death of a patient. Prescribe medication (in most states)

Can travel nurses have tattoos?

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.

How many earrings can a nurse wear?

Care or clinical staff may wear a plain ring with no stones and one small pair of plain stud earrings. No wrist watches, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, or fitness bands are to be worn and these must be removed at the start of the working day or shift when providing patient care or in the patient environment.

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