Is it unprofessional for nurses to have tattoos?

Author: Prof. Rudy Vandervort DDS  |  Last update: Friday, June 20, 2025

Oftentimes, if visible, tattoos can be viewed as unprofessional and might impact a job candidate's chances of being hired.

Is it okay to have tattoos as a nurse?

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

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.

What are tattoos considered unprofessional?

A face tattoo or neck tattoo is usually inappropriate at almost any office, whereas a forearm or back tattoo isn't that important unless it's distracting or offensive in nature. I would avoid anything gruesome, gory, or containing naked people or profanity.

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 I Have Tattoos and Be a Nurse?

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.

What type of tattoo is always permitted in health care?

Tattoos that are decorative, non-offensive, and placed in less visible areas are generally always permitted.

Can I be fired for my tattoos?

An employee in California can be fired for their hair color, tattoos, or piercings if an employer has a legitimate business reason for enforcing a dress code or grooming policy that prohibits these traits.

Do employers look down on tattoos?

Tattoos are generally accepted in the workplace as long as they're not offensive, unprofessional or distracting. However, visible tattoos may not be appropriate for every profession. Even if your company allows body art, you may find that customers or coworkers discriminate against tattooed employees.

Can a job tell you you can't have tattoos?

Can You Be Fired For Having A Tattoo In California? Unfortunately, tattoos fall under employment dress codes. As employers have the right to impose dress codes, they can set grooming and appearance policies at work. This means they can choose not to hire individuals with visible tattoos or ask them to cover up.

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 should nurses avoid?

Skipping hand hygiene and overlooking medication errors can seriously affect patient safety. Nurses must adhere to hygiene protocols and double-check medication administration to avoid these issues.

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.

Can I get a tattoo while nursing?

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.

Do healthcare jobs care about tattoos?

Even tattoos on arms can be covered by wearing long sleeves underneath scrubs. Tattoos that are more visible are more questionable. As long as the tattoo is not offensive, vulgar, or profane, it is generally acceptable.

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.

Can nurses have tattoos?

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.

Can you get denied a job because of tattoos?

However, it is important to know that every employer has the right to establish and enforce a dress code, and tattoos and body piercings fit under that umbrella. Currently, United States discrimination laws do not reference tattoos.

Should I tell my employer I have tattoos?

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.

Can I be fired for dying my hair?

Answer: Yes. Non-natural hair color is not a protected characteristic. Even so, there are a few things you may want to consider before making a policy about this: Extreme” hair colors are becoming more and more common, so restricting colors may dampen employee morale or limit your applicant pool.

Can you lose a job because of a tattoo?

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.

Does having tattoos make you unprofessional?

Some tattoos will not harm a person's profession. Indeed, many tattooed persons consider their tattoos significantly related to their career choice. A tattoo doesn't make you less eligible for a job than those without one. A tattoo doesn't make someone an evil or harmful individual.

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

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.

What are basic tattoos to avoid?

If you don't want to regret your body art, read this list of tattoos that you should never get.
  • White Ink Tattoos. White ink tattoos are the latest trend. ...
  • Face Tattoos. ...
  • Partner's Name. ...
  • A Cheap Tattoo. ...
  • Any Tattoo While Intoxicated. ...
  • An Offensive Tattoo. ...
  • What to Do If You Don't Like Your Tattoo.

What color scrubs do Ma's wear?

Health care facilities tend to mandate scrubs of certain colors so positions can be quickly identified. In general, medical assistants wear dark blue scrubs to distinguish them from doctors (who wear light blue or light green scrubs) and nurses (who wear burgundy scrubs).

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