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.
Yes, you absolutely can have tattoos if you work in the healthcare industry.
Most hospitals in Australia allow tattoos if they're not offensive, but visible ink especially on the neck, hands, or face may need to be covered during clinical placements or shifts.
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.
Having a visible tattoo can prevent you from furthering your career with the government or even beginning one. Many agencies cite professional standards and require their employees or agents to have no visible tattoos.
Much like the teaching industry, doctors are allowed to have tattoos, but there are some considerations to remember. For example, maintaining a professional image is extremely important in the medical field.
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.
It is suggested that mothers wait at least until 9-12 months after birth, when the child is no longer dependent solely on breastmilk before getting a tattoo. Reputable tattoo artists will have a waiver for the client to sign that asks about pregnancy and breastfeeding.
A few years back, this might have been unthinkable. However, today, it's becoming a common sight in many healthcare settings. According to a 2021 study, over 30% of healthcare workers under 40 have at least one tattoo.
It has been noted that physical appearance is not a protected attribute under the Fair Work Act. However, you can actually be accused of racially discriminating against your employee under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) if you require employees to cover up tattoos that are an expression of their: Race.
For nurses, it is especially important to consider visibility since many organizations will ask you to keep tattoos covered. So, consider smaller designs and areas like your ankle, foot, upper arm, or other places that will be covered by your uniform.
The best way to ensure healthcare workers' hands are correctly and effectively cleaned is to be Bare Below the Elbows. This means that healthcare workers should not be wearing any clothing, jewellery, false or embellished nails, nail polish, or items such as splints, from the elbow down to the fingertips.
Common visible tattoos can be on the head, neck, forearms and hands.
Long sleeved garments should be removed or where these cannot be removed sleeves must be rolled up to the elbow. On wards where trust issued fleeces are worn these must be pushed up to the elbow. Longer sleeves must not be loose or dangling.
You can work as a pediatric nurse if you have tattoos, but you will have to cover them up in many places with bandages or a uniform. However, if you have tattoos, asking about policies and regulations when starting a new job, as is the case with education in pediatric nursing schools, may be beneficial.
Key takeaways: Tattoos are generally accepted in the nursing profession, with no federal laws prohibiting them. Workplace policies vary, so it's essential to check with your employer regarding visible tattoos. Offensive tattoos must be concealed, and visible body piercings may also need to be removed or covered.
Visible tattoos, especially those that are large or in prominent locations, might be perceived as unprofessional by some patients or colleagues. Patient Comfort: Some patients, especially those from older generations or conservative cultures, may feel uncomfortable or intimidated by visible tattoos.
The main concern with getting a tattoo during pregnancy is the risk of contracting an infection, such as Hepatitis B and HIV. Although the risk is small, it is recommended that you wait to get a tattoo until after your baby is born.
Workplaces Tattoo Policies
Most tattoo artists will not knowingly tattoo a pregnant or nursing mother out of an abundance of caution. If you're a nursing mom, the La Leche League recommends you wait until your baby is 9 to 12 months old and not wholly dependent on breast milk before you get a new tattoo.
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 Nurses & Medical Professionals Have Tattoos? It depends! There are no official rules or regulations on whether or not nurses in Australia can have tattoos. Regulations are in the hands of the facility and their individual policies on tattoos in the healthcare industry.
Tattoo hourly rates typically range from $80 to over $300 per hour depending on location, artist reputation, specialization, and demand. In this context, $200 per hour sits comfortably in the mid-to-upper professional range rather than the extreme high end.