muscleheadx4 said:

to cdnurse: you sound like one of the old bats I had as nursing instructors at school who told me several times a week they would never hire me and if up to them they would boot me out of the nursing program, well I've been in the job market 12 years never been told I can't work and it has never hindered my getting a job its about the job you do not the color or whats on your skin. Oh by the way I'm I guy and I also took alot of crap about that as well from those same old stuck in the mud nurses and I suspect male nurses probably anger you too.

Where I work alot of people have tatoos but cover them up with long sleeves or higher collars. In this day and age most people have them so don't worry.

Oh piercings........remember everyone this was over 30 years ago and it was NOt FASHIONABLE then, when I saw my first multiple piercings, through the nipples, OUCH!!!!!!!, through the foreskin......makes me shudder and I'm not physically equipped this way. I had trouble with getting my ears pierced, I couldn't imagine piercing my nipples. Come to think of it, I still can't imagine piercing my nipples, not in this life time

vickie: excellent post. thank you. very professional, tactful and to the point.

Hi all, I'm new to the list, and new to the profession. I am working on nursing as a second profession. I am a clinical social worker in my first trade. I will share that I do have a tattoo. I got it in my early 20's, and of course, it is still here ;-) I might get another at some point, as I like the art form, and personal expression. I am very big on cultural study and anthropology, and tattooing is a large part of multiple cultures. On the other hand, I've also chosen to be a professional healthcare provider, which does require professionalism.

I have much respect for the art of professionalism - for the benefit of the patient. Thus, I have my tattoo in a discreet place, and keep my tat covered during service. The tattoo has helped me connect with a few patients, who had artwork done themselves. As a rule, though, I try to keep it down to business, and maintain a conservative appearance.

I also respect the opinions of those who do not like tattoos. No person is wrong for having a subjective opinion. I simply ask you to try not to categorize me as just one of the tattooed ones. I am a total person with much depth, like everyone else on this list. I doubt any would do that however, as I see many of the posters seeking to get to know others as individuals. In addition, I see some great qualities among posters.

One piece I would like to recognize is the passion I see on this discussion board! I see that most of you convey a love for this profession, and for the well-being of the patient. I am all over those concepts! Thank you all for your openness and sharing! I look forward to further discussion and learning from each of you!

Who knew that this topic could generate such a multitude of mature and unmistakibly underminded response(1). SOOOO>>>> i would like to thank the starter of this topic because it is important as humans to understand the difference of opinions and how to act mature and decisive when responding to one who views differently than we do. Its what I like to call "POSITIVE REINFORCEMENTS", and CD: YOU KNOW I GOT UR BACK GIRL>>>SHOOT--WHO WOULDN't!!!

I can sense another onslaught of protests are going to happen. I love this thread

Here we go again!

squirmals said:

I like tasteful tattoos, the art fascinates me. I had mine put in places that could be covered when I wanted and shown when appropriate. I got a butterfly put on my left breast. When I had it done I was wearing a GOOD push up bra. That night when I got home and got ready for bed the pretty butterfly turned into a long, skinny caterpillar.

muslehead, cd is one of the best, and sweetest people on here, and I don't think that you should call someone a "stuck in the mud nurse" if you have only read this thread. Many people have different perceptions on men as nurses, or nurses with tattoos. I myself have a brother-in-law (through marriage) that is a nurse, and he is a real stick in the mud, but anyway. I believe that the way you "attacked" cd needs to be apologized for.

musclehead: there are all kinds of people on this site with varied interests and views. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but most of us are not so rude about it. Having different opinions here on this site is what makes it so interesting. You can express your views without attacking someone else. We welcome all types of people to this site, being rude may be the one exception. As for cnurse, I don't agree with her on this issue but I will defend her right to express her point of view. As for those "old bats" who taught you in nursing school-they got you where you are today. Everyone has a place in this world, even "old bats". Don't be so quick to criticize, especially when you know absolutely nothing about the person you are critizing.

This is great thread. Everyone (almost) has great ideas and convincing data to back up their arguments. I too am an old - old fashion nurse. Lots of things make statements and have been excluded from the dress code for the nurses. We are not supposed to proclaim our politics, religion or biases on our patients. There was a time no jewelry could be worn except your wedding ring. Nurses could not wear pants. Nurses were discouraged from wearing crosses or other religious proclamations. Nursing is evolving. I am sure that eventually tats will be accepted too! But policial statements are another thing. I would find it very difficult to be cared for by someone with swatikas on their body. My opinion and am entitled to it. to Musclehead I have worked along side men for many, many years. read the posts they have said it all. CD thanks for being my friend

Sandy: I will never, ever accept the Swastika tattos.

Hahaha, as for the butterfly breast tattoo, I laughed so hard! I remember going in to get a large sacred heart design (it says, "And so long as there are scars on my body, nothing can hurt me" in Hiberno-Latin... written by St. Brigid of Kildare, who is my saint. Apparently when the Romans came to check out the Irish convents/monasteries, they were shocked because the nuns and monks had tattoos!) on my back, and the artist kept trying to talk me into getting it on my lower-back. After about ten minutes of bickering, I go, "LISTEN, LADY! Someday I'm going to have a big!fat!ass! and I don't want my nice little design getting all stretched out!" That was pretty funny. I also have a nurse friend who got a little shamrock on her belly that didn't quite hold up to the rigors of pregnancy....

But yes, I do think that as time goes on and the art form gets more culturally accepted, the psychology behind them changes. Not only are there so many different viewpoints from tattooed people as well as non-tattooed people, there are many different reasons for having them in the first place. Intimidation? Tribal/gang loyalty? Commemoration/memorial? Empowerment? Fashion? It really can't be pegged, and is best to just skirt the question altogether while in a professional setting.

BTW, of course everyone has cd's back. She's the den mother of nursing-link, and thereby the best :)

the den mother??? Shcuks