Tattoos in Nursing

Abstract

Tattoos have become increasingly popular in the U.S. among the general population. Furthermore, the popularity of body art, primarily tattoos, among nursing students generates issues about professionalism in academics and in clinical settings. Nursing faculty are faced with conflicting views on cultural awareness, professionalism, and self-expression. With nursing viewed as one of the most trusted professions, the policy of covering tattoos should be discussed, and more research is necessary.

An Integrative Review of Body Art in Nursing

“…Empirical studies included 7 US survey studies,22–28 an online observational study from Sweden,19 and a bacteriological study from Japan 29. Nonresearch articles consisted of 4 letters to the editor9,12,20,30 and 6 commentary and opinion pieces 11,18,31–33. Other nonresearch articles included 2 case studies,8,16 a legal commentary,34 2 specific to nursing issues,10,17 and an editorial 35.…”

“…Eriksson et al19 identified personal meaning as an important concept, as well as a need to develop an understanding of body art in nursing research and practice. The consideration of personal meaning behind body art was a predominant subtheme in nonresearch literature tied to level of acceptability 8,16–18,20,30,33,37. EBP considerations discussed the need for unbiased nursing for those with body art and reciprocation for nurses who have tattoos and piercings 37.…”

“…There is no correlation between visible tattoos and quality of patient care 16,17. Dress code policies should reflect a balance between professionalism and a freedom of self-expression18 as tattoos can have deep personal meaning and can be a form of personal or even professional expression, with nursing-themed tattoos becoming increasingly popular 19,20…”

Stavovi medicinskih sestara i pacijenata o vidljivim tetovažama

“…provedenom na studentima sestrinstva posjedovanje tetovaže predstavlja probleme u akademskim ustanovama, ali i u klinikama. Zaključci istraživanja isto tako navode preporuke studentima sestrinstva za prekrivanje vidljivih tetovaža [13].…”

Erasing the stigma: tattoos in the medical workforce

“…A 2018 study found that both medical students and doctors sometimes perceive visible tattoos as deterring from a doctor’s professionalism 1. Numerous respondents in a 2019 survey of nurses reported that despite the positive patient-professional connections they forged with the help of their tattoos, their workplace had a “no visible body art” policy because of concerns about professionalism 2. One nurse specifically highlighted the need for healthcare professionals to support each other more and introduce policy changes to protect professionals’ right to self-expression.…”