Being a tattoo lover and trying to get into a PharmD program. Thoughts?

[romylove]

I currently have 7 tattoos (though some people would say 10), and while I have made sure to get them all in places easily concealed, I still worry about people seeing them at inopportune times.

For example, I have the nape of my neck tattooed. Nothing offensive, but I have a hibiscus, a heart surrounded by black stars, and a yellow star. I had to visit 3 tattoo parlors in order to find someone who would agree to even do it for me, as it can be a hindrance in seeking employment. My concealment is wearing my hair all or partially down. As long as I keep it shoulder length or so, this is not a problem.

I'm also working on having sleeves done. Not full, but a little more than half sleeves. This is easily concealed by most of the t-shirts that I own, as well as a long sleeved shirt, which is usually what I opt to wear to interviews. Again, nothing offensive. I have 2 literary quotes, some flowers, and a few bars of music.

I have several on my back as well, but seeing as I'd have to be wearing a very low cut shirt, tank top, etc. for people to see them, I don't consider this a problem. I wear t-shirts every day. This is particularly good, because these tattoos do have the potential to put people up in arms. Not that they're offensive, but most people wouldn't bother to listen to the true meaning of them before casting judgment. I once had a coworker tell me "In my country, they would kill you for that." So definitely not for everyone.

Basically, as long as I wear a half or long sleeved shirt and keep my hair down, no one will know unless I let them. But I do worry about how people will react when they find out later. The tattoos on my neck were not noticed until 3 months after I got them, and only then because I had put my hair up in a ponytail. I've had people in classes who've seen me 3-4 times a week ask me half way through the semester if I've always had tattoo X or if it was new. So I obviously do a pretty darn good job or keeping my ink under wraps.

I'm hoping to get an Early Decision interview for TTUHSC in October, so this is stressing me out quite a bit. I plan to wear appropriate interview attire (meaning long sleeves) and keep my hair down but contained, thus hiding the nape of my neck. I'm fairly confident that no one will see any of my many tattoos. But what about after that, if/when I get accepted to TTU or UT? I certainly can't wear my hair down every day. It tangles easily and all that hair gets quite hot. How should I deal with this when I want to put my hair up in a ponytail at the university? Anybody else here have ink in places that could be seen quite easily? What do you do?

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[AlPacino]

I worked with a pharmacist who had like 6 tattoos including two in his wrists. However he made sure to cover them up completely while at work dressing professionally. As long as they are concealed, I dont think you will have a problem.

 

[297point1]

Trust me...you are worrying about this way too much (so long as you don't have any tattoos like Mike Tyson or Charles Manson).

Keep 'em covered up at the interview, and you'll be fine.

 

[Pojman]

I think this is a sensitive issue, that involves personal feelings/opinions. Of course, we live in a society where we strive to progress toward a non-judgemental attitude toward people of different cultures (for lack of a better term I will consider it a cultural issue) - That does not mean that everyone will reserve judgement in this area.

I think, this depends totally on who you are talking to. I think the most important thing to do will be to initially conceal the tattoos, and simply do not make an issue of them.

Good luck! 🙂

 

[xtsukiyox]

I went to a Walgreens last Friday. The pharmacist, whose nametag said he'd been there for 10 years, was wearing a short-sleeved lab coat. He had full sleeves and some tattoos on his neck. This did not detract from my experience. (Gave me something to look at while he ran my insurance. 😛 😉 )

I second Pojman's advice - keep it covered during the interview / during first impressions (so, like, maybe the first week of each semester), then just don't make it an issue later. You might also need to cover up if the dress code is "professional" for any reason (guest speaker, or whatever). Rotations are going to be non-stop first impressions, so you might end up wearing your hair down a lot...

 

[Carboxide]

Be aware that health care IS a very conservative profession. If you get the half+ sleeve, you will not be able to wear short sleeves EVER in most places, even if it's 100 degrees and the air conditioning is broken. I work at a hospital and techs with tattoos MUST completely cover all tattoos at all times.

 

[confettiflyer]

Depends on the workplace and your relationship to it.

I would say cover up as much as possible during times of transition (ie any interview) and be selective while on rotation. I wouldn't worry at all while IN school/class.

Once at work, it's tricky. I've worked at places where tattoos were fine and interesting to everyone (even the managers), other places were like Carboxide's places of work.

Bottom line: cover up when you want something, relax when you have it, but exercise judgment.

 

[BenJammin]

You know I consider myself to be pretty left wing but I would never hire a lawyer, accountant, or doctor if they had visible tattoos. Sorry, just not a big fan.

 

[owlegrad]

Yeah, I think of myself as liberal, etc, but something about tattoos...I am just not a fan. But it won't hold you back in from being a pharmacist, just cover as necessary.

 

[confettiflyer]

i think tattoos look cool when you're 20-30, i just wonder what happens when you hit 50-60. not in a judging way, but times/bodies change through the decades.

 

[xXRAYNEXx]

Were u planning to be a rockstar before? Somebody is going to be offended and think of you less of a professional when they see it. I'd hate to always have to hide it.

Sent from my PC36100

 

[Indypharm]

More than just rockstars have tattoos. Someone is ALWAYS going to be offended. They'll be offended by how you wear your hair, how you dress, how you speak. Honestly, I bet it'll be less of an issue than you think. You said they can all be covered, I think you'll be fine. I know several pharmacists with tattoos. One is a hiring manager at Medco with tattoos on his forearms. Wrist to elbow. No one thinks less of him professionally, or he wouldn't have the position he has now. Just don't get any on your face. That would be an issue.

Were u planning to be a rockstar before? Somebody is going to be offended and think of you less of a professional when they see it. I'd hate to always have to hide it.

Sent from my PC36100

 

[scoobygrl79]

For example, I have the nape of my neck tattooed. Nothing offensive, but I have a hibiscus, a heart surrounded by black stars, and a yellow star. I had to visit 3 tattoo parlors in order to find someone who would agree to even do it for me

just curious, why did you have to go to 3 studios for this piece?

 

[KARM12]

Many employers have a policy that all tatoos must be covered while you are working. As long as you are able to follow that rule, it won't make a difference. Keep in mind that once you are working, you may not be able to pull your hair back.

 

[Corpseman]

i think tattoos look cool when you're 20-30, i just wonder what happens when you hit 50-60. not in a judging way, but times/bodies change through the decades.

You ever see a 60 year old's body, not much better than a tattoo on a 60 year old body.

 

[Corpseman]

just curious, why did you have to go to 3 studios for this piece?

Not speaking for that particular poster, but I know many tattoo artists will not tattoo from the neck up.

 

[romylove]

I've never planned on being a rockstar or on getting any tattoos that are not easy to conceal. My step dad was a tattoo artist and when I was a kid I always admired my mom's tattoos. With the exception of what I have on my back, I don't see how any one of them could be considered offensive. In fact, I am going to post a picture with all of my tattoos once I compile all the photos.

While I currently live in Texas, I plan to move back to the Pacific Northwest when I'm done with school, so heat should rarely if ever be a problem for me. My main problems are that I wear a ponytail and t-shirt 99% of the time. Though really no matter my choice of shirt, wearing a lab coat conceals everything except for the tattoos on my neck.

And scoobygrl79, Corpseman has it right. Pretty much unless you're already completely covered in tattoos, most artists won't tattoo anything above the neck or below the wrist because of the hurdles they can cause. I was... 20 when I got my neck tattooed. The first two places flat out refused to do it because of my age and the usual "you could regret it..." spiel. If I regret it, that's on me, not on them.

 

[romylove]

Okay, here we go:
Neck: Hibiscus, Heart, 13 stars.
Back: Angel wing, pentagram with infinite loop of leaves, bat/demon wing.
Left arm (below elbow): "Don't let one cloud obliterate the whole sky."
Right arm (below elbow): "Love cannot live where there is no trust."
Right arm (above elbow): Bars of music from "Your Guardian Angel."
Left arm (above elbow): Alternating Forget-Me-Nots and Tibouchina.

 

[Nelcovp]

Look at the bright side.... at least you can cover up those tattoos. This would be an entirely different conversation if you had those big hoop things that stretch your ears to your shoulders and a nose bone for an accent.

 

[romylove]

I would loooove to have my eyebrow pierced, but I know it would not go over well working at CVS, interviewing, doing rotations, or trying to get a job in general.

 

[scoobygrl79]

And scoobygrl79, Corpseman has it right. Pretty much unless you're already completely covered in tattoos, most artists won't tattoo anything above the neck or below the wrist because of the hurdles they can cause. I was... 20 when I got my neck tattooed. The first two places flat out refused to do it because of my age and the usual "you could regret it..." spiel. If I regret it, that's on me, not on them.

oh, okay. I never heard that. I have one in same spot (back of neck under hairline) but it was probably my 5th or 6th by then.
I think you are smart to be cautious about them. You should train yourself to constantly be aware of them at all times. Like Karm12 mentioned above, you may momentarily forget and sweep your hair back in a ponytail or something, then your cover is blown. You will be judged, we sort of knew it going in, however, you learn very fast just how bad. It's not just superiors you have to worry about, but many people may struggle with taking you serious or may question your capabilities, it's all unintentional and innocent enough, but still frustrating.
I still have friendships older than 5-10 yrs where the friends are still totally unaware. I have several on my back to where my back now looks like it is pretty close to be covered completely from shoulder to tailbone. There are also sprinkles that are outside my back(wrist, forearm, chest) that are covered constantly, if not with clothes, then really good camouflage cosmetics, even the occasional band-aid/bandages.
.http://www.sephora.com/browse/produ...I0RCNWWCV0KQRRHOQ?id=P259921&_requestid=73786. This one endorsed by Kat Von D is really really good with neutralizing darks and brights like black, red, to make it easier to cover with foundation makeup. It took a lot of practice but with enough, I am able to make them almost undetectable. At worst, if I'm rushed or sloppy, just looks like bruises. Overall, I have learned to be very careful. I have nearly waistlength hair and it is a pain that I cannot wear it up when I'm hiding them. I also have to make sure any professional shirts or blouses that are light colored are not thin fabrics that allow an outline to show through. The bed I made, I guess. 🙄 By your pics, you should not have much problems, good luck on an interview.

 

[scoobygrl79]

oops wait..this is it:

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P231113&categoryId=RPYMAL&shouldPaginate=

 

[bw6]

Though judging someone because of body art should not happen, the truth is that it does. While visible tattoos will not disqualify you, you have to realize that when choosing between two equally qualified applicants the one without tattoos will take preference. I would say keep the tattoos in locations where you can hide them when necessary.
I don't look down on people with tattoos but a lot of people (especially older or more conservative people) will respect you less or think you are somehow less qualified. Just keep them hidden when you need to and do what you love!

 

[scoobygrl79]

I still have friendships older than 5-10 yrs where the friends are still totally unaware

😎 haha..oh, I suppose even the dimmest of airheads would know better than to brag about how well she has hid her tatts from everyone for years, meanwhile sporting an avatar of herself in front of a well known building where all these acquaintances live,
but DAMN, I'm getting called out left and right now! Perfect example of how you should always practice what you preach since I rambled on about being so carefully discreet. Dang, this place gets around too, I would have never thought half of these people were on here...so for now on, I live life like EVERYONE is on SDN, my hairdresser, trash collector, mailman....everybody is a sdn lurking suspect!

 

[UES Girl]

😎 haha..oh, I suppose even the dimmest of airheads would know better than to brag about how well she has hid her tatts from everyone for years, meanwhile sporting an avatar of herself in front of a well known building where all these acquaintances live,
but DAMN, I'm getting called out left and right now! Perfect example of how you should always practice what you preach since I rambled on about being so carefully discreet. Dang, this place gets around too, I would have never thought half of these people were on here...so for now on, I live life like EVERYONE is on SDN, my hairdresser, trash collector, mailman....everybody is a sdn lurking suspect!

Just dont post any sex stories in the off threads on this forum so you classmates can creepishly wink at you and say:" oh, I know" and you'll be fine.

Op, I think you got your responses in this thread- go chase your dreams, pursue the career you want but be aware that even most " liberal" people ( no offense owlie I luv you to death but liberalism and tolerance dont always go hand in hand as you pointed out yourself ) will be and could be prejudiced against you. I grew up in SF, so I praise myself on my acccepting values and utter tolerancd towards everything and have friends with multiple tats because it is totally considered cool here. So that could translate to, where do you want to live and practice as a clinician ?

Depending on where you live you might get judged on it either mildly and none, or quite a lot

 

[romylove]

Pacific Northwest, Washington specifically.

 

[ttngu234]

Not sure why you would post any of this to share with everyone. First impressions are lasting impressions. As ideal as you may want society to be, it is a very conservative world, especially in healthcare.

Of course you see pharmacists/doctors with tattoos nowadays, but the difference is that they are well distinguished professionals and you are not (at least not yet). This is not a difficult question to answer, but you should at least know the world revolves on first impressions.

 

[xtsukiyox]

Not sure why you would post any of this to share with everyone. First impressions are lasting impressions.

And sharing is caring!

Seriously, though, I don't see the harm in posting in a relatively anonymous fashion... as long as you don't post a picture of yourself in front of a building all your friends know.

PS, I 'd scoobygrl79. You've got a good sense of humor.

 

[scoobygrl79]

Just dont post any sex stories in the off threads on this forum

Who has stories like THAT? Not me! And where can I find these posts on cold, lonesome nights? Oh, not for me, of course, I mean for a friend who wants to know! 😎
It's all good, everybody forgets. It helps that I can fake the girl with no tattoo look well, I'm in stockings, skirts/dresses, and mega heels 95% of the time. Don't fit the"typical" profile/stereotype.

scoobygrl79. You've got a good sense of humor.

Hands down, the best thing EVER anyone can say to me! 😀

 

[beargirl200308]

I think that you are worrying about this way too much. Yes the healthcare industry is very conservative but as long as u can hide it then its no big deal. I'm actually thinking of getting one on the back of my neck (which another pharmacists said that would be sexy) but I don't know what I want. I actually have someone in my masters program with me that has full sleeves and she does just fine. When we have to give presentations for the faculty or at a conferences she covers up and no one even knows the difference. She shows her sleeves in class but honestly no one cares and neither does the students that she teaches. I have a chem prof that has some tattoos on his fore arms and some piercings on his eyebrows which shows when he teaches but when he gives a presentation he covers up and takes out the hardware. I also have a prof that sits on my thesis committee have a nose ring in and she has little kids too! As long as you cover up when the occasion calls for it you should be fine.

I've seen a 60 yr old man w/ a tattoo and it looked the same as when he was 40. Saggy skin still looks ugly whether there's a tattoo there or not.

 

[PharmDoner]

Haha... I love this post! I several tattoos as well. The first few were concealed but my last one goes down my forearm up to my wrist. I got this during a time way before I ever thought I would be on the path of becoming a Pharmacist. The impression I have been under is that as long as I dress professionally during the job and do my best to keep it concealed then it will be fine. I think you will be fine as well. Regardless, I think tattoos are a lot more accepted than it use to be and many people either have at least one or know people who do.

 

[pharm B]

Honestly, I think you're going to be 100% fine as long as you keep them covered during "professional" scenarios. Anything that requires formal dress, etc. Even then, once you're a P2 or P3, well established, you can probably sport them a little more openly.

I wouldn't worry about it affecting your admissions. As far as hiring goes, I guess it all depends on the person hiring more than anything, especially since they're not outrageous or offensive.