Tattoos and Professionalism

[fallbackplan]

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At 23 years old, I know of very few people that do not have at least one tattoo. Many have more than one, myself included. As most of you know, once you get one tattoo, you crave to get more. Here's the problem...There is a 'stigma' associated with people who have visible tattoos and their lack of professionalism (not saying I agree with this, only there is a perceived correlation between the two things). As my tattoos (of right now) can be completely covered when working with patients on land, this will not be the case when working in the water, unless I wear some sort of wet-suit top...but who wants to do that?

I have scoured my school's Student Handbook (I will be a 1st year this fall) and it mentions nothing about body art other than piercings which are limited to one in each ear for both males and females. However, the guidelines on dress and professionalism are left rather vague, leading me to wonder what conclusion could be drawn from a conservative professor, or internship mentor.

When it comes to working in the field itself, I am not so worried, as I am sure I can find a suitable place that does not perceive a lack of professionalism based on body art. I could, however, be wrong on that as well.


What are your thoughts?

 

[Bad0 Fish0]

this is something you should probably ask someone at your school, because i'm sure it varies. this subject has never come up at my school but the topic of professionalism is constantly beat into our heads. before we ever started, we were heavily lectured on how we were to conduct ourselves outside of the classroom, and it was hard for me to keep from rolling my eyes the whole time.. because they basically look down on partying in general while you're a student in their program. that's not gonna happen for me, sorry. they have gotten onto upper-classman several times regarding incidents at professional conferences (not AT the conference, but while out of town attending), etc.... at times i've felt like i was back at my private college prep highschool. none of my classmates have visible tattoos that i know of, so it hasn't been an issue, but i WILL say there have been many times in lab where we were required to take our shirts off for various things (as a female, i was kinda iffy about this because i can't stand sports bras and i thought the whole experience was unnerving but whatever). but once you're in the program, you're in it.. they technically can't kick you out over it so i wouldn't really worry either way. but i'd ask them how they feel about it if you want some concrete answers.

 

[Cyres]

I don't think you have too much to worry about. I do not have one, but several people in my class sported tattoos-- never an issue as far as I could tell.

If I had a student who had some body art it would be one of the last things I'd be thinking about, esp. if its covered.

Regarding pools... unless its something questionable (e.g. Johnny Chimpo.. thank you Super Troopers) I think it wouldn't be an issue. At 90+ degrees no one would expect you to don a wetsuit... cut-off t-shirt or piece of waterproof tape at most.