Last Updated Jan 2012
Tattoos are growing in popularity and social acceptance. In all walks of life people – healthcare professionals included – are using their bodies as ink canvases. If you are precepting a healthcare professional in their 20s, it is likely that they have one or more tattoos. With a wide gap of generations in the healthcare field, we must be willing to objectively discuss our thoughts on tattoos.
Basic Reasons: For and Against Tattoos
There are positive reasons for getting a tattoo:
- Commemorating a past event or a deceased loved one
- Paying tribute to a loved one who is still living
- Expressing (as my 17 year-old son reminded me) your identity or passions*
*Choosing artwork that accurately expresses individual identity or a life passion can be difficult because people change. On the other hand, if your identity or life passion changes significantly, the tattoo can also serve to commemorate the past.
There are also negative reasons for getting a tattoo:
- Documenting a “non-permanent" relationship or favorite vice (favorite beer)
- Because “all my friends are getting them”
- Just because you like the design
Even according to tattoo artists, these reasons are not based on common sense.
Considerations for Healthcare Professionals
Beyond the basic reasons to get or not get a tattoo, there are several other points to consider. The anthropology argument conveys the idea that humans have always decorated themselves for attention. Reasons might include: (Kuwahara, 2005)
- Showing status
- Declaring power
- Expressing insecurity
- Simply for decoration
The bottom line is the need to be noticed. Prior to permanently broadcasting these things on your body, you might first do some soul searching. For example, you definitely won't be happy with a tattoo you got just to annoy your parents.
For those in healthcare fields, the arguments become broader. Many healthcare organizations have appearance policies that restrict tattoos from being visible or “excessive". Leadership defines “excessive” and they may not be interested in why someone chose to tattoo themselves. They will be interested in protecting the professional image of their organization, which is well within their right.
We must be aware that many of our patients are of a generation that sees tattooing as taboo and an uneducated practice. This may make them initially question the healthcare professional’s competence and judgment.
Finally, there is the argument that the professional image of the healthcare industry is at stake. Although healthcare is changing and becoming more open to this societal trend, a heavily tattooed individual will have difficulty being considered for a management position in most organizations. The definition of “professional image” does not appear to be changing anytime soon.
Tips for Healthcare Professionals
Here are a couple of things to keep in mind if you are in a healthcare field:
- If you are working with younger employees who have tattoos, be supportive and realize there are many reasons for getting tattoos.
- If you choose to get a tattoo, consider placement and size carefully so that your art does not violate an appearance standard where you work or is unpractical to cover if you are on duty. Consider the professional image you are portraying to the public and your current or future employers. Tattoos are forever. If you do get one, make sure it is not one you will regret.
Ten years from now our resumes will have improved and become more marketable. Whatever our individual thoughts on tattoos, we all can agree that we want our appearance to keep up with our success.
Reference
Kuwahara, M. (2005). Tattoo: An anthropology. Berg Publishers
What are your thoughts on tattoos being visible on the body in the workplace? Please leave a comment below.
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