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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To ask if people in professional roles should have visible tattoos?

140 replies

BanginChoons · 04/06/2017 18:46

Nurses, midwives, doctors, social workers, teachers?

Does it depend on the role? The tattoo? The placement of the tattoo?

Doesn't it matter at all or should they not have them at all?

OP posts:

ChardonnaysPrettySister · 04/06/2017 21:00

I'm not a professional 24/7.
I dress the part, I look the part, but my body is mine to do as i please.

Crumbs1 · 04/06/2017 21:01

Military officers remain unable to have tattoos they didn't enter service with and which are visible in any uniform.
I personally dislike tattoos - I think they generally look grubby but....each to their own and I've known all sorts with either small discreet drawings. My consultant gynaecologist had a whole armful and a Mohican haircut - he was excellent and his ability wasn't impacted by his hair or tattoos.

MissDuke · 04/06/2017 21:03

For e.g. If I was going to the doctor about a sensitive topic, I just want The interaction to be purely professional, I don't want to be looking at their tattoos and imagining them doing normal stuff like getting pissed and having tattoos

^ what a strange connection to make. I am a midwife and women in my care often ask me about my children etc, surely me talking about them doesn't then conjure up images of me having sex To me that is as random a connection as the one you are making!

I personally would never get a tattoo and especially not one that is visible because I view them as a permanent dis-figuration (sorry) but I genuinely couldn't care less of others get them!

Sallystyle · 04/06/2017 21:05

I worked in the NHS and I have lots of tattoos. Some very big ones.

Some are covered but the big ones are half visible. Patients often asked to look at them. I know paramedics who have sleeves. Lots of them.

I still work in care but now in MH. I will be meeting social workers, families, go to meetings etc and it's not a problem. Well, it certainly isn't for my employers.

Original poster

BanginChoons · 04/06/2017 21:10

The one I want will be on my upper arm but some of it will be visible below the sleeve of my uniform. I seem to have worked myself up worrying that it won't be allowed! I work in the NHS but currently a student.

OP posts:

MissDuke · 04/06/2017 21:13

If you are worried, couldn't you have it so it is above the sleeve seam? At least until you are employed in a few years and get a chance to see how the land lies? Don't get me wrong I really doubt it will be an issue but I don't see why you would get it if having doubts.

purits · 04/06/2017 21:23

I don't understand why people get tattoos of their children's names - is it in case you forget what you called them?

JacquesHammer · 04/06/2017 21:26

I don't understand why people get tattoos of their children's names - is it in case you forget what you called them

Yep absolutely. Just the reason. You're quite the thinker 😂

welovepancakes · 04/06/2017 21:45

I'm not keen on tattoos. On MN, you'll find lots of people with tattoos who say that none of their clients object. In reality, clients may just be too polite to comment

Gileswithachainsaw · 04/06/2017 21:49

Well to be fair if all someone has to complain about or sit on after they have received their service is a butterfly on the back of someone's neck I rather think they lucked out don't you?

TheDowagerCuntess · 04/06/2017 21:51

I don't like tattoos / wouldn't get one myself - but they're ubiquitous these days.

Most people have them. More people seemingly have them than don't.

Many people have visible tattoos, including professional people.

Nobody cares anymore. It doesn't say anything about somebody's capability.

Elledouble · 04/06/2017 22:19

Would you refuse to be treated in A&E by a nurse with tattoos?

Would you refuse for your child to be taught by a (let's assume) good teacher with tattoos?

Would you refuse to be helped by a police officer or fire officer with tattoos?

If so, why?

Spiralsideways · 04/06/2017 22:20

I never said my feelings on the topic where rational, I was just being honest. i would just prefer in some situations that a professional is just that - professional and the only 'personality' I want to see is the one that would make them good at their job. For e.g. Empathy, listening skills, confidence etc.. in the doctor example.

Squishedstrawberry4 · 04/06/2017 22:22

I wouldn't get one myself but don't care if others have them.

Rhayader · 04/06/2017 22:23

I'm not sure if it's still the case but a police officer in the town I grew up in had scars on his face from where he had had tattoos removed. I was told they weren't allowed visible tattoos... this was quite a while ago though.

Gileswithachainsaw · 04/06/2017 22:24

Course not elle

People who have such unjustified opinions rarely have the courage to own them.

Rhayader · 04/06/2017 22:24

Just googled - seems like it's still banned

www.google.co.uk/amp/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/37214262

Gileswithachainsaw · 04/06/2017 22:31

There are tattoo and piercing shops often multiple in many towns. They are clearly quite popular.

I'm sure I don't need to explain the possible places they could have tattooed or pierced.

purits · 04/06/2017 23:09

Would you refuse to be treated in A&E by a nurse with tattoos?
Would you refuse for your child to be taught by a (let's assume) good teacher with tattoos?
Would you refuse to be helped by a police officer or fire officer with tattoos?

I don't have a choice. But we were talking about professionals, where I do have a choice.

caroldecker · 04/06/2017 23:22

It depends on what you mean by professional. i would think less of an accountant/solicitor with visible tattoos, but would think the same if they were wearing jeans in a professional context.
Similarly for drs and nurses, I would expect them to be wearing clean uniforms and think visible tattoos look less professional.
I also have no issues with tattoos and have my own, just not visible in a work environment.

Elledouble · 05/06/2017 07:10

Were we, purits? Cos I thought the OP said "Nurses, midwives, doctors, social workers, teachers"?

purits · 05/06/2017 08:15

Cos I thought the OP said "Nurses, midwives, doctors, social workers, teachers"?

I know. OP said 'professionals' in the heading and then went on to list sundry public sector jobs, which are something different.

Foureyesarebetterthantwo · 05/06/2017 08:23

Tattoos are no big deal at my work, although not that common. I don't think anything about them except perhaps curiosity.

Piercings or those lobe holes make me feel ill myself, I really am squeamish and I find it hard to think if someone has those (beyond earrings unless they were pulling the ears down but I guess I'm used to them). Things like a tongue piercing make me feel funny. However, I'm sure if I was being treated by a doctor with one, I'd get over it but I think they have to be removed anyway. I'm aware it's my problem and not their lack of professionalism.

newdaylight · 05/06/2017 08:41

@purits
Those are professionals, they are all in specially trained professions and have to be regulated by and accountable to professional bodies

BeepBeepMOVE · 05/06/2017 09:49

I think they mostly look tacky unless actual artwork but i don't think it would make me think any different about a doctor or nurse treating me. Wouldn't really like a teacher with a shitty flower on her ankle or anything but can't really be helped these days.

Professionals on the other hand i really don't think it's appropriate. I prefer more conservative look in a law firm for example. No boobs hanging out either.

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