The world seems to have moved on (about time as well) from the negative stigma surrounding tattoos.
Most industries have become more accepting of tattoos but there are still some exceptions to the rule that can make life harder for those in love with body art.
The medical field is known to still be one of the harshest industries for those with tattoos, but does this relate to those in the pharmacy profession? Can pharmacists have tattoos or should they worry about hiding their ink at work?
Can Pharmacists Have Tattoos?
The short answer is yes, they can.
There’s absolutely no law that prohibits those seeking careers in the pharmacy profession from having tattoos. However, as with most industries, it’s ultimately up to the discretion of each individual employer and their policies on visible tattoos in the workplace.
Some pharmacies may have a strict dress code that doesn’t allow for visible tattoos, while others may have more lenient policies or even embrace body art within their business culture.
That being said, it’s important for those in the pharmacy profession to consider the potential consequences of visible tattoos. While there may not be a legal issue with having visible tattoos, they could potentially impact your professionalism and credibility in the eyes of customers or colleagues.
Which Tattoos to Get & Which to Avoid?
There are some tattoos that are best avoided regardless of whether you’re a pharmacist or you want to conquer the skies as a flight attendant or pilot.
Any visible tattoos should be first and foremost tasteful. You want to steer clear of anything vulgar, offensive, or overly political.
It’s also important to consider the placement of your tattoos. Visible hand and neck tattoos may be a red flag for some employers, as they can be seen as unprofessional in certain industries like healthcare and very difficult to conceal when needed.
The recommended “green light” tattoo areas for pharmacists include the arms, legs, and back. These areas can easily be covered up with long sleeves or pants if necessary.
If you do have visible tattoos or are considering getting one, it’s best to consult with your employer or do some research on your industry’s policies and potential reactions to visible tattoos before making a decision.
Ways to Cover Visible Tattoos
If you do work in a pharmacy where visible tattoos are not accepted or may be frowned upon, there are options for concealing them at work.
Long sleeves and pants can be worn to cover up arm and leg tattoos. Makeup can also be used to cover smaller tattoos on the hands or neck area. Specialized tattoo cover-up products are also available for more significant coverage needs.
While it may seem like a hassle to have to cover up your tattoos at work, it’s important to consider the potential consequences that visible tattoos could have on your career and professionalism in certain industries.
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that having a tattoo does not define who you are as a pharmacist or healthcare professional. Your skills and experience in the field should always take precedence over any body modifications.
Also, if a pharmacy asks you to remove your body art altogether, it’s probably the right time to find a new job where you can feel comfortable and be accepted for all of who you are, tattoos included.
Tattoo Ideas for Pharmacists
If you’re dead set on getting a tattoo specifically relating to your pharmacy career, consider one of these ideas:
- Prescription pill bottles or pills
- The Rx symbol
- A medicine cabinet
- A mortar and pestle
- The Caduceus symbol (the staff with two snakes) is often used in healthcare
- Your graduation year from pharmacy school
- An inspirational quote about healing or medicine
- A symbol representing a specific medication that has helped you or a loved one
Of course, these are just examples related to your profession.
Most people probably prefer to get tattoos that hold personal meaning to them, regardless of their career. As long as it fits within the guidelines mentioned above and won’t harm your professional image, feel free to get a tattoo that speaks to you on a deeper level.
Pharmacists & Tattoos: Final Word
Settling the question of whether pharmacists can have tattoos ultimately comes down to personal and workplace preferences.
While there may not be a legal issue with visible body art, it’s important to consider the potential impact on your credibility and professionalism in the eyes of colleagues and customers.
If you do have or plan on getting visible tattoos, remember to keep them tasteful and considerate of your industry’s standards. Covering up tattoos may be necessary for some workplaces, but don’t let that discourage you from expressing yourself through body art.
At the end of the day, what matters is your dedication to your job and the care you provide to your patients. Your tattoo choices should not define or hinder your ability to perform as a pharmacist.
If you’re a pharmacist with tattoos that would like to share your story or perspective, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
