Tattoos and unique shoes?

Times are changing, tattoos are all over the place. I have heard a lot of talk about them "not being professional." What exactly does a "professional nurse" look like anyway? What makes someone with a tattoo look not professional? What if a nurse has thier ears gauged, how is that different from "regular earrings"? I have never heard anyone ever give good explanation on this subject, maybe you all can help?!?!
Professional aesthetics are subjective. Whoever signs your paycheck gets to decide what constitutes a professional look and, unless you are willing to cause unnecessary pain for yourself or find another job, it is in your best interest to fall in line.

What does this have to do with unique shoes? I have a Dansko addiction. I have six pairs. My latest I just got about two weeks ago, the mosaic floral.The Dansko Mosaic Floral Patent from the Professional collection.I'm pretty straightlaced. But I wear fun colorful patterned socks, and fun Danskos.

Traditionally, "professional" equates to a fairly conservative form of attire. Suits & ties, skirts & jackets; minimal jewelry, make-up & hair arrangements. Notice I didn't even mention what forms of body piercing or art is professional because (again, traditionally) no tattoos or piercings, other than a single stud earring for women only, would be considered professional. Today, it is exactly as mentioned above: professional is whatever your employer says it is. Believe it or not, the field of nursing has come a very long way in a short time in acceptance of "alternative" forms of attire & acceptance of body art. I graduated in 1997 and was a member of the first class in my school of nursing to not wear a white cap. We are currently millenniums away from that definition of professional nurse. My personal definition of professional is that one who aspires to professionalism should not obviously display any type of dress, piercing or tattoo that will cause the client, the patient, or the interviewer to be distracted by thoughts of "Oooooh, what IS that?" Or "Wow, I bet THAT hurt." To be professional is to not call attention to oneself in order to get the job done in the most expedient and effective manner.

It's really what your clientele thinks. The perception of tattoos and piercings being unprofessional are based on what the previous generations have thought about them. The younger generation is more accepting of body alterations because they have been more exposed to them.Employers really don't care what you look like, either. Although, it is hard to draw a line where tattoos are done tastefully or not, so employers just have to say no to any tattoos or piercings whatsoever to cover all bases.I personally don't mind them if they are done tastefully (I plan to get one in a coverable area!). But, it's pretty obvious that you've crossed the line when you look like this...In other words... In a general definition, can you define what is tasteful when it comes to appearance? You can't!

Quote from kloneI have a Dansko addiction....I'm pretty straightlaced. But I wear fun colorful patterned socks, and fun Danskos.

Historically, "professional" was the look of the upper-middle class. They owned the professions and set the the standards for looks and manner. In most ways, it still is.

This makes me think "please order a psych consult" not "hire this guy!"

Quote from IThinkICan100It's really what your clientele thinks. The perception of tattoos and piercings being unprofessional are based on what the previous generations have thought about them. The younger generation is more accepting of body alterations because they have been more exposed to them.Employers really don't care what you look like, either. Although, it is hard to draw a line where tattoos are done tastefully or not, so employers just have to say no to any tattoos or piercings whatsoever to cover all bases.I personally don't mind them if they are done tastefully (I plan to get one in a coverable area!). But, it's pretty obvious that you've crossed the line when you look like this...In other words... In a general definition, can you define what is tasteful when it comes to appearance? You can't!

There are more than one facility that has a dress code. That is part of the handbook that one "signs as understood" when they are hired. Some are what one could consider "old fashioned" others looser in their rules. My favorite is the prohibition of "un-natural hair color, un-natural and/or bright makeup"..... So, I suppose that I have to keep my hair grey and no make-up, as one could wear it to cover a multitude of sins....LOL!!

Quote from jadelpnTMy favorite is the prohibition of "un-natural hair color, un-natural and/or bright makeup"..... So, I suppose that I have to keep my hair grey and no make-up, as one could wear it to cover a multitude of sins....LOL!!

I also have several dansko shoes that are funky, such as the green python and a houndstooth print pair. A co-worker said they were not professional and I should have a solid black pair. I like my funky shoes and my pts do too!

Thanks for all who responded. My tattoos have worked in my favor with the population I work with. I work in psych, with kids and adults. Many of the kids would open up to me because they said I looked less "motherly and someone who is relatable." I always act professional. I've heard many nasty remarks made about my shoes or tattoos. At the end of the day I'm still a great nurse, to me thats all that counts.