Piercings/tattoos and pharmacy?

[assandun]

I see a lot of students on my Mpharm course with visible piercings and/or tattoos. Am I right to assume that this is generally unacceptable in hospital/community pharmacy?
I have always been tempted to get something, but wouldn't want to harm my chances in my chosen career.
Many thanks

[DavidS]

I'm tempted to get a few temporary ones done (tattoos, obviously!) and let you know.

I suspect it would be OK if they were used to advertise public health messages, "Have YOU been tested for chlamidia" would be a good one, I think, for the inner thigh, or "You could cover this with Regaine" for the scalp.

Those who habitually wear open-necked shirts, like Mr Jeremy Holmes, our erstwhile registrar, might enjoy more acceptance and success if they had a tattoo of a tie in the vacant space provided, or, indeed, a piercing in the Adams apple area, with a dangly tie on it might suffice.

[assandun]

Thanks DavidS, that post made my day!
I can also see the possible benefits of tattoos with public health messages, I wonder if it would ever take off :P Retail seem to cram advertising everywhere now!

[crit care]

i guess with piercings they can easily be removed..as for tattoos..i've seen doctors with them, on show..no one has said anything to them...but then again they haven't had that much on show. it wasn't as though they had their whole arm covered in ink!

[dizzyb23]

I have piercings but no tattoos. I have only been turned down once for a crappy job that I was over qualified to do anyway as the a****** interviewing me didn't like my nose piercing!!!! Other than that, i've never had a problem. Our company policy states that no visible tattoos are allowed and minimal piercings such as ears.

As a rule though, it might be best to tone things down in an interview.

[assandun]

Thanks to all the replies!
I am considering getting a small discrete nose piercing but I didn't want to ruin my chances in any interview I may have in the future.
I'm assuming it's generally ok as long as it's not over the top piercings or offensive tattoos, something small would be ok for most companies? and obviously to tone it down during interviews :P

[johnep]

A Prince Albert would be OK as long as you are not a flasher. I hate piercings,tattoos etc.
Babies having their ears pierced is abuse in my book.
johnep

[Fleegle]

I have a tattoo on my left shoulder-blade. It's been there for years. Although it's obviously not immediately visible to anyone from a 'work' point of view, It certainly doesn't affect my ability to carry out my professional duties.

Prince Albert john?....Is there something you're not telling us??

Fleeg.

[johnep]

google is your friend. All to do with tight fitting trousers.
johnep

[arnoldblack]

well the general public views tats and piercings as dirty and most would prefer a clean cut looking pharmacist :-(