We stepped away from our norm and decided to explore a somewhat non-traditional (in more ways than one) topic and discuss body modifications with two professionals in the field of tattooing and piercing.Sonya Grenell, tattoo artist  and James Raimar, body piercer and scarification artist joined us to discuss the medical implications of treating patients with tattoos, piercings and other body modifications.Topics discussed:- better education of health care providers on the implications of both tattoos and piercings. - Proper removal of jewelry (it's expensive)- Tattoos are EXPENSIVE, be mindful of surgical scars overlaying a tattoo- There is needed proper care of piercings and tattoos. If an infection is suspected, providers could/should consider having a conversation with the artist who created them- Ink allergies are actually quite rare- The Association of Professional Piercers offer an annual free conference to help educate the publicWe wrapped up the episode briefly discussing the controversial perceptions of health care providers being the ones who are tattooed and pierced.We want to thank Sonya and James for taking the time to inform and educate us and our listeners. We'll definitely take more pause when caring for our patients who possess these works of art.#thechangeofshift #CoS #nurselife #nursesunite #nurse #nurses----------The goal of The Change of Shift is to help inform and educate Nurses by discussing relevant and pressing topics that all Nurses have or will experience during their career. Let’s change the paradigm.iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-change-of-shift-podcast/id1050668824http://thechangeofshift.com/https://twitter.com/AsktheCoShttps://www.facebook.com/TheChangeOfShifthttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH1BRXD_THHr1gozd-rzjqQ