I have been employeed in a nursing home for almost 5 years. When i was hired to this facility i addressed that i have a small tattoo on my hand and asked if it was an issue because before i could get it i had to get it in writing that it was ok because the tattoo person said some places have issues with tattoos that show. My employer at that time had no issue and i got the tattoo. When i applied at my current employer i addressed this and asked if it was an issue. They said no, it was not in the dress code and it is just a small lady bug on my hand. Well since i have been there i am a unit mgr and over see the nurses in the facility under the director. The issue of facial piercings had came up awhile back in it has always been in the policy they were not permitted. Since i had to be after one nurse specifically regarding this she brought up the issue of tattoos there. We have had a new administrator approx a month ago that the nurse brought this up so and she proceeded to revise the dress code and added that all tattoos must be covered. How can they just change something like that?? I mean its permenanet and never been a issue until this nurse in retaliation made it an issue. So now i could be written up for not covering it and possibly fired. Is that fair?? I dont feel it is.

It is not permanent, it can be removed by laser therapy.
Simple makeup will cover it will it not?
I don't believe they can fire you for having the tatoo, but they can require that it be covered during work hours.

Ohio is a Right to Work state, which oddly enough means that you can be fired for anything. I suggest that you buy a box of Band-Aids to cover that thing unless you feel like going to the mat over it.

Right to work means you cannot be required to join a union to get work. What Dirtyfaces means is that Ohio is an employment at will state.

Rcpilot is mistaken; having a tattoo is not a protected activity - therefore you can be fired for having a tattoo. The only exception I can think of would be if the tattoo had religious significance (which you would have to have verified; they don't have to take your word for it) and even then they could require that you cover it up while at work.

The fact that it was not an issue at hire does not mean that it can never be an issue. They can change their policy whenever they like unless you have a bona fide, enforceable contract that says otherwise.