I'm in nursing school currenty (One year left!) and work as a nursing assistant at a hospital. I live in Nebraska, so I can give you a little idea of how it works here.
For school, the rules are no facial piercings or visible tattoos. However, I always wear my right nostril with jewelery (not a retainer) and keep my septum flipped up. I don't have visible tattoos, but a few girls in my class have tattoos on their wrist or the back of their neck.
At work, they are really laid back. I had double nostrils all summer but still kept my septum flipped up. One other girl I work with has tattoos on both wrists and a full chest piece. Oh I guess I can also mention my ears are stretched to 7/16" which hasn't caused any grief at work or school.
I believe if you I'm good at what I'm doing most managers/instructors don't have a problem with my mods. Hope that gave you a little insight!
I'm Kayla Mae.
9/16" ears (and growing!)