Professional Appearance
The primary purposes of the uniform are for identification, cleanliness, neatness and to project a professional image to clinical agencies and the clients we serve. Current uniforms for the EMSON are red scrub pants with a white uniform top with the EMSON insignia patch sewn on the left chest above the pocket.
Faculty retains the right to identify student attire or appearance as inappropriate. Noncompliance with this policy will result in appropriate disciplinary action by the faculty such as verbal warning, written warning, or dismissal from the clinical site.
Professional Appearance
As a student nurse, you are assuming new roles and responsibilities. Your public presentation (i.e., your dress, make-up, hair style, facial expressions, verbal and non-verbal communication, demeanor) projects an image to clients and colleagues. You need a positive professional image to gain the respect, power and authority you deserve. Your image speaks for you before people can get acquainted with you or determines your level of expertise. A poor image is hard to change. Your appearance also reflects on the School of Nursing and influences the school’s reputation and image.
When you go into the nursing arena, you are being observed by clients, family members, nurses, administrators and physicians. Your appearance affects their impression of your potential for success. Professional dress and behavior are expected.
Business Attire
Professional attire is expected whenever you are representing the EMSON. Some clinical situations and activities may require the student to wear business attire with or without wearing the EMSON lab coat. The National Student Nurses' Association's Code of conduct for NSNA Meetings http://www.nsna.org/meetings/pdf/Professional_Attire.pdf provides additional suggestions for professional attire. The following are general examples of appropriate attire:
- Women
- Tailored dress
- Blouse and skirt (skirt length- knee length or below)
- Shirt with collar or polo style with slacks/ khaki pants (pressed)
- For the mental health practicum, a black polo style shirt with the EMSON logo and khaki pants (pressed)
- Shoes - comfortable low heeled pumps, loafers or boots
- Men
- Suit/jacket/blazer/sweater
- Shirt - traditional shirt with collar/ polo style
- Slacks/Chinos or Dockers - pressed
- Tie
- Shoes - dress/loafers/lace-ups (no flip flops, sneakers or sandals)
- Unacceptable clothing for either sex includes jeans/western cut pants, sweatshirts, shirts of underwear type, see-through clothing, sleeveless shirts or any clothing that exposes a bare midriff, back, chest or underwear. Tattoos must be covered.
Uniform Guidelines
Unless otherwise specified by the course/instructor, EMSON approved uniforms are to be worn only when the student is engaged in U of A clinical nursing activities, including clinical practicum and skills simulation laboratory sessions.
- The EMSON Uniform consists of two approved styles of tunic tops for women and one for men. Red pants (Landau red) are worn by both men and women.
- The EMSON uniform patch is to be sewn on the upper left chest above the pocket of the uniform top.
- Uniform is to be clean, pressed and unstained.
- White socks or hose (in good repair without design) may be worn.
- White shoes with white soles (no high top sneakers, clogs, open toe, or shoes with color or writing).
- Shoes and shoelaces must be washable/wipe able and kept clean and neatly polished.
- White long or short sleeved turtleneck or crew neck T-shirts without logo's or advertisements may be worn under the uniform.
Laboratory Coats
A pressed white School of Nursing lab coat embroidered with the UA BSN student lettering in maroon is worn in the following situations:
- Lab coats are to be worn to and from the clinical setting or in compliance with specific clinical policies.
- Lab coats are worn at all times when in the hospital to complete their pre-clinical work-up.
- During school activities not requiring the school uniform such as community health clinical, home visits, site orientation sessions, etc.
Uniform Accessories
- Name tag
- Should always be visible on the front of the uniform or lab coat on the upper right side.
- Is printed with the student's first name, last name initial. The second line is printed with "U of A BSN Student". (Name Tag Request Form)
- Photo ID issued by the University of Arkansas will be worn under the name pin.
- Equipment includes:
- A pair of bandage scissors, pen light, and pocket calculator
- A stethoscope
- A gait belt
- Eye protection goggles
- "Fanny packs" (if worn) should be of a size that does not interfere with performance of clinical duties and should be black, red or white in color with no logos.
- Jewelry: When in the clinical area, because of the potential for spread of infection and injury to client and/or student, it is recommended that jewelry be kept to a minimum.
- A durable watch with a sweep second hand
- Earrings (if worn) should be small stud earrings. The earrings should not go below the bottom of the ear lobe
- Rings (if worn) only wedding sets or plain bands are allowed
- Wrist or ankle bracelets should not be worn in the clinical area
- Facial piercings must be removed or covered while in the clinical area
Personal Hygiene
- It is essential that health care providers be free of offensive body odors including smoke residue.
- Perfume or aftershave should not be worn in the clinical areas.
- Chewing gum or tobacco products may not be used in any clinical or laboratory facility.
- Hair
- Should be neat, clean, controlled, and conservative in naturally occurring hair colors.
- Should be worn up or in a short length, in a style that will not fall into the face with movement.
- Mustaches and beards are permissible if kept neatly trimmed.
- Nails
- Should be short and neatly groomed and will be at a length that will not interfere with nursing functions.
- Nail polish (if worn) should be clear or neutral and should be totally intact, without chipping or cracking and without patterns. Artificial nails of any kind are not allowed.
NOTE: If the agency's dress code is more restrictive than this policy, the student is expected to comply with the agency's policy. Exceptions to or differences in any of the policies may occur in some clinical areas or with individual instructors to meet the clinical experience requirements. Students will be notified of any exceptions. Faculty may dismiss a student from a clinical setting if the above policy is violated. Any questions should be discussed and clarified with the clinical instructor prior to clinical participation.
Page last updated: 10/29/2009 12:56