Personal Appearance

As a student you represent, not only Clarkson College, but also the professional image of nursing. The following are expectations of the personal appearance of a Clarkson College nursing student.

Dress code policy

1. Hair: Students must have natural colored hair. Extreme looks such as multiple colors; extremes in bleaching, dyeing, or tinting are not appropriate. Hair must be clean and pulled back from the face so as not to fall forward while giving patient care. Beards or moustaches for men will be neatly trimmed.
2. Make-up: If worn, is to be conservative and not detract from the attire, uniform or work environment and must reflect a professional image.
3. Nails: Need to be smooth, of a moderate length and clean. Artificial nails, nail polish/products are not to be worn by anyone with responsibility for hand-on patient care, as they are an infection control risk.
4. Jewelry: Decorative jewelry is to be conservative and not detract from the attire or work environment and must not pose a safety/infection risk. Jewelry should be minimal. Students are allowed:
   • No more than one ring per hand (unless otherwise stated by the clinical agency). Plain-type wedding bands are preferred.
   • No piercings on the body are permitted with the exception of one post/stud type earring on the lower ear lobe.
   • A single small nose stud is permitted.
   • One gauge per ear is acceptable but may not exceed 10 mm or 00 gauge and a solid clear/skin toned plug or retainer must be worn at all times while at clinical experiences.
   • Body piercings (other than those allowed per policy) will be removed for all clinical experiences. Covering up non-allowed body piercings with Band-Aids or other types of concealing methods are not permitted.
   • Body dermal and all subdermal piercings shall not be visible during clinical experiences.
   • One small necklace that fits snug to neck or is able to be tucked into a shirt is permitted. Dangling necklaces are a safety issue.
5. Aftershave, cologne and perfume: Will be applied sparingly, as patient’s sensitivity to scents/odors must be considered at all times.
6. Tattoos: Tattoos located on the face and neck are not allowed. Tattoos must not be offensive or cause distress to the patient or public and are not allowed. If tattoos are deemed inappropriate, vulgar or obscene, they must be covered at all times during the clinical experience. Examples of tattoos which are not allowed include weapons, skulls, profanity, inappropriate language, nudity, or risqué drawings.
7. Personal cleanliness: Daily attention to one’s personal hygiene is an extremely important component of each student’s overall image. Students will maintain a high level of personal hygiene. Students’ Baccalaureate Nursing Student Handbook 19 © Clarkson College REVISED: AUGUST 2015 breath and clothing/lab coats must not smell of smoke.

NOTE: If a student chooses to wear piercings that are not visible (i.e., under the required clinical attire), Clarkson College will not be liable for injuries that may occur.

Clinical attire (Uniform)

• Clarkson College white lab coat with current College emblem.
• Clarkson College ID badge and student nurse badge extender.

Acute Care & Pre-Lab Setting Attire

• Students wear a Clarkson College uniform scrub shirt and pants in pewter grey, brand approved through Clarkson College vendor with a current college emblem. Leggings are not allowed. Jogger pants are allowed but must cover the ankles.
• Any shirt under scrubs must be all white, black, or grey.
• White lab coat is to be worn for pre-lab.

Recommended Footwear

• Students wear clean leather, leather-like, or nonpermeable, closed-toed shoes.
• ALLOWED: Students will follow clinical agency guidelines for footwear.

Courses With Community Clinical Setting Attire

• Students wear khaki uniform scrub pants and a navy-blue Clarkson College polo brand approved through Clarkson College vendor. No jogger pants or leggings are allowed.
• Any shirt under Clarkson College polo shirts must be all white, black, or grey.
• Students may wear an optional jacket (black, pewter, or navy) which can be purchased through the Clarkson College vendor. Wearing a white lab coat may be necessary for some community clinical settings, but this is site-specific.

Accessories

• Clarkson College ID badge
• A conservative watch with second-hand function
• One working black pen
• Bandage scissors
• Stethoscope
• Penlight
• Protective Eyewear

Professional presentation is required for all clinical experiences, practical exams, guest lectures, service-learning experiences, and off-campus events, unless otherwise stated by faculty.

Professional attire includes:

• Collared shirt or blouse
• Tops should be of appropriate length to allow for movement and positions such as reaching overhead and bending forward without revealing midriff
• Skirt/dress, dress pants, or khakis
• No jeans, spandex, denim, material that resembles denim, T-shirts, tank tops or short skirts shall be worn
• Shoes shall be comfortable, with a low heel and toes covered: no sandals.

Tattoos

All visible tattoo designs that the average person would find offensive, including but not limited to hateful, violent, profane and/or nudity, must be completely covered.

Jewelry/piercings

• Decorative jewelry is to be conservative and not detract from the attire or work environment, and it must not pose a safety or infection risk.
• Jewelry should be minimal. One small necklace that fits snug to neck, or can be tucked into a shirt, is allowed. Dangling necklaces are a safety risk.
• Single and/or discreet piercings of the ears, nose, lip, tongue, and eyebrow are permitted. Examples of piercings not permissible may include but are not limited to large or multiple loops in the eyebrows, lip or nose, visible transdermal implants, or piercings on other areas of the face Large gauge spacers should be skin-tone or clear.

Additional guidelines:

• Nametags will be worn as directed by the clinical education site policy
• No gum or use of nicotine products, of all forms, is allowed at any time when in professional attire.

The following minimal expectations of personal appearance and conduct will be met at all times. If any of the following requirements are a point of concern, please collaborate with the program director or faculty member to establish a solution to the situation.

Appearance

Appearance intentionally reflects regular personal cleanliness, which means being mindful of how certain elements of appearance could impact the impression you make on others and how your image represents Clarkson College and the PTA profession.

Personal Cleanliness

Daily attention to one’s personal hygiene is an extremely important component of each student’s overall image. Noticeable body odor is not acceptable. Regular use of methods to minimize body order are expected. Students will maintain a high level of personal hygiene.

Nails

Nails will be neat, clean and well-maintained. Nails must not be past the fingertip. Long nails and artificial nails are not allowed for infection control and safety with hands-on care during lab and off campus experiences.

Scent

Aftershave, cologne, and perfume will be applied sparingly, as other’s sensitivity to scents/odors must always be considered. Students’ breath and clothing must not smell of smoke.

Nicotine Use

Students are prohibited from the use of nicotine products, including but not limited to cigarettes, pipes, cigars, and/or any smokeless form (such as chewing tobacco) and other substitute items such as clove cigarettes and electronic cigarettes, on the College campus and during program-related off campus events, including off-campus experiences, service learning, and clinical experiences.

Conduct

• Use of personal mobile devices (i.e. cell phones, laptops, iPads, etc.) for non-emergencies, and activities not related to patient care or documentation is prohibited during clinical times.
• Facility computers and equipment are to be used in accordance with facility policy.
• Personal internet use is prohibited during scheduled clinical hours.
• Promptness and respect for others is required by all students toward all other students, faculty, instructors, and guest lecturers. This includes promptness, attention, presentation and posture.

Clinical and Laboratory Student Uniform and Grooming Policy

Students are reminded that how you dress reflects on you, the College, and the Profession. To exhibit professionalism to patients and visitors—and to help identify students as Clarkson College learners—the following dress code applies:

• Clinical and Laboratory Uniform:
  • Cherokee Uniform Company Galaxy Blue scrub tops and bottoms
  • Approved laboratory jacket, white or Galaxy Blue (optional) – must indicate Clarkson College student on the front; surgical scrub jackets permitted only during surgery rotation
  • Clarkson College logo and Radiography designation embroidered on the left collar of the scrub top and lab jacket
  • ID/Name tag (provided by the College) – must be worn at collar level
  • Personal Dosimeter (provided by the College)
• Uniform Criteria:
  • Uniform must be clean and pressed
  • Shoes must be neat and clean – no open-toe shoes, boots, or sandals
  • Logo must be visible on scrub top and/or lab jacket
  • Dosimeter must be worn at collar level, outside protective apron, at all times
  • Surgical scrubs allowed only during surgery rotations
  • White or Galaxy Blue short/long-sleeve t-shirt may be worn under scrub top (no visible decals or print)
  • Students arriving in improper or soiled attire may be sent home by faculty, preceptor, or clinical site; time must be made up and will be reported in an anecdotal report
• Grooming:
  • Hair must be neat and secured if shoulder length or longer
  • Facial hair should be well groomed
  • Students should maintain good personal hygiene and use deodorant
  • No scented perfumes, lotions, or aftershave
  • Clothing must be free of smoke odors
  • Fingernails must be short, neat, and clean; only clear polish allowed
  • No artificial nails (including acrylic, shellac, dip, etc.)
  • Make-up should be tasteful; no bright or distracting colors
• Jewelry & Decorative Body Adornment:
  • Jewelry must be minimal and simple
  • Only wedding bands allowed (no pronged rings); some sites may prohibit all rings
  • Only small post-style earrings permitted
  • Visible body piercings are not allowed, except approved earrings
  • No pins may be worn on the uniform exterior
  • No necklaces, bracelets, or anklets
  • Additional jewelry may be restricted by faculty or clinical site
  • Visible tattoos must be professional and appropriate; tattoos on the face or neck are not permitted and must be covered. Pre-approval may be required
  • *Clarkson College and clinical affiliates are not responsible for lost or stolen jewelry
• Additional Guidelines:
  • No gum or nicotine product use while in uniform or professional dress
  • Students may not receive visitors or calls during clinical unless in an emergency
  • Personal calls may only be made during scheduled breaks
  • Personal use of cell phones during clinical, class, or lab time is not permitted without prior approval
  • Cell phones must be stored out of sight (e.g., in a locker or backpack)
  • Eating or drinking is allowed only in designated areas during breaks
  • Internet access should only be used for clinical or academic requirements at the clinical site
• Professional Dress (Non-Clinical Settings):
  • Clinical attire as outlined above
  • Khakis or dress pants with a Clarkson College polo
  • Business casual (e.g., dress pants, skirts, dress shirts, sweaters)
  • Not permitted: t-shirts, jeans, shorts, short skirts/dresses, tennis shoes, and flip flops
  • Instructors may provide specific guidance based on event or setting