Body
Unit Policy
Title
School of Nursing: Professional Attire Policy
Introduction
Purpose
The SON Professional Attire Policy ensures students maintain a professional appearance that aligns with the highest standards of our university to area hospitals and community settings. Asepsis and client safety are also incorporated. Noncompliance with the policy for professional attire may result in dismissal from the classroom, clinical or lab experience and count as an unexcused absence. Students are responsible for following the professional attire guidelines or policies of any clinical site at which they are learning.
Scope
This policy applies to all SON students in all programs.
Policy
Undergraduate Student Uniform Policy
Uniform
The official uniform for the School of Nursing may be purchased at UNC-Chapel Hill Student Stores or the vendor list provided by the Office of Student Affairs. No other vendors are permissible. The required uniform is as follows:
- Pewter gray scrub pants
- Pewter gray scrub top with UNC-Chapel Hill SON logo
- Optional scrub jacket in Ceil blue with UNC-Chapel Hill SON logo
- Professional shoes that are in good condition, closed toe and low heeled. Neutral colors that are fluid resistant are required, shoes with holes (i.e., Crocs) or with an open back design are not permitted.
- Name badge: All students must purchase a physical ID card with their photo on it from the OneCard Office. This is a UNC SON branded ID that is only available to current students.
Name Badges
Students must wear a name badge above waist level as identification in clinical/research settings. UNC SON ID badge and any agency specific badges must always be visible.
Off-Campus Clinical Settings
The professional attire must be worn on days in which students participate in off-campus clinical at an area clinical agency unless faculty specifies otherwise. The professional attire regulations stated above apply to most clinical settings. However, clinical practice dress codes may vary among clinical facilities/sites. Students are expected to adhere to any requirements specific to a particular clinical site. Uniforms are only to be worn in clinical areas, simulation labs or designated community events, such as health fairs.
On-Campus Clinical Settings
When in an on-campus clinical setting, students may opt to replace the scrub top and jacket with a UNC SON t-shirt or sweatshirt in good condition. The remainder of the professional attire policy remains in place for on-campus clinical settings.
Business Attire
When business attire is required, students must wear attire that adhere to the following guidelines:
- UNC-Chapel Hill SON ID
- Shirts/tops must cover midriff
- All bottoms must be of appropriate length for a professional setting
- Optional scrub jacket may be worn
The following are not permitted:
- Jeans
- Shorts
- Halters
- Active/Athletic Wear
- Tank tops or camisoles worn alone
- Items with logos other than the UNC-Chapel Hill SON
- Flip-flops, slippers or excessively high-heeled shoes (2” or higher)
Accessories
- Jewelry that interferes with patient care should not be worn in the clinical settings and Simulation Lab (including but not limited to dangling necklaces, bracelets and earrings)
- A wristwatch with second hand or digital watch with seconds display is required.
- Tattoos may be visible unless they depict profanity, logos, slogans, violence, nudity, sexual image/words, racial, ethnic or other characteristics or attributes of a sensitive or legally protected nature
- Perfume and perfumed products are allergens and should not be worn. Students should opt for unscented personal care items, when possible.
Hair and Nails
- Hair is to be worn off the face and should be neat as well as comfortable. If your hair is longer than shoulder length, it should be tied back. For cultural or religious purposes, hair may be covered.
- Artificial nails are not permitted in the clinical setting. Alternative: Natural nails must be well maintained and be clean and short (no longer than ¼ inch). If nail polish is worn, clear polish is preferred to allow for better visualization of the under-nail area, thereby contributing to more effective hand hygiene. Nail polish must be maintained regularly so that it is not cracked, chipped, or scratched Follow the CDC policy on “Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings.”
- Male students should be clean shaven or have neatly trimmed beards or moustache.
Other
- A long sleeve white or light blue colored shirt may be worn under the uniform
- In addition to the requirements listed above, students must comply with any dress code policies for nurses set by the clinical agency in which students are participating in a clinical experience.
- Gum chewing is not permitted.
- Cleanliness is an essential part of providing professional care to clients. Attention to personal hygiene and a clean, unwrinkled appearance are required.
Graduate Student Uniform Policy
Uniform
All graduate students in the clinical arena for the academic purposes of fulfilling clinical precepting assignments or conducting research must be identified as an SON student by displaying a proper name badge. During these activities, students are considered individual representatives of the SON; the students' dress and behavior should reflect that professional level of responsibility.
The SON ID badge should be visible. The clinical preceptor or policies of the clinical agency in which the academic activity is being conducted will designate specific attire.
Students in the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate Program must wear black scrubs in clinical. Scrubs may only be purchased at the UNC-Chapel Hill Student Stores or at the list provided to you during orientation. The scrub top must be embroidered with the SON logo. It is recommended that scrubs be purchased at least three (3) weeks prior to the start of the term to provide time for embroidery.
Off-Campus Clinical Attire
- UNC-Chapel Hill SON ID badge
- Shirts/tops must cover midriff
- All bottoms must be of appropriate length for a professional setting: Bottoms, including pants, skirts, and dresses, should be of a modest and professional length. Skirts and dresses must fall at or below the knee when standing and should allow for appropriate coverage when sitting or moving. Pants must be full-length or ankle-length and should not be excessively tight, sheer, or have large rips or holes. Shorts, miniskirts, athletic wear, and excessively form-fitting garments are not considered appropriate for professional settings.
- Optional lab coat may be worn
The following are not permitted:
- Jeans
- Active/Athletic Wear
- Shorts
- Halters
- Tank tops or camisoles worn alone
- Items with logos other than the UNC-Chapel Hill SON
- Flip-flops, slippers or excessively high-heeled shoes (2” or higher)
Accessories
- Jewelry that interferes with patient care should not be worn in the clinical settings and Simulation Lab (including but not limited to dangling necklaces and dangling earrings)
- Wristwatch with second hand is required.
- Tattoos may be visible unless they depict profanity, logos, slogans, violence, nudity, sexual image/words, racial, ethnic or other characteristics or attributes of a sensitive or legally protected nature
- Perfume and perfumed products are allergens and should not be worn. Students should opt for unscented personal care items, when possible.
Hair and Nails
- Hair is to be worn off the face and should be neat as well as comfortable. If your hair is longer than shoulder length, it should be tied back. For cultural or religious purposes, hair may be covered.
- Artificial nails are not permitted in the clinical setting. Alternative: Natural nails must be well maintained and be clean and short (no longer than ¼ inch). If nail polish is worn, clear polish is preferred to allow for better visualization of the under-nail area, thereby contributing to more effective hand hygiene. Nail polish must be maintained regularly so that it is not cracked, chipped, or scratched. Follow the CDC policy on “Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings.”
- Male students should be clean shaven or have neatly trimmed beards or moustache.
Other
- In addition to the requirements listed above, students must comply with any dress code policies for providers set by the clinical agency in which students are participating in a clinical experience.
- Gum chewing is not permitted.
- Cleanliness is an essential part of providing professional care to clients. Attention to personal hygiene and a clean, unwrinkled appearance are required.
Name Badges
All students must purchase a physical ID card with their photo on it from the OneCard Office. This is a UNC SON branded ID that is only available to current students.
FIRST NAME LAST NAME, CREDENTIALS GRADUATE STUDENT
UNC-CH SCHOOL OF NURSING
Students must wear a ID bagdes above waist level as identification in clinical/research settings. UNC SON ID badge and any agency specific badges must always be visible.
Contact Information
Primary Contact
Name: Kacy McAdoo, Assistant Dean
Email: ksmcadoo@unc.edu