Dress Code Policy for Undergraduate Nursing Students

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Dress Code Policy for Undergraduate Students

The purpose of this policy is to provide direction for appropriate appearance/professional image in the classroom, lab, on clinical sites and when on clinical during clinical preparation.

Classroom/Lab Activities

It is the general understanding that clothes worn on campus are appropriate to wear in a classroom setting and are not provocative in nature. Students are required to wear their uniform (detailed below) during lab testing and simulation activities. Students are not allowed to wear hats during exams. 

Student Uniforms

The Bellin College uniform consists of selections from a list of clothing supplies for students by The Elite Group. The clothing is embroidered with the Bellin College logo on the upper left pocket area. All required pieces of clothing worn as part of the uniform must be ordered through The Elite Group. Uniform substitutions are not acceptable.

BSN Uniform

  • Royal blue scrub top and bottom with Bellin College logo.
  • White lab coat with Bellin College logo.
  • White closed-toe and closed-heel shoes.
  • Visible Bellin College ID badge.

BSN Optional Uniform Pieces

  • Sleeveless, short sleeved, or long-sleeved white shirt may be worn under scrub top
  • If wearing a short-sleeved t-shirt, the sleeves must not extend below the sleeves of the scrub top
  • White shirts must be plain, without lace, and logo free
  • White shirts must be tucked in
  • Student may wear jogger scrub pants in the same color as the program uniform
  • Cotton snap front scrub jacket with Bellin College logo in the same color as the program uniform

BSN General Clinical Guidelines

ID Badge:

  • No alterations to the badge are allowed.
  • The badge must be clipped at the top of the scrub top or lab coat.
  • The badge must always be visible.

Uniform:

  • Uniforms are required to be clean and wrinkle-free.
  • The uniform must be of appropriate size. Tops and pants too small, too large, too long or too short are not acceptable. Tops must cover skin at all times.
  • Pants are to be worn at waist level.
  • Undergarments lines should not be noticeable when bending or reaching.
  • Variations in any dress code requirements (for psychiatric centers, community/public health, etc.) will be reviewed by faculty prior to clinical.

Hair, Nails and Makeup:

  • Hair should be neatly styled, clean, and drawn back from the face.
  • Barrettes, hair clips, and headbands must be plain, solid colors free of logos.
  • Headscarves (worn as a symbol of religious faith) may be worn but must fastened when working in patient care areas for safety reasons.
  • Cloth surgical caps may be worn under the healthcare provided bouffant hats in areas where hats are required.
  • Hair cannot be extreme in color or style.
  • Beards, sideburns, and mustaches must be neatly trimmed.
  • Makeup should be conservative and natural-looking.
  • Artificial nails and nail polish are not allowed.
  • Natural nails should be clean and short (not to exceed ΒΌ inch past the fingertip.)
  • False eyelashes of any type are not allowed.

Shoes and Socks:

  • Students must have a pair of shoes that are for patient care only.
  • White clean shoes in good repair are required. The shoes must be closed-toe and closed-heel.
  • Socks must be worn, and should be in a solid neutral color (black, white, or gray).

Jewelry, Body Piercings and Tattoos:

  • Acceptable jewelry includes:
    • A plain wedding band (no stones).
    • A conservative, plain wristwatch (no ornamental stones). Fitness bands included.
    • A single, small post earring worn in the lower lobe of the ear.
  • Unacceptable jewelry includes:
    • More than one earring per ear
    • Fashion rings
    • Necklaces
    • Bracelets
  • Students are not allowed to wear body piercings on the tongue or any visible body part.
  • Smart watches can be worn in clinical as long as notifications are turned off for emails and text messages.
  • All visible tattoos must be covered except for tattoos from the wrist(s) to fingertips.

General Considerations:

  • Students are expected to practice good hygiene.
  • Students should not wear scents.
  • No gum is allowed.

Clinical Sites during Clinical Preparation

A professional appearance is expected at all times.

  • Students will wear a Bellin College lab coat, student ID badge, and business-casual clothing.
  • Socks are mandatory
  • Footwear must be worn at all times and be closed-toe, closed-heel, clean and in good repair.
  • Examples of unacceptable attire include, but not limited to:
    • Midriff tops.
    • Low-cut shirts with exposed cleavage.
    • T-shirts with words, pictures, or graphics.
    • Denim, metallic, leather, suede, mesh, sheer or clinging fabrics, or low-rise pants.
    • Sweatshirts, sweatpants, and lounge pants.
    • Capri pants.
    • Shorts.
    • Heels higher than 1.5 inches.
    • Hats or caps.

Consequences and Exceptions

Students who fail to comply with the dress code policy may be subject to disciplinary action, including dismissal from the clinical site and the potential for an unsatisfactory clinical evaluation.

Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for religious, cultural, or medical reasons. Exceptions must be obtained from the appropriate program director prior to attending clinical.