Requirements for grooming and appearance are based on safety, infection control, and the need to present a professional appearance.
Grooming Standards
- The skin should be cleansed daily. A deodorant should also be used daily. Makeup should be used in moderation with no heavy application of foundation, rouge, eye makeup or lipstick. Perfumes, colognes, and scented lotions or body sprays are not permitted.
- The hair should be neatly groomed and of a natural color. For lab and clinical, long hair should be arranged back in a ponytail, braids, or bun so that it does not fall into the face, on the back of the collar, or otherwise obstruct vision. Hair extensions and styles should be conservative. Beards and/or mustaches should be short, neat, and well-trimmed.
- The hands should be clean and well cared for, with short fingernails, (natural nail tips no longer than 1/4 inch). Due to infection control standards, nail polish, nail overlay of any type, or artificial nails are not permitted at any time.
- All tattoos that can be covered must be covered in the lab and clinical settings.
- For lab or clinical: any visible body piercings, and/or tongue piercings must be removed or covered. Additionally, only one small stud earring per lower ear lobe may be worn. Only one plain, stone-less, smooth metal ring is permitted. A watch with a second hand or digital display is required. Medic Alert jewelry will be permitted at all times. No other jewelry will be allowed.
- Hats, scarves, and other head coverings are not permitted in class, lab, or clinical unless required by religious guidelines or due to a verifiable medical situation. Headbands may be worn, however, they must be of a solid color and without adornments.
Uniforms
All admitted students are given information about how to order College uniforms.
- Students must wear approved uniforms to all lectures, labs, and clinical unless otherwise authorized by the campus leadership.
- Students will be issued a photo ID badge that must be worn and visible above the waist at all times while on campus and at off-campus clinical sites. Lost ID badges must be replaced immediately. There is a $10 replacement cost for each badge.
- Uniform must be freshly laundered, pressed, and in good condition.
- Students are permitted to wear a plain white short or long sleeve t-shirt under the uniform.
- Students must wear flesh/white color nylons or solid color socks.
- Students are to wear clean nursing or athletic white shoes without any decoration or color to lab and clinical. Students are permitted to wear any type nursing or athletic shoe for class.
- Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic students are required to wear a face mask, covering both the mouth and nose, while on campus, unless fully vaccinated or otherwise noted, or at an off-site clinical location as directed by the facility. Face mask are required to be free from written messages, professional in nature, and non-offensive.
Disciplinary Action Related to Dress Code Violations
Students not in uniform or not in adherence with the College Dress Code policy during any classroom, lab, or clinical experiences may be asked to leave the facility. The attendance policy will be applied and any absence incurred as a result of being out of dress code will be recorded.
Violations of the dress code policy will be handled as follows:
- First occurrence: The student will be given a warning of the dress code violation. Documentation of the warning will be kept in the student’s file on an Opportunity for Growth Form.
- Second occurrence: A written warning will be issued to the student via a Critical Incident Form.
- Third Occurrence: The student will meet with the Campus Dean/Director of Nursing and Campus Executive Director to address their refusal to comply with the dress code. A second and final Critical Incident Form will be issued to the student.
- Fourth Occurrence: The College reserves the right to dismiss a student for failure to comply with the dress code.