STANDARD NURSING DRESS CODE POLICY

POLICY Childrens Hospital Nursing Service personnel will exhibit professional attire at all times. The policy applies to all nurses working within Childrens Hospital. Refer to Department Policy and Procedure for additional department specific requirements. UNIFORMED PERSONNEL 1. Nametags must be worn on chest and in plain view at all times. 2. Basic nursing uniforms are to be worn. This includes the following: a. White uniforms b. Matching colored scrubs, including denim looking scrubs. c. Colored scrub tops and white pants/skirts d. Oxford and Polo type plain or CHS logo shirts may be worn only if they are in good condition and neatly tucked in with nursing uniform pants or if worn out must completely cover the midriff with no skin showing at any time. e. May wear hip length pinafore tops and smocks over the basic uniform. Uniform Jumpsuits with sleeves, tailored nursing slacks or skirts with small bibs are acceptable as well. No shorts or skorts will be worn. f. Turtlenecks or long sleeve shirts may be worn for warmth under color coordinated nursing tops. g. Earrings must be neat and professional - allowing for no patient contact. h. Undergarments, which are non visible and have appropriate coverage, must be worn at all times. i. Skirts/dresses should be no more than 2 above the knee. j. Only Childrens Hospital T-shirts may be worn with scrubs/uniform pants (no jeans or sweat pants) at any time. Pants should be no shorter than 1 above the ankle. Specialty Tshirts and sweatshirts are allowed only on special occasions (i.e., during the Festival of Trees, Christmas season, and for Halloween (should not interfere with unit function). Exceptions to the dress code may be made for special occasions or celebrations with regards to apparel and/or scrubs, based on the Department Directors and Divisional Directors (or Department Directors supervisor if no Divisional Director) approval. k. Burn Unit employees will wear Childrens Hospital scrubs while on duty. l. No tight fitting clothing (pants, leggings, skirts or shirts) are to be worn. m. No faded or unkempt uniforms will be worn. 3. Toes are to be covered at all times. a. Nursing shoes should be worn. Coordinating colors of shoes with the uniform may be chosen, including clogs and Birkenstocks except in Psychiatry (for safety). Tennis shoes may be worn Above the ankle high tops may be worn for support only with pants b. Shoes must be clean at all times. Shoestrings must be clean.

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4. White hose will be worn with the uniform (no stripes or other designs). Socks may be worn only with pants, coordinating colors with pants may be chosen. No flesh-tone or other color pantyhose may be worn with the nursing uniform dresses or skirts. Scrub warm ups or lab jackets, solid colored cardigan sweaters may be worn for warmth. However, no cardigan sweaters or fleece jackets will be allowed into the OR. Only cotton scrub jackets are allowed in the OR due to the sterile environment. Fingernails will be trimmed and neatly groomed. They are not to extend inch beyond the nail tip. No artificial nails, tips, or nail glue-on decorations are permitted. 5. Hair must be clean and neat at all times allowing for no patient contact. 6. No visible tattoos. 7. Visible pierced body jewelry limited to two earrings per lower ear lobe only. 8. Shirts (exception 2d) are to be long enough to be tucked into pants or if worn out must completely cover the midriff with no skin showing at any time. No skin should be exposed along midriff area. NON-UNIFORMED PERSONNEL A conservative standard of neatness and moderation will be expected at all times. The following guidelines apply: 1. 2. 3. Nametags will be worn on chest in plain view at all times. No Jeans or denim of any kind, and no faded clothing will be worn. Split skirts are allowed as long as they are skirt length and fit comfortably. Acceptable length is interpreted as no more than 2 above the knee for dresses, skirts. No tight fitting clothing (pants, leggings, skirts or shirts) are to be worn. White lab coat is to be worn when performing direct patient care Unit clerks: Scrubs are optional at a unit level decision. All other guidelines under this section apply to Unit clerks as well. Tennis shoes may be worn. Above the ankle high tops may be worn for support only with pants Non uniformed personnel with patient care must keep fingernails trimmed, neatly groomed - not to extend inch beyond the nail tip. No artificial nails, tips, or nail glueon decorations are permitted. No visible tattoos.

4. 5. 6.

7.

8.

9.

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10.

Shirts (exception 2e) are to be long enough to be tucked into pants or if worn out must completely cover the midriff with no skin showing at any time Pants should be no more than 2 4 inches above the ankle. Closed toe shoes must be worn when providing direct patient care services (i.e. teaching, consults, support services). Visible pierced body jewelry limited to two earrings per ear lobe.

11. 12.

13.

In addition to those items mentioned above in uniformed and non-uniformed sections, the following items will not be worn: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Dark glasses (unless prescribed by physician) Strong/overwhelming perfume or cologne Sundresses, sleeveless tops or dresses must wear a jacket Shorts, skorts, Jogging/wind suits/sweat suits Toe rings

PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS First Offense: Second Offense: Verbal counsel and written warning. Written warning and employee sent home to change into appropriate attire and to return to work. Employee suspended 1-3 days without pay (depending on severity of violation).

Third Offense:

With blatant violation of the Dress Code, the first offense may be waived and second offense penalties initiated.
Tracking Record Action Taken
New Policy/ Procedure Reviewed 5-02-06 Revised 5-02-06 Evidence Based Review Org. Changes

Reason for Development/Change of Standards

PI Equipment Addition/ Change Standard of Care Compl. Reg. Body Practice Change Other

Comment/Explanation of Impact

Written: September 2002 Previously Reviewed: June 2008 Previously Revised: June 2008 Policy or Procedure Name: Standard Nursing Dress Code Policy Reviewed by (with date): Head Nurse Group 6-2-08 Approved by (with date): NEC 6-3-08 Revisions:

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