Each program of study at St. Paul’s School of Nursing has a dress code. Students must comply with the School’s dress code while attending classes, including any externship or clinical course. Compliance with the School’s dress code is an essential part of preparing students for employment in their professions. In addition, potential employers are frequently at the School therefore, it is important that each student always presents himself or herself in a professional manner.
The following items may never be worn by students on campus, at clinical/externship sites, or while attending campus-related activities:
- Any clothing showing obscenities
- Clothing in ill repair (e.g., ripped or torn, extremely dirty, etc.)
- Cut off shorts above mid-thigh length
- Facial or tongue jewelry
- Low cut blouses or shirts
- Tank tops or other sleeveless tops
- Visible undergarments
Personal Hygiene
Although individual program dress code standards may vary, the following personal hygiene standards apply for all programs:
- Students must take daily preventive measures to maintain cleanliness.
- Hair must be clean and conservatively styled. For laboratory and clinical classes, long hair must be pulled off the collar.
- Nails must be manicured to sport length or shorter. For laboratory classes in nursing and allied health programs, artificial nails or overlays are not permitted. Nails must be clean and free of polish or other decorations.
- Perfume or cologne should not be worn in a medical environment as they could be offensive to patients with allergies.
- Moustaches and beards must be trimmed to an appropriate length. Only complimentary conservative makeup should be worn. Unacceptable: Heavy makeup, including long false eyelashes or bright eye shadow.
Accessories
The following accessories are not allowed while attending classes or clinical/externship:
- Cell phones, earphones, and headsets may not be visible and must be turned off or silenced during all classes. Students anticipating an emergency call must inform their instructor so arrangements can be made. All phones and electronic equipment will be kept in a purse, bag, or vehicle.
- Excessive jewelry. Jewelry should be limited to wedding rings or one small ring on the left or right hand and one pair of stud type earrings. Hoops larger than a nickel or dangling earrings are a hazard and are not permitted in any lab.
- No facial piercing, tongue rings, or ear stretchers are to be worn while attending classes.
- Scarves, hats, or baggy fitting clothing.
- Tattoos must be covered while attending classes, labs, or the clinical/externship portion of program.
- Religious head covers must be the solid color of the student‘s particular uniform or white.
St. Paul’s School of Nursing students are expected to wear their School picture identification badge, always, when on campus, externship, and clinical sites.
Students are issued a minimum of two uniform scrub sets.
Students dressed inappropriately or who do not follow the dress code, including standards above for personal hygiene and accessories, may be prohibited from attending classes, externship sites, and clinical sites. Those who disregard the dress code will be warned. If the problem persists, the student may be dismissed from St. Paul’s School of Nursing. Questions should be addressed to the specific program director.