Student Uniform Information
The purpose of the USM School of Nursing (SON) uniform and appearance policy is to facilitate safe patient care by faculty and students in the clinical setting, to provide identification in the clinical setting, and to support professional learning through following institutionally determined dress codes.
This uniform is required in most laboratory settings in the School of Nursing and most clinical experiences.
Exceptions to the policy will be conveyed by the faculty according to the experience. Hospital policy may stipulate additional restrictions which will be conveyed to the student at the beginning of a clinical experience.
Uniform Requirements
Fit and Laundering
Uniforms will fit appropriately to allow for safe patient care and professional appearance.
It is important that all clothing worn in the clinical setting are washable and laundered regularly.
Eye Protection Requirement
Students in clinical must purchase personal eye protection in the form of a face shield or safety glasses. Several of our hospitals will require students to have this to wear during clinical and will not provide it for students.
We cannot be certain that every student will need this for their clinical; it will depend on what hospital a student is assigned to, but it is best to have this on hand in case it is needed, and sometimes these take longer to source due to COVID.
Eyeglasses are not sufficient to meet this requirement.
Scrubs
Scrubs must be solid white or solid royal blue tops, pants, or skirts. Students can wear a combination of these. For example, a solid white top with royal blue pants.
Head coverings, if worn, will be of similar color and material to scrubs.
Brand, style or fit of the scrubs may vary by student as long as they cover appropriately and provide a professional appearance.
At least 2 sets of scrubs are needed but you may want more. In any given semester, students will attend a lab and/or clinical at least twice per week in scrubs, and scrubs may become soiled, especially during clinical.
Scrubs may be purchased at any store or online as long as they meet the above requirements.
Many students shop at Uniforms Express in South Portland which offers a student discount.
School of Nursing Emblem Patch
The University of Southern Maine School of Nursing emblem patch must be worn on the left sleeve of the visible outer layer of the uniform in all clinical settings.
The emblem patch can be purchased at the USM University Store.
Name Badges
Name badges must be worn in all laboratory and clinical settings.
Name badges must be white with black, dark blue, or navy print and read as follows:
First line = Student First & Last Name
Second Line = USM Nursing Student.
Badges are available for purchase at uniform shops, office supply stores, and online, including for example Amazon.
Shoes
Footwear must be at least 75% white or black.
Shoes must protect and cover the full foot and be secure.
Sneakers are permissible as long as they meet the above requirements.
Make sure you break shoes in and they are comfortable before classes start. Many labs are 4 hours and most clincials are 8 hours, most of which you will be on your feet.
Stethoscope
Personal stethoscopes are not required (you may use your own if desired but we have sanitized ones for lab use).
Students can purchase any basic type of stethoscope that is comfortable to them from any retailer.
Optional Layers
Fleece Vest
If a student chooses to wear a fleece vest over their scrubs the color must be royal blue, navy blue or black in color.
The vest must include the University of Southern Maine insignia/logo.
The vest must be removed before providing patient care.
Under Layers
For extra warmth or comfort, a layer may be worn under the scrub top which is of a matching solid blue, white or black color.
Sleeves must be three quarter or able to be folded up to just below the elbows for patient care.
Tattoos & Piercings
The USM School of Nursing does not have a policy requiring the covering of tattoos or restrictions on piercings however, individual clinical facilities may require us to follow their dress code policies.
Hygiene & Scented Products
Faculty and students will be responsible for self-monitoring and providing guidance to others as needed to maintain our responsibility to the patients in the clinical setting.
Scented Products and Odors
To facilitate patient care and avoid allergic reactions in others, faculty and students will use only unscented body and hair products without perfume or cologne.
Being without the scent of perfumes, body odor, strong food smells, or cigarette smoke is an important consideration as nurses interact closely with others.
Hair and Nails
Hair must be well restrained and/or trimmed.
Nails are to be kept natural, short and clean. Polish, gel, shellac and artificial nails are not allowed.
View additional information about guidelines for the prevention of hospital-acquired infections