Dress Code

Professionalism begins with appearance and attire. To that end, students are to be neat, clean and well-groomed at all times in both the classroom, lab and in the clinical setting. All faculty members reserve the right and have the authority to determine dress standards for both the classroom and the clinical setting and to address students verbally and by written counseling if necessary.

CLASSROOM ATTIRE

• In the online environment, students are to be dressed appropriately. Pajamas, gowns, or robes during video counseling or classroom are not appropriate. 

• For on-campus testing or classroom activities, students are required to wear jeans and their TSTC Nursing program polo. 

SIMS/SKILLS LAB

Students are expected to be in full clinical attire, including full clinical uniforms, and meet all dress standards for SIM/skills Lab except when otherwise noted. See below for clinical attire expectations. 

CLINICAL ATTIRE

Exceptional personal hygiene and grooming are required of all students and faculty in the clinical setting.  Students are required to be in full uniform any time direct care is provided. Appropriate alternate uniform to the clinical unit in certain circumstances shall be per your instructor’s direction (i.e. RNSG 2162/2262-Clinical).

1. Hair: Hair must be clean, neat, dry, and pulled back tightly and secured away from the face and neck, in a single bun, for both sexes.  Ribbons, combs, or other hair ornaments are not permitted.  Men’s hair must also be restrained and may not touch the back of the collar.  Beards and mustaches must be maintained according to clinical site policies.  Hair colorings must be natural in appearance.  No unnatural colors are allowed (ex: purple, green, orange, hot pink, flaming red).  Unkempt hair will be corrected or may result in a Student Action Plan.

2. Nails: Fingernails must be clean & trimmed to a short length.  Natural, unpolished nails only will be allowed in a clinical setting.  Absolutely no artificial nails, no solar/acrylic, etc. nails will be permitted.  Students arriving at the unit or clinical setting with nail polish on must remove it immediately.

3. Required Uniform:

   1. Uniform Requirements: 

• Pants cannot touch the floor and must be hemmed properly.

• When sitting down there can be no gap at the waist between uniform pant and top.

• When bending over or squatting down there can be no gap at the waist between the uniform pant and top.

• If a student chooses to wear a uniform skirt in lieu of pants, the skirt must hit at a minimum of below the knee. 

• No cleavage can be shown.  Students may wear a solid plain, white, gray, or black cotton turtleneck or t-shirt (short or long sleeved) under the scrubs with instructor approval.  No lace camisoles will be allowed.

• Uniform top must be loose fitting.

• When raising arms above your head, no gap in uniform or bare skin will be showing (stomach or back)

• Black socks or white socks are to be worn with uniform pants.  Fluorescent colors are NOT acceptable at any time with your uniform, even on campus days.

3. 2. Harlingen: In compliance with the request of the clinical sites, the complete uniform for women and men includes clean, wrinkle free red scrubs as designated during the Orientation class, with the TSTC embroidered logo and identification.  Names on black lab coats may be embroidered in red only.  Students must follow clinical agency (facility) regulations concerning uniform requirements, therefore,  these guidelines are subject to change.  Solid plain, white, gray, or black cotton turtleneck or t-shirt only may be worn under uniform.  A different uniform may be required for community health and psych rotations as per clinical instructor/program team lead direction only.

   3. Sweetwater: In compliance with request of the clinical sites, the required uniform is clean, wrinkle free scrub set of blue top and black bottoms with the TSTC embroidered logo, and a lab jacket (black or white).

   4. Students should not be wearing the uniform while in social-type settings. The TSTC embroidered logo and identification may not be worn while working for a salary. No chewing gum or use of tobacco products are allowed while in uniform.  This includes the use of cigarettes,  electronic cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, etc.

4. Shoes/footwear: Shoes are to be leather-upper, conservative, in good repair, clean, with rubber or composite soles.  Shoes cannot have mesh coating and must be leather/non-porous.  Laces, if required, should be clean.  Closed-toe shoes are required on all nursing units. No canvas, flip flops or open-toe sandals are allowed in any clinical setting.  Slip-on clogs/Crocs must have a raised heel cup and/or a heel strap which must be worn behind the heel. 

5. Jewelry: A watch with a second hand is required as part of the basic uniform.  Wearing jewelry is limited to a wedding ring and small stud earrings - one per ear.  No large rings, dangling or looped earrings, or bracelets are permitted.  No other facial piercings or gauges are allowed.  One chain (identification or religious medallion) worn around the neck is acceptable but must be tucked inside of clothing during patient care and while on the unit.  No other jewelry, head scarves, handkerchiefs or other items may be worn with the uniform unless designated and approved by the program director.

6. Name badges: These are to be worn at all times in all clinical, lab and classroom settings.  Failure to bring/wear a name tag will result in a verbal (first offense) and/or written disciplinary action.  The student will not be allowed in the clinical setting without the name badge.  Badges will be worn, firmly affixed to the chest, so it can readily be seen and read.

7. Tattoos and Body Piercings: Tattoos must be covered by appropriate clothing at all times (i.e. black compression sleeve, long sleeve shirt).  Tattoos must not be covered with bandaids/bandages, tape, gloves, etc.  If the student has a tattoo(s) that cannot be covered by clothing such as the upper neck or hands, the student must leave the tattoo uncovered.  If the student gets a new tattoo that he/she is unable to cover up with clothing, the student will be dismissed from the program.  Students may not wear visible piercings or spacers.  Students are not allowed to cover piercings with bandages, tape, or band-aid. Visible body piercings are not allowed.

8. Other: 

• Makeup must be conservative and lightly applied so as not to call attention to the face.

• Smoking and /or chewing gum is not appropriate while in uniform.  Perfume and cologne are discouraged. 

• The clinical instructors may impose additional restrictions to the student appearance and dress code if he/she feels the items are offensive or disruptive to patient care.