The School of Nursing supports individuality and self-expression within its student body. However, students enter practicum sites as guests of that institution and are viewed as representative of the University of Minnesota. Therefore, you are asked to abide by the rules governing professional dress and appearance as explained at each institution. Instructors will review dress code during the orientation to each practicum setting. If the student does not follow the dress code the faculty will ask the student to leave the practicum site.
The official school uniform for hospital experiences is maroon scrubs with the official University of Minnesota School of Nursing emblem embroidered on the left in gold stitching. Scrubs must be ordered through the University of Minnesota bookstore. The full length lab coat with the official school emblem is optional for practicum preparation, but must also be ordered through U of MN Bookstore. You also have the option of wearing a matching maroon scrub jacket (without logo) with the maroon scrubs.
For outpatient practicum experiences you may wear their photo ID badge and business casual dress (khaki pants or slacks, no jeans, no shorts, no capri pants; professionally appropriate shirts/tops, no t-shirts, no bare midriff shirts, no low cut tops; no flip-flops—many institutions prohibit open-toe shoes). Practicum faculty will review site specific dress requirements.
Photo identification tags clearly identifying you as a University of Minnesota School of Nursing student must be worn during all practicum coursework.
You should always consider the client/patient perception of their physical presentation with respect to the individual client’s social, cultural and economic situation. Remember that when engaged in practicum site course requirements outside the University classroom, you will be seen as a guest of the practicum agency, an ambassador of the School of Nursing and a professional-in-training.
Shoes: For safety purposes, the shoes should not be sandals or have open toes or heels. It is good practice to wear shoes in the practicum area exclusively in practicum, due to the potential exchange of bacteria/viruses between environments. Shoes worn with scrubs should be primarily white shoes with no advertisement (inconspicuous logos are acceptable such as the Nike swoosh), with white socks. Clogs, sandals, crocs with holes, open-toed or open-heeled shoes or canvas tennis shoes are not appropriate.
Scrubs or Business Casual: Avoid tight-fitting, torn or low-cut clothes, as they may be interpreted by patients as unprofessional. Examples include low necklines (below the collar bone), sleeveless shirts, shorts or short skirts, low rise pants, exposure of the abdomen, too tight or too loose fit, or wearing hats or caps, etc.
Jewelry: Only small post earrings are allowed in practicum areas. Dangling or hoop earrings and bracelets are prohibited, as they may pose a safety issue. Visible body jewelry (nose, brow, tongue rings) should be removed in patient care environments. Either a watch with a second hand or a digital watch that can track seconds is required.
Personal Hygiene: No fragrant lotions (ie: perfume, aftershave, etc.) are to be used in practicum sites. Avoid potential allergens (smoke, pet hair, etc.). Patients may experience nausea and sensitivity to odors. In addition, follow practicum site polices.
Hair: Hair should be clean and worn above the collar or tied back securely with a clip or band. Avoid large hair adornments. Beards and mustaches should be trim.
Fingernails: Fingernails should be clean and trimmed to moderate length with no polish. Acrylic nails and other enhancements are prohibited because of documented outbreaks of infection due to gram negative bacteria associated with artificial nails and nail polish.
Attention to personal hygiene and grooming is expected.
Clean, wrinkle free clothing and clean shoes are expected for each practicum day.
Adaptations to the Uniform
You may wear a white cotton t-shirt, turtle neck or pull-over under the maroon scrub top. A maroon scrub jacket that matches the official uniform may be worn during practicum in addition to or instead of a white pull-over.
During pregnancy, the course faculty should be consulted regarding acceptable dress.
Students who may need adaptations to the uniform for cultural and/or religious reasons can contact their academic advisor for more information about options.