Appearance and Dress

Appearance and Dress

The School of Nursing supports individuality and self-expression. However, you are entering practicum sites as guests of that organization and are viewed as a representative of the University of Minnesota. Therefore, you are asked to abide by the rules governing professional dress and appearance as required for each practicum site. Instructors will review dress code and body adornment policies during the orientation to each practicum setting. Students who do not abide by the dress code may be asked to leave the practicum site. 

The official school uniform for practicum experiences (inpatient, outpatient, and in the community) 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. In addition, you have the option of wearing a matching maroon scrub jacket (without logo) with the maroon scrubs.

Remember that when participating in practicum sites outside the University classroom, you will be seen as a guest, an ambassador and a professional-in-training.

Photo identification tags identifying you as a University of Minnesota School of Nursing student must be worn during all practicum coursework in a way that clearly identifies you as a student. The School of Nursing official scrubs and ID badges may not be worn in any setting unless you are there for official School of Nursing activities. 

Appearance and Dress: Specific Guidelines

• Shoes: For safety purposes, shoes should not be sandals or have open toes or heels. It is good practice to wear shoes in the inpatient clinical areas exclusively in the clinical agency/hospital, 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.

• In hospital or community settings: Low necklines, sleeveless shirts, shorts or short skirts, low rise pants, exposure of the abdomen, too tight or too loose fit, worn and dirty shoes or wearing hats or caps must be avoided, as they may be interpreted by patients as unprofessional and inappropriate. Please discuss with your course faculty. 

• Jewelry and Body Adornment: Only small post earrings are allowed in practicum areas. Dangling or hoop earrings and bracelets are prohibited, as they may pose a safety issue. Either a watch with a second hand or a digital watch that can track seconds is required.  Some clinical agencies require that body adornment (e.g., tattoos) be covered.  Please follow the rules for the agency. 

• Fragrances: You should not wear perfume or aftershave and should avoid tobacco smoke or pet hair. Patients frequently experience nausea or sensitivity to smell and have allergies related to these things. Do not neglect your own self-care, paying attention to areas such as adequate sleep and good personal hygiene.

• Hair and nails: The appropriateness of unnatural hair colors, body jewelry, or visible tattoos can vary widely with your practicum setting and patient population. You should choose the most professional option and respect the policies of the practicum site, being you are a representative of the University of Minnesota School of Nursing. 

  • • Suggestions include: wear hair above the collar or tied back securely with a clip or band, avoid large hair bows/scarves, and make sure to trim beards and mustaches. See Adaptations of the Uniform below.

    • 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.

Improper dress: Faculty members will tell an improperly dressed student to leave the clinical setting and return in proper uniform. Attention to personal hygiene and grooming is expected.

Adaptations of the Uniform

• You may wear a white cotton t-shirt or turtle neck 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 shirt.

• During pregnancy, the course faculty should be consulted regarding acceptable dress.

• Students may need to adapt the uniform for cultural and/or religious reasons; please contact the University of Minnesota Bookstore for information.