Appearance Guidelines

1. Facial hair must be trimmed, neat, and well groomed.

2. Hair must be neatly groomed and secured so that it does not fall about the face when providing care. If devices are needed to secure the hair off the face, they should be as unobtrusive as possible; bows and bandannas are not appropriate. Headbands (other than cloth) can be worn to keep short hair out of the face. Exaggerated hairstyles are not permitted; unusual hair decorating/coloring is not consistent with professional grooming. Religious attire must be approved and be consistent with client safety.

3. Jewelry must be kept to a minimum.

   • No facial or visible body piercings (e.g., nose, cheek, tongue, eyebrow, lip, etc.). Plastic piercing spacers are not allowed.

   • Earrings: Only one pair of small post earrings: no large, long, or dangling styles are permitted.

   • Necklaces: No visible necklaces are permitted.

   • Rings: Only plain bands are acceptable. All jewelry on the hands that may interfere with the integrity of protective gloves, such as rings with stones, must be removed.

   • Bracelets: Bracelets are not permitted.

4. Metal or plastic watches with a second hand must be worn to all clinical experiences. Smart watches are not permitted.

5. Tattoos may not be visible when in uniform.

6. Fingernails must be kept clean and cut short so that the tips of the nails are not visible from the palm side of the hand. Nail polish and artificial nails are not permitted.

7. The College of Nursing Student ID Badge must be affixed to the collar of the uniform or lab coat whenever the student is in any clinical/simulation setting.