Nursing

Inside scoop from our experts: Dress codes

HCPro's Weekly Update on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®*, December 27, 2010

This week’s question about dress codes comes from a discussion on JourneyTalk.

Q: There is discussion currently about modifying our dress code, not specific to that of the nurse or patient care tech, but rather for all employees. It would actually be a stricter policy than we have now (which is rather vague). No capris, no sandals, stockings or socks must be worn with all shoes, all tattoos covered, etc. Where are your organizations headed with this? Are you seeing dress codes for the work place more casual or getting tighter?

A: We do not allow flip flops anywhere and no open shoes on the units. All clinical associates must wear appropriate clothing for their areas. Nurses on the floors wear white pants, white shoes and socks with a unit preselected colored shirt and a white lab jacket. Appropriate underwear is required (you might be surprised at what people think is appropriate; i.e. no thongs). Scrubs are allowed only in the appropriate (procedural) areas. Business associates wear business wear but may wear sandals with or without hosiery, no capris, no tank tops or spaghetti straps. No pants can be more than four inches from the ankle. Tattoos must be covered. Only visible piercing is two earrings/ear maximum (male and female). No artificial nails in clinical areas.

Editor's note: On JourneyTalk you can network with your peers, discuss the new manual, share your helpful tips, and get advice on how to meet the program's expectations.

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