Professional Appearance

The words "professional appearance" have a different meaning for each person. Despite diversity of views, it is generally agreed that professional appearance entails both a functional and aesthetic component. Some guidelines follow:

Hair: Loose strands should not brush or fall into work area or fall in front of your face when leaning forward.
Fingernails: Should be a length that does not interfere with work and can easily be kept clean and neat. Nail polish should be a conservative color and free from chips.
Jewelry: Earrings should be small and designed so they will not scratch the client or catch on anything. Rings should be confined to one or two significant wedding, engagement or friendship rings that will not scratch the client and can be kept clean. Bracelets and necklaces should be avoided.

Items to avoid include: Jeans, shorts, tee shirts, sweat shirts, sweat pants, sandals, clothes with pictures or messages on them, or clothes that are too tight, too short, or wrinkled.

Personal grooming also contributes to the professional look. This includes cleanliness and neatness. Perfume should not be worn in clinical because it may be offensive to patients/clients.

Uniform Requirements:

Uniforms: Nursing students in N219 will be required to purchase an approved UW-Madison School of Nursing (SoN) uniform. The uniform consists of a white top and navy pants. The white top, embroidered with the UW-Madison SoN logo, will be available in two styles and the pants will be available in three styles.

Lab coats:Lab coats embroidered with the SoN logo are also required and are worn when students are on their clinical units doing clinical preparation. In addition, students will usually be required to wear their lab coats during community clinical experiences.

Uniforms and lab coats may be acquired from the University Bookstore through three methods:

• On-line ordering

• On-line “reservation”

(Instructions for the above will be available on the University Bookstore’s website.)

• Purchase at University Bookstore /Health Sciences Learning Center Location at 750 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 608-663-2665.

Please note: There will be limited stock available at the University Bookstore location, so please consider either direct ordering or “reserving” desired quantity(ies) by the first of-August, so that you will have an adequate quantity when your clinical rotations begin in mid-September.

You will be using the SoN uniform during three of the four semesters of nursing school, so you may want to purchase more than one set. Students will be required to wear the approved uniform whenever they are on a clinical unit, unless directed otherwise by their clinical instructor. If desired, students may wear a white (only) short or long-sleeved shirt under the uniform top. No colors or patterns allowed.

Shoes: Students are required to wear predominantly white nursing, running or walking shoes when on their clinical units. Shoes are to be reserved for clinical use for hygiene and comfort reasons.

If you have questions about uniform requirements, please email Sarah Kruger: stkruger@wisc.edu.

Uniforms for N419, Community Health Nursing Practicum, differ according to the policies of each agency. In general, most agencies require dark skirts or slacks with a white blouse or shirt. Regular walking shoes (not sandals or tennis shoes) are appropriate. In addition to the uniform and shoes discussed on the prior page, students will need the following items:

In addition to the Professional Appearance Policy above, students in clinical placements at U.W. Hospitals must abide by the policies of that institution which are presented below.

1. Dress Clothing should be appropriate for the patient care work environment and professional duties.

   1. Clothing typically associated with leisure activities (e.g., caps, BLUE blue jeans, shorts, leggings, halters, bare back and midriff tops) is not appropriate.Compliance with these guidelines is expected at all times, including situations where personal attire may be covered by a lab coat. Appropriate hosiery must be worn.

   2. Clothing should be clean, neat, in good condition and fit properly. Torn, faded, stained or frayed articles of clothing are not appropriate.

   3. Head coverings may only be worn when associated with professional or religious affiliation or as they relate to state/or federal legislation.

   4. Shoes should also be appropriate for the patient care work environment. UWHC employees having contact with inpatient units are expected to wear shoes with noise resistant soles and heels. Shoes should clean and in good repair.

   5. Scrub attire is to be worn in accordance with the Scrub Suit Attire-Use and Security Policy (Administrative Policy Manual #9.29).

   6. Uniforms will be determined by individual department policies.

2. Appearance

   1. Hair should be clean and combed. In patient contact situations, long hair must be controlled to prevent contact with the patient, equipment or supplies.

   2. Control of beards and mustaches will be coordinated by individual departments, if they effect or interfere with job performance and safety.

   3. Cologne, perfume, make-up and specific jewelry may be worn in moderation unless precluded by departmental policy, working conditions, or directives.

3. Cleaniness Neat and clean dress demonstrate pride in the job and is a courtesy to those around you. Attention to the principles of hygiene while working is necessary.

   1. Proper hand washing techniques are important for personal safety and control of infection (Refer to Infection Control Manual, Policy #13.08).

   2. Each individual employee is responsible for maintaining personal hygiene needs and cleanliness.

   3. Nails should be neatly trimmed and clean.

4. Safety

   1. Protective shoes with reinforced toes are required when specified by individual departments.

   2. Non-conductive safety shoes are required where specified by individual departments.

   3. All UWHC employees in patient care areas must wear footwear with an enclosed toe.

   4. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is available on all inpatient units and clinics. Employees must use this equipment while a risk of exposure exists.