Uniform Policy

Uniform Policy

More information and how to order uniforms may be found online: https://www.umass.edu/nursing/academic-programs/nursing-major/clinical-information-undergraduate-nursing-majors

As nurses and nursing students, it is our role to care for the public in many settings. The rationale for a consistent uniform policy is to present a professional image as well as to be mindful of disease transmission. The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing uniform policy is intended to maintain a consistent professional image, consider medical asepsis, and to be congruent with dress code policies of agencies used for clinical experience. The uniform for clinical experiences (with the exception of clinical settings that have different uniform requirements) will include:

1. Plain navy-blue uniform quality scrub pants and a white scrub/uniform top and jacket with the UMass Elaine Marieb College of Nursing logo are required. Two sets are recommended. No shirt sleeve showing beneath the scrub top is allowed.
2. The University of Massachusetts name badge must be worn on the front of the scrub/uniform top or jacket.
3. Clean, all white or all black, leather or vinyl, (no canvas) nursing shoes are required. Nursing clogs, if permitted by the clinical agency, must be closed toe and heel. White, navy blue or black hose or socks must be worn.
4. Uniforms must be kept clean and pressed.
5. Hair must be restrained and off the collar.
6. Make-up must be kept to a minimum.
7. No artificial nails or nail polish shall be worn. Fingernails must be neat and clean, and length should not exceed ¼”. There is strong evidence that artificial nails and nail polish harbor bacteria and can cause infection.
8. Facial piercings (nose, tongue, eyebrows, etc.) must be removed in the clinical area and tattoos covered to the extent possible.
9. Jewelry must be limited to watches, small inconspicuous rings such as a wedding band and neck chains. No bracelets are allowed. Earrings must be stud type, no dangling earrings.
10. Use of colognes and perfumes or odor of tobacco or cannabis is not permitted in the clinical setting, as they may have an adverse effect on individual patients. Students in this situation will be asked to change their clothes or sent home from the clinical site.
11. Clinical agency dress code policies, if stricter than College of Nursing policy, must be adhered to while in that setting.
12. If street clothes are required by the clinical agency, they must meet the standards of the clinical setting.

Students who do not comply with the uniform policy will not be allowed in the clinical setting.