Delaware Institute of Health Sciences, Uniform & Dress Code

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Policies & Procedures:

Uniform & Dress Code
One of the requirements of the health field is that a fresh, clean uniform be worn in the clinical area. The uniform is a source of pride in the health occupations and should not be considered a burden. The purpose of the uniform is protection and professionalism. Students wear an all white uniform with a collar with the program patch on the left sleeve with ID picture badge.

Special items such as program patches, lab coats, and the Practical Nursing uniform are to be purchased. Many nursing supplies are available at the campus bookstore or local uniform shops. Scrub suits with a V-neck or boat neck are NOT to be worn to clinical agencies. Students, however, may choose to wear these comfortable scrub suits to class in colors or multi-print, but must change into the regulation uniform for clinical experiences.

Nursing shoes may be purchased at certain local uniform shops that may give discounts to students. You are required to adhere to the following guidelines for appropriate uniform regulations and personal hygiene:


1.	The white uniform should fit properly and be of the style recommended by faculty, with the PN program patch (purchased in the bookstore) sewn on the left sleeve and standard college nametag. Male and Female students should plan to purchase the uniform top with a collar at a local uniform store, on-line or from a uniform catalog. Tops may button or zip up the front, fit comfortably and look professional. No embroider designs or fringe trim is permitted. Uniform pants should have an elastic waistband or zippered fly front with side pockets, be straight-legged, and be hemmed appropriately. Cargo and Capri pants are not acceptable. No jumpsuits are permitted.

2.	Female students may select a tailored, all white dress uniform with a collar or a tailored skirt with side pockets to wear with the collared, white top. If in doubt about the style, keep your receipt and show the uniform to faculty for approval. The uniform should fit comfortably and look professional.

3.	The uniform will be kept clean and pressed for each clinical and/or lab experience.

4.	Appropriate professional shoes will be polished with clean white shoelaces. Only all white, leather sneakers without visible product logo may be worn with pant uniforms. Open toe shoes, sling backs, cutouts or plastic shoes are not permitted.

5.	Fresh white hose or white socks will be worn with the uniform shoes. White socks are not permitted on female students when wearing a skirt or dress uniform. Support, white pantyhose are to be worn with dress or skirt uniforms.

6.	Females must wear appropriate undergarments. Male students must wear a clean white tee shirt under the tunic top with a collar. Clothing with visible product logo is not acceptable with or under the uniform.

7.	Appropriate jewelry will consist only of a wedding band, one pair of pierced ear studs, and a nurse's watch with a second hand. Body piercing should not be visible while in uniform or while attending college functions.

8.	Tongue and facial piercing are not permitted in the clinical setting.

9.	The college picture ID badge, bandage scissors, stethoscope, a note pad, and black pens are required on the SPN when in uniform. A Blood pressure cuff is recommended.

10.	The hair must be worn in a functional professional style, off the collar and pulled back from the face without additional hair accessories while in uniform. Traditionally colored hair is required when in uniform or at official college functions. Men should maintain traditionally trimmed beards and facial hair. Conservative hairstyles are appropriate and look professional to clients and agency staff. Remember you may be interacting with a potential employer!

11.	The fingernails must be kept clean, short, and free of colored nail polish in the clinical setting. NO artificial fingernails or press on nails are permitted on duty in the clinical areas. Follow clinical guidelines on the nursing units for hand washing.

12.	A ¾ length or full-length lab coat with a Practical Nursing program patch on the left sleeve may be worn over the uniform while traveling to and from clinical assignments.

13.	Facial makeup should give a professional image of a nurse. Glitter, bright colored eye shadow, black lipstick, decals and body makeup are not appropriate when in uniform.

14.	Tattoos, branding, and body art should be covered if they are suggestive or offensive when in uniform.

15.	Good daily hygiene should be practiced. A daily bath or shower in the morning will reduce transient bacteria on your skin. Use a deodorant and/or antiperspirant daily. Know that the smell of after shave cologne and perfume will likely cause some sick patients to vomit.

16.	Wash hands before and after each patient contact for two to three minutes. Shut off the faucet with a paper towel after you wash your hands. Carry disposable gloves in your pocket to protect yourself from contact with a patient's body fluids. (Note: Disposable gloves are usually available in each patient's room).

17.	Refer to the instructor's directives for the regular dress code when not in uniform. Colored or print scrubs may be worn to class on non-uniform days.

18.	Smokers should understand that the smoke is offensive to patients and other staff. Please carry breath mints or breath spray. Know that the smell of smoke on your uniform, on your hands, and in your hair will likely cause some sick patients have nausea and to vomit.