Clinical Dress Code

I think you've got multiple issues going on there - one is, the program's directors are usually really proud of their students. It's a big deal to get (and keep) a nursing program approved by the state, get everyone clinical slots in hospitals, keep instructors on staff, find the $$$ for supplies for the lab, etc. At my school, the nursing lab is one of the big stops on any tour they give of the college - having a lab full of sharply-dressed students is pretty impressive for outsiders. Some of those who take tours are the ones making decisions on funding & no $$ = no classes.

I also think it's motivational for those who are doing their pre-reqs- you find yourself wanting to join that "club" & get "patched" - students in scrubs are on the path you want to be on yourself, so if you see one in a writing class, you *know* they're in the program & it's easy to strike up a conversation about the program. You're an "ambassador" whether you want to be or not. During my LPN program, all I wanted was some *blue* scrubs.. (And, I wanted to choke whoever decided we should wear white pants in the LPN program!).

Some of the other requirements (like a pen light, stethoscope, black pens, sharpie, scissors) aren't really enforced as much in the later blocks, but you'll find yourself really *wanting* those things - I was a "hero" at clinicals multiple times because I had a sharpie, a stethoscope & scissors with me all the time - many floor nurses forget that stuff & they *know* they can mooch yours. The one day you forget your scissors is the day you need to do a bunch of dressings & the day you forget your stethoscope is the day you'll miss hearing a really cool heart murmur.

I got really tired of wearing the scrubs to every single class - we wore ours even on the last day & most of my class wasn't super happy about it, but it is what it is, so you adapt.

Most nursing schools have stricter dress codes for clinicals than the actual nurses wear for work. My school required all white- white pants, white button-down scrub top, white nursing shoes, and white lab coat with the nursing school patch sewed on the left sleeve. It makes it easy to pick out that you're a student and it's something you will look back

on and joke about.

They want you guys to act and look professional so you can keep going to the site. I don't understand the beef students have with rules. Just keep your head down, do what your told, and move on.

I understand the value of professionalism, but I don't understand why valley schools have such strict dress codes for nursing students while many hospitals and other companies are far more relaxed.

Eh, I don't really get it either but the rules are the rules. And when they say off the collar, they mean even your ponytail can't touch or go past the collar. So mostly you have to have your hair up in a bun which makes for a lovely headache at the end of the day! I cut mine so that I could wear it in a ponytail for that very reason. But for the Maricopa schools, you only have to wear your scrubs for lab and clinicals. Lecture is free dress.

They will explain this when you start. But basically you haven't earned the lax dress code yet. You are a student and not an RN yet, so you still have to make it through a program and prove yourself.

Also, you are representing the school. If the students come in with funky hair and shoes, or hot pink tank tops under the scrubs or whatever, it doesn't look as professional and doesn't impress the facility or patients. Patients will trust you more as a student if you look professional. And every day at clinical is an interview at that facility. More so in the later blocks. You want to make a memorable appearance in a good way. Not be "that" student.

Once you pass NCLEX, unless you work for a strict facility, you will get to wear your hair down, and have fun shoes and socks, and wear a fun undershirt if you want. Because at that point, you will have earned it.

Good luck.

Thank you. Your response has made the most sense. I appreciate it

Because if they don't require specific, professional attire/grooming, there are always a few who just don't get it and show up dressed like hoochies or slobs. It's easier to just address the group as a whole, and avoid having to counsel multiple individuals every semester that ultra-long, pointy-sharp glitter nails, shorts that show your cheeks & your thong, and flip-flops are inappropriate.