Uniforms

[987!]

Question:

What is the required uniform for a RN to wear. I know they wear the nursing shirt and parts, but I mean are there any rules about having hair up, makeup, or jewelry?

[TazziRN, RN]

Depends on the facility, but most do not care about hair as long as it's back from the face. Makeup must not be garish/gothic. Jewelry needs to be tasteful.....no really dangly earrings, no dangly charm bracelets, no facial studs.

[RN1989]

Depends on where you work place policies. Best choice is to avoid large amts of jewelry - especially bracelets, rings, and dangly earrings - these are infection/safey concerns. Also worry about necklaces - confused pts often go for the necklace, stethoscope, or dangly earrings when they try to grab you. Best to keep hair tied out of face so it isn't hanging into sterile field or dirty diapers (can happen without your knowledge). Close toed shoes that are washable. Clothing should be tasteful - no belly buttons, cleavage, or panties showing (yes, I have seen nurses wear clothes that show these body parts). You should be able to bend, stretch, and lift without constriction by clothing. This doesn't mean you have to wear ugly clothes - use common sense. Bare legs and skirts/dresses are also usually a no-no.

[elkpark]

Most facilities have some sort of dress code policy that specifies what is and isn't permitted, but, in my experience, there's little enforcement. As the other posters mention, hair and jewelry are (can be) safety & infection control concerns. Cologne/perfume is often not allowed in facility policies. In general, keep in mind that you're there at work to provide professional services; you don't dress (accessorize) the same way you would to go out with friends.

Also, it's probably worth mentioning that artificial nails are banned at most all facilities, for infection control reasons.