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Clinical Site Attire / Dress Code / Hygiene Standards

Students are representatives of the College of New Jersey Department of Nursing whenever involved in off-campus study or clinical experiences.

All students are required to purchase a standard TCNJ white lab coat and name badge the semester prior to taking Health Assessment. These items must be worn during all clinical experiences with a few exceptions (such as a pediatric practice where the preceptor requires business attire instead of a uniform). In such cases, the TCNJ name badge must be worn at all times. Information on ordering the uniform can be found in the Department of Nursing Office.

It is the policy of The College of New Jersey for students to present a professional and positive image appropriate for providing care in a healthcare facility. The College of New Jersey has a bona-fide need to present a professional appearance to the community it serves and abide by the policies of our community partner clinical sites.

  1. Uniform of white top with school identification on chest and blue pants. Uniform/clothing must be loose enough to provide ease of movement in clinical activities. No scrubs.
  2. White scrub jacket with school identification on chest.
  3. A short- or long-sleeved shirt may be worn under scrub top and MUST ONLY be a Blue or White.
  4. Name pins must be worn when in the healthcare agencies.
  5. Watch with second hand; no smart watches allowed.
  6. White, black, or natural socks or hose
  7. White or black professional shoes–NO canvas shoes, canvas sneakers, or sling backs, or clogs may be worn. Shoes must be all white or black, leather, closed toe and heel.
  8. Hair must be neatly combed, clean, and styled or contained, pulled back and secured with bobby pons or elastic hair bands, in such a manner that it will not come in contact with the patient or the care field. Style and length of hair should minimize touching/adjusting or handling of hair during patient care.
  9. Hair of unnatural color, i.e. blue, purple, pink, etc. is inappropriate and not acceptable in the clinical area.
  10. Hats, caps, bandanas, and scarves or other head coverings, unless for safety purposes or established religious customs or medical reasons, are inappropriate and not acceptable in the clinical areas, course lab settings, and during course exams.
  11. Facial hair must be clean and dry, controlled and trimmed, so as not to interfere with patient care responsibilities.
  12. Students must be mindful of good personal hygiene. Unclean, unkempt appearance, unpleasant body or breath odors, including smoke odors and perfume/cologne, that may be offensive to patients, families and other health care providers and are not acceptable.
  13. Headphones and earbuds are inappropriate and unacceptable in the clinical area.
  14. No facial jewelry is permitted. The only jewelry permitted in the clinical practice setting is a plain wedding band and a single post earring may ONLY be worn on the ear lobe. NO neck chains, bracelets, or any other pieces of jewelry may be worn in the clinical practice areas. No tongue jewelry may be worn.
  15. No heavy and/or excessive facial makeup is acceptable in the clinical area. No fake eyelashes may be worn.
  16. Nails must be clean and well-manicured, no longer than the tip of the finger.
  17. Only clear nail polish may be worn, No chipped polish, acrylic nails, or gel polish are permitted as outlined by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) for patient safety reasons.
  18. Tattoos on the arms or neck may not be visible when in the clinical practice areas.
  19. Student dress in the clinical practice areas outside of the hospital setting must be professional. No jeans, leggings, spandex, halter/tube tops, flip-flops, sandals, etc. Name pins must be worn.
  20. In order to provide safe patient care, students may not have casts/orthopedic braces or assistive devices in the clinical practice areas. Student may have to withdraw from the course if an injury occurs during the semester.

 

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TCNJ's Department of Nursing is not accepting transfers into our four year traditional bachelor’s of science in nursing program at this time. We are accepting applications for the ABSN program for May 2025.Learn More
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