Uniform Policy
Students may be asked to comply with additional requirements of selected clinical agencies (for example, drug testing, removal of artificial/acrylic nails, more frequent Mantoux testing) to participate in clinical experiences in those agencies.
Licensed RN students must follow the undergraduate student uniform code presented below, but are not required to wear the hunter green V-neck scrub top and black slacks. Instead, they may wear the uniform dictated by their clinical agency's policy. Binghamton University branded uniforms are available for purchase (see Uniform Ordering box).
When a uniform is required, the following applies:
- The uniform for women and men is a hunter green, V-neck scrub top with the Decker logo on the left side and black slacks.
- Additional layered clothing is not to be worn with the uniform. A white, black or green, clean, freshly laundered long-sleeve shirt is acceptable in lieu of a sweater.
- A white, long-sleeved laboratory coat of three-quarter length to full length is acceptable and should be worn only over street clothes. The lab coat is not considered a uniform.
- White or dark socks are worn under the pants.
- Shoes must be white or black. All-white sneaker-style or vinyl or leather shoes are acceptable. Full clogs are acceptable, but open backed clogs, sandals and high heels are prohibited. Shoes must be clean and worn exclusively for clinical. No open toe, open heel shoes or canvas shoes are allowed.
- Fingernails are to be short and clean. Nail polish and acrylic (or otherwise artificial) nails are not acceptable.
- Hair must be well groomed and worn in a controlled style. Long hair must be pulled back. Hair accessories must be white, tortoise shell or the same color as the hair. Hair accessories must not detract from the professionalism of the role. Mustaches and beards must be clean and trimmed.
- A wedding ring is the only acceptable ring to be worn in the clinical area. Small, single, nondangling post earrings are acceptable: two per earlobe; no cartilage piercings and no gauges. Wrist and ankle bracelets and necklaces are not acceptable. Nose, tongue and any other facial jewelry are not acceptable.
- Tattoos must be covered.
- Sweaters are not to be worn when giving direct patient care. Green or black scrub jackets are acceptable. Black, white or off-white, cardigan-style sweaters without decoration are acceptable for nonpatient care activities. Hooded sweatshirts are not acceptable.
- Student ID cards are worn as a name badge and must be visibly displayed as a required piece of the student nurse uniform. Plastic holders are used to display the ID card and are attached to the uniform with a pocket clip or on a break-away lanyard worn around the neck. These are available for sale at the University Bookstore.
- In an agency or nursing unit where a uniform is not required, the student ID card will be worn per number 11 of this policy.
- Clothes must be neat, clean, washable and conservative in style or as dictated by agency requirements. Jeans, shorts, sweat suits, tank tops, mid-riff tops, sleeveless blouses and overalls are not acceptable.
- The student must wear either a uniform or a laboratory coat when going to a hospital to obtain the clinical assignment. In certain circumstances the uniform or lab coat is not required, and the student will be advised of appropriate attire by faculty or as dictated by agency policy. The student ID card must be visibly displayed per number 11 of this policy.
- At no time is unsuitable clothing or footwear to be worn in the hospital or community agency.
- Licensed RN students shall follow the undergraduate student uniform code with the exception that they may wear a white uniform or as dictated by agency policy.
- Failure to comply with this procedure may result in being dismissed from clinical as a clinical absence, with make-up being at the instructor's discretion.
NOTE: Any cargo-style pants or jeans, including see-through fabric or material are unacceptable. Scrub bottoms must allow for freedom of movement.