Dress Code

The purpose of this Policy is for Trinity Health Corporation and its Health Ministries and Subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “Trinity Health”), which includes Mount Carmel College of Nursing, to ensure that all student nurses appropriately represent the organization to the public and to the people to whom Trinity Health provide services.

Appropriate dress and appearance ensures that student nurses look professional and present a positive image of the organization to patients, visitors and the public. All student nurses are expected to contribute to a positive and safe environment by maintaining appropriate dress, hygiene, and neatness of appearance.

The student dress code is enforced with the goal to assure a high standard in professional self-presentation. It is important for Mount Carmel College of Nursing (MCCN) students to recognize their role as representatives of the College and the profession of nursing, in all settings. Appearance and self-presentation must be commensurate with professional expectations. MCCN’s dress code policy is guided by Trinity Health/Mount Carmel Health System (MCHS) Policy.

Trinity Health, including Mount Carmel College of Nursing, is committed to administering this Policy in accordance with its Mission, Core Values and commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

It is the responsibility of all faculty creating and/or administering examinations to adhere to the practices identified within this policy. This includes all baccalaureate, graduate, and online-programs.

Student Attire – College Campus Areas - Columbus

Students should present a positive, businesslike, and professional image through dress and actions throughout the College properties.

The following guidelines apply:

Clothing will be clean, neat, in good repair, properly fitted, not revealing, and appropriate for the type of work performed, The following is a list of guidelines (please note, this list is not all inclusive):
Tank tops, bathing suits, house slippers, and pajamas are not permitted.
Shorts and skirts cannot be higher than mid-thigh.
Inappropriate exposure of skin not permitted.
Bare feet are not permitted.
Proper undergarments are to be worn and not visible.

Clinical Setting Dress Code - Mount Carmel Health System-Specific

Students must follow any site-specific dress requirements in non-MCHS settings

The official student uniform must be worn in uniformed clinical sites.
Clothes must be clean, neatly pressed and have no holes, stains, or frays.
Clothing must fit properly (not too tight, too loose or revealing). Clothing that exposes cleavage or midriff is not appropriate. Undergarments should be discreet and not readily visible through clothing or above the waistband. Sheer fabrics should be worn with an appropriate undergarment (i.e., camisole or undershirt).
If long sleeves are worn under the uniform, they must be capable of being pulled to the elbow and remain stationary.
Buttons, pins, ribbons, stickers, or any items which are not part of an authorized uniform or which alter the professional image that each Health Ministry desires to portray are not permitted. No other logos, outside of Health Ministry approved messaging or writing, may be displayed on any clothing item, mask, or lanyard.
Student nurses’ footwear must provide safe, secure footing and offer reasonable protection. In accordance with infection control and safety standards, Student nurses who work in patient, resident or client care areas must wear closed toe shoes.
Hats or caps are not permitted unless they are part of an authorized uniform, worn for protection while working in inclement or hot weather, medically necessary, or for religious reasons.
A “special dress day” which would allow exceptions to the standard policy may be occasionally promoted. Examples may include: Health Ministry sponsored events, jeans days, etc.
The Health Ministry will reasonably accommodate exceptions to this Policy if required due to a Student nurse’s religious beliefs or disability. Student nurses who need such accommodation should contact the college’s Accommodations Coordinator.

Personal Hygiene and Grooming Guidelines:

Student nurses must practice appropriate personal hygiene (including oral hygiene) and be free of offensive odor (including the smell of tobacco).
Fingernails will be clean and well groomed. Artificial nails and overlays are not permitted on Student nurses who work in patient care areas. Student nurses who participate in direct patient care or are in contact with the patient’s environment will not wear artificial nails (including, but not limited to, acrylics, overlays, wraps, tips, gels, or bonding).
Hairstyles may not obstruct vision or limit eye contact.
- Hairnets, including for beards, will be required in certain departments.
- As a safety precaution and for infection control purposes, Student nurses providing direct patient care with hair exceeding shoulder length or longer should have hair pulled back or restrained.
- Nothing in this Policy is intended to prevent Student nurses from wearing a hair or facial hair style that is consistent with their cultural, ethnic, or racial heritage or identity, except for safety reasons that cannot be reasonably accommodated.
Student nurses must be professional in their use of jewelry/accessories, including amount, size, and styles. Visible body piercings must be small and minimal during the work shift.
- Wearing of jewelry may be limited for safety reasons dependent on the work area and functions performed.
- As a safety precaution, Student nurses providing direct patient care may not wear long necklaces, dangling earrings, scarves or ties.
Any tattoos that may be offensive to others must always be covered, including but not limited to those that contain pictures/symbols/words of a sexual nature, gang affiliations, violence, profanity, or derogatory words/images.
All cosmetic products, including make-up and lotions must be fragrance free. Make-up must be applied conservatively and in a manner that does not detract from the professionalism of the Student nurse’s appearance. Perfume, cologne or aftershave, may not be used by direct care providers, or if such use causes adverse physiological symptoms for others in the work environment.

Student Attire – Non-uniform Clinical Sites

In general, the clean, pressed lab coat full (knee) length with the College insignia on the upper left sleeve must be worn over professional and neat clothing. The length of dresses or skirts must come at least to the top of the knees. No hats, jeans, shorts, Capri pants, sweats, sandals, or flip-flops are permitted. The College identification badge must be evident at chest level on the lab coat and clearly displayed. Student dress must be consistent with standards and requirements of the clinical environment and expectations of the faculty and preceptors. Closed toed shoes are to be worn in all patient care areas.

Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, and Doctor of Nursing Practice Student Lab Coat

Master’s students in the Nursing Administration and Nursing Education tracks have the option to wear the Graduate Lab Coat. The link to Roberts Medical Uniforms is www.robertsmed.com. Enter the Uniform Program Login Code “mc13grad” in the upper right corner (case sensitive). Students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program have the option to wear the Graduate Lab Coat if appropriate during DNP practicum and scholarly project activities.

When ordering your graduate lab coats, please make sure you tell Roberts Medical Uniforms your credentials and where to place commas between credentials. For most of you, this should be “MSN, RN or MS, RN”. The degree always stays closest to your name.

Nurse Practitioner Student Lab Coat

All nurse practitioner students must wear the Graduate Lab Coat. The link to Roberts Medical Uniforms is: www.robertsmed.com. Enter the Uniform Program Login Code “mc13grad” in the upper right corner (case sensitive).