A Guide to Nursing Dress Codes

Offensive tattoos (e.g., obscene, discriminatory, or threatening) are considered unprofessional and should be covered at all times. Some nursing schools and employers allow non-offensive tattoos to remain visible as long as they are on areas away from the face or neck. Others require all tattoos to be covered.

Some organizations are strict with the location, size, and amount of piercings you can have. In general, small ear lobe piercings are permitted. Gauges or large holes in the ear lobes are not permitted without a flat plug earring to fill the hole. Some employers allow one small nose piercing.

Facial hair must be clean, neat, and trimmed. Stubble is not appropriate. Poorly groomed facial hair is considered unprofessional, as beards and other facial hair can harbor bacteria that can cause infections in patients. False facial hair, such as adhesive mustaches, beards, or eyebrows, is also not allowed in some organizations.

Hair should be clean, off the shoulders and neck, and secured behind your ears. Long, unsecured hair can interfere with care activities and transfer bacteria from one surface to another. Be sure hair is not in your face, because improper vision can lead to medical errors. Hair color should be neutral and not distracting.

Fingernails must be clean and trimmed short when working with patients. Some organizations specify a maximum fingernail length, such as no more than one-quarter inch past your finger. Artificial nails are not permitted, as bacteria can grow underneath the nails and cause patient infections. Some healthcare centers do not allow gel or dipped nail polish because it lasts for a prolonged time. Some employers allow nurses to wear neutral-colored polish on their natural nails as long as the polish is not chipped.

Heavy makeup is not permitted for nurses and nursing students in clinical settings. Some nursing schools prohibit false eyelashes, including extension lashes. In some organizations, tattooed makeup is allowed if it is not distracting. Makeup should be modest and appear natural to maintain a professional appearance when interacting with patients.

Head coverings are only permitted in clinical settings when they are part of the scrub uniform (e.g., surgical cap), worn for religious purposes, or required for health/safety reasons. Nurses and nursing students who need special accommodations should refer to their organizations for accommodations. All head coverings must comply with health and safety regulations.

Jewelry requirements vary among organizations, with nursing schools applying the strictest requirements. Some schools allow one ring on each hand, while others allow just one ring without stones. All earrings should be small and non-dangling to avoid snagging. Ensure that earrings are secured with a backing to avoid them falling out and contaminating surfaces or open wounds. Nose rings and bracelets are typically not allowed, excluding medical alert bracelets.

Perfumes, colognes, scented lotions, and aftershave products should not be worn around patients as the smell can be nauseating or bothersome, especially to very ill patients. While body odor can be equally bothersome, adequate hygiene and deodorants can help. Avoid overly fragrant hair products, too.

Nurses and nursing students should wear ID badges approved by their employers or schools. Badges should face forward and clearly display your image, name, and title. Some organizations require badges to be worn in a certain area of the body or attached with specific devices, like lanyards, reels, or clips.

As with jewelry, the number of watches is limited in most nurse dress codes. Organizations generally allow you to wear only one watch. Digital and analog watches are acceptable, so long as they display a second hand or second count. Some nursing schools allow students to wear smartwatches if they have second-hand capabilities, notifications are turned off, and the watch is only used for clinical purposes.

Nursing shoes should be clean and free of odor. For safety, shoes should be non-permeable, low-heeled, and non-slip. Body fluids and other liquids can spill onto the floor or onto your shoes, increasing your risk for falls and infection. Nursing schools are more strict with this policy. Shoe color is dependent on the organization.