The student’s personal appearance and demeanor reflect both the College and School of Nursing standards and may be indicative of the student’s interest and pride in the profession. All students are required to maintain standards of dress, grooming, and conduct that are consistent with good hygiene, safety, and professionalism. The student may be sent home if they arrive at class, lab, or clinical without the appropriate attire and/or supplies. Time missed will count as an absence.
The A-B Tech photo ID badge is considered part of the uniform; it should include first name, last name, and the title “Nursing Student”. RIBN students will be indicated by the word “RIBN nursing student on their A-B Tech student ID badge. If a lanyard is used, only a retractable badge reel should be included. Additional embellishments such as pins, hand sanitizer, pens/sharpies, mace, jewelry, etc. should not be included!
Avoid wearing strong fragrances of any kind as other students may be allergic to them during class, lab, and clinical. Wear the A-B Tech photo ID badge and you may be required to wear the clinical uniform. The student should bring the appropriate lab kit and designated equipment to all assigned labs.
During clinical, students may only wear the A-B Tech nursing uniform and A-B Tech photo ID while participating in approved (for credit) clinical activities. Volunteer work or other work done outside these boundaries should be performed in alternate, appropriate dress. In addition to the A-B Tech issued photo ID, a clinical affiliate may provide students with a temporary “loaner” badge for the purpose of accessing secured areas necessary for providing patient care.
These badges will be distributed to students by the nursing department. At the end of the student’s clinical rotation, the badge will be returned to the nursing department. The student will be billed $10.00 for lost or unreturned badges. The student’s course grade will not be posted to the transcript until this fee is paid. The “loaner” badge is not intended for use as identification. Both badges are part of the clinical uniform.
Each student is required to purchase two burgundy (Wine) colored scrub tops with an A-B Tech School of Nursing patch attached to the right shoulder of each and two burgundy (Wine) Colored scrub bottoms. Males and Females can choose from any of the Cherokee styles in the color Wine. Scrub top and bottom must be in the same collection.
For example, Cherokee Workwear, Cherokee Luxe, etc. This is the only acceptable brand and uniform color. Uniforms must be of sufficient length and size to ensure anterior and posterior skin coverage (no skin showing) during all clinical activities, including kneeling, squatting, and bending over.
In addition to the uniform, the following additional items are required:
- Bandage scissors, a stethoscope, a penlight, and a watch with a second hand.
- A white or black round neck long or short-sleeved shirt must be worn under the scrub top.
- White or black leather shoes.
- White or black socks or hose must provide coverage for lower legs and feet during all clinical activities.
Each student may purchase the following optional items:
- A short white lab coat
- A scrub cap, a headband
- A medical fanny pack
No sweaters, hoodies, wraps, or other “cover-ups” can be worn over the required uniform during clinical. Fleece is not permitted. Hair should be clean and dry. Extremes in style or unnatural color are not acceptable in clinical. Long hair is permitted if the hair does not visually impair the student. Facial hair, such as moustaches and beards must be kept neatly trimmed and clean. Make-up should be discrete and well-applied.
Strong odors including tobacco, perfumes, scented lotions, powders, aftershave, or strong body odors are not permitted. Antiperspirant or deodorant (not strongly scented) must be used daily.
Visible tattoos are subject to clinical agency approval. Tattoos that are deemed inappropriate must be covered. Piercings should be limited to one stud per ear that does not extend below the ear lobe. All other piercings should be removed, not visible, or flesh-colored. Ear gauges are not permitted. Hoops of any size are not permitted. A flesh-colored placeholder may be used if needed.
Students may wear wedding, class, or other small rings limited to one per hand. No other jewelry is allowed. White or flesh-colored full-coverage undergarments should be always worn; no undergarments should rise above the waistband of the scrub pants during any clinical activities. Sunglasses may be worn only when prescribed by a physician or optometrist.
Fingernails must be kept short, clean, and neatly manicured. Nails should be ¼ inch in length or less. No artificial fingernails or extenders are allowed. Colored nail polish is not acceptable.
While in uniform, students may not chew gum, smoke, or vape. Student clinical uniforms should smell clean and be free of cigarette smoke odor or discoloration. Smoking or vaping while in clinical may lead to dismissal from the nursing program. While in uniform, students may not consume alcohol. Students may be required to adhere to a specific clinical agency dress code when agency policy is more stringent than the policy of this nursing program.