Professional Attire for the Clinical Setting, Entry to Baccalaureate Practice
The official uniform consists of black scrub tops with the official embroidered school logo and student name (first name, last initial), black scrub pants, and the regulation uniform lab coat (also embroidered).
Black long-sleeved t-shirts under the scrub top are permitted. Additional layered clothing is not to be worn with the uniform.
Uniforms should fit comfortably without undergarments being visible.
Uniforms should be kept clean and neat.
Socks. Black or neutral-colored socks must be worn.
Shoes. When the uniform is worn, black leather closed shoes or impervious sneakers must be worn.
Additional information about the uniform:
The uniform, including lab coat, must be purchased as a complete set from the School of Nursing vendor.
Uniforms are to be worn in clinical areas or at designated community events, such as health fairs. The uniform must be worn to all designated clinical experiences unless otherwise specified.
Community/Psychiatric Nursing Practice Settings. For community health and community-based psychiatric settings, students may be asked to wear alternative clothing such as business or professional attire, including solid or dark pants, a white or colored top, and no open-toe shoes. Jeans are not permitted at a community or psychiatric clinical site.
Bring a stethoscope and a pen light! Students are required to bring a stethoscope and pen light to clinical. Clinical faculty may ask students to come to clinical with other items in addition to the stethoscope and pen light.
Other guidelines related to dress and appearance:
The School of Nursing will defer to guidelines or policies related to dress and appearance at the clinical sites.
Jewelry. Jewelry must be minimal (i.e., a wedding band, small post earrings, and a watch with a secondhand).
Body Jewelry/Tattoos. Body jewelry and tattoos should comply with agency policy.
Cosmetics. Perfumes, perfumed lotions, and aftershaves are prohibited because of potential allergic reactions or respiratory difficulties in patients.
Personal cleanliness and hygiene. Personal cleanliness and hygiene, including oral hygiene, must always be maintained.
Hair and Nails. Hair must be neat and clean. Men must be clean-shaven or have a neatly trimmed beard and/or mustache. Fingernails should be kept short. For cultural or religious purposes, hair may be covered with a solid-color scarf to match the color of the uniform.
Uniform Exceptions, for Religious or other reasons
Exemptions to the uniform based on religious observation or other reasons should be discussed with the Program Director. For example, the black pants may be swapped for a black skirt. Other necessary modifications can be made where requested.
Clothing worn in addition to the uniform as part of religious or customary dress, such as a turban, hijab, or other head covering, should be solid black to match the uniform.
Professional Attire for the Clinical Setting, Advanced Nursing Practice Division
Students are expected to dress appropriately. Students may wear a laboratory coat over professional attire. However, students should comply with the dress code of the clinical site, when specified. Students should have their Rutgers identification badges at all times. Specific clinical site identification may be worn, when required by the clinical site.