Dress Code in Clinical Practicum | Seneca Nanji Foundation School of Nursing | Seneca Students

Dress Code in Clinical Practicum

We value the spectrum of human diversity, self-expression, and experiences of our students and academic community and strive to foster environments that respect difference and empower students to achieve their potential. We also recognize that there are requirements related to infection control practices, expectations of the profession, and there may be specific requirements of our partner agencies in relation to dress code requirements. Students who follow specific dress for cultural or religious reasons are invited to speak directly with their clinical coordinator to ensure that their needs are met and remain with the protocols of infection control established by the agency.

Students are expected to observe the following dress code requirements AT ALL TIMES in the lab, simulation, and practicum environments.

Seneca Placement Badge (as well as agency identification if applicable) is to be worn on the upper body and always be visible at all times. Students who do not have a placement badge can request one using this link: Clinical Placement One Card Link.

Uniforms: Solid navy-blue uniforms/scrubs are required. Uniforms must be clean, pressed, well- fitting, and free of any additional colours or piping. Neutral-coloured base layers (e.g., white, black, or navy) may be worn underneath for added coverage or warmth, provided they are plain, professional in appearance, and do not extend past the elbows to maintain proper hand hygiene and infection control.

Hair must be neat and tied back to prevent inadvertent contamination.

Religious attire

·       Head coverings must be well secured to prevent contamination of environment

·       Arm coverings can be three quarter or full-length when students are not engaged in direct patient care activity

Facial hair must be neatly trimmed and not interfere with the respirator seal.

Students are responsible for ensuring personal hygiene and cleanliness; control of strong body odour is required.

All practice settings are considered scent‐free; students should use scent‐free personal products.

Nails must be kept short; free of nail polish. Gel and artificial nails are prohibited for infection control.

Jewellery should be kept to a minimum as it is a source of bacteria and potential injury to students and clients. Jewellery is limited to a plain wedding band, a watch with second hand, and one pair of small single-post earrings. For safety reasons, earrings that dangle are not permitted.

Medic alert bracelets are permissible.

Visible body piercing and tattoos should be covered if possible. Piercing and tattoos that are exposed must not pose a safety or infection control risk.

Shoes must be flat with closed toe and heel, and impermeable to fluids (no mesh or nylon). Shoes should provide good support, be clean, and be in good condition. Croc or Croc-style footwear is not permitted. Uniform shoes are NOT to be worn outside of the agency.

Stethoscopes should be carried in a pocket and NOT worn around the neck for student safety and infection control. Stethoscopes should be cleaned between every client interaction.