Professional attire: It is expected that all students will arrive at their clinical site appropriately dressed and groomed. If you are working with a preceptor outside of a clinical area, ask about the expected dress code for the clinical site. Some sites may require business casual while others may require scrubs. It is important to present yourself and the College of Nursing in the best possible light.
For women: Conservative jewelry consisting of small earrings no more than two pair, no other visible piercings, no tongue jewelry is permissible, low key makeup and no artificial nails. Nails should be well trimmed and not extend beyond ¼ inch from the end of the finger. Nail polish should be neutral if worn. Tops should cover the abdomen at all times (hint: stand in front of the mirror and raise your arms, if your skin shows, the blouse is too short). No cleavage should be showing. Slacks or skirt should be modest; hems should be no shorter than 2 inches above the knee. Hair should be well groomed and pulled back and secured if it’s long. Shoes should be appropriate for a day’s standing, no open toes or heels. No high heels. Jeans are not appropriate even if other members of the staff wear them.
For men: Ironed shirts with collars, dress slacks with closed toes shoes and socks; ties if providers wear ties are to be worn. Jeans, sandals and sneakers are never to be worn even if other providers wear them. A wedding ring or a conservative ring is permissible. A small earring is permissible. No other piercings should be visible. No tongue jewelry is permissible. Nails should be well trimmed and not extend over ¼ inch from the end of the finger. No nail polish is permissible.
For all students: An ironed and lab coat is expected unless you are directed not to wear one by your preceptor. The lab coat must have the College patch neatly affixed to the coat usually on the left side of the upper front of the coat. Your Ohio State student badge must be worn at all times and your name and picture should be visible to the patient and staff at all times.
Students who have clinical experience on units where patients are being treated with radiation therapy may obtain a radiation badge. The radiation badge requisition form should be obtained from the nurse manager on the assigned unit. Students should return the completed form to the nurse manager who will forward it to the Radiation Safety Department. It takes approximately one week to receive the badge from the Department of Radiology.