Medical Professional Dress Code

Healthcare Dress Code

The dress code at our practice ensures a professional and hygienic appearance for our medical staff, creating a positive impression on patients and promoting a safe and sterile environment. By adhering to this dress code, we uphold our commitment to excellence and maintain the highest standards of professionalism and patient care.

General Guidelines

Here are some general guidelines for medical staff dress:

• Personal hygiene should be maintained at all times. Medical staff must have clean hands, well-groomed hair, and fresh breath.
• Clothing should be clean, wrinkle-free, and in good condition.
• Clothing should be appropriate for the professional setting, reflecting a professional image.
• Medical staff should wear professional attire that does not compromise their ability to provide safe and effective patient care.
• Clothing should not interfere with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) or hinder movement during procedures.

Necessary Dress & Equipment

Ensure you wear or bring each of the following with you to work every day:

Scrubs

• Scrubs should be clean, properly fitted, and in good condition.
• Solid-colored scrubs are preferred, with colors that reflect a professional image.
• Avoid wearing scrubs with excessive patterns, graphics, or bright colors.
• Scrubs must be changed daily or when visibly soiled.

Footwear

• Closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles are mandatory for all medical staff.
• Shoes should be comfortable, clean, and in good condition.
• Avoid open-toe shoes, high heels, sandals, or shoes with excessive decoration.
  

Lab Coats/White Coats

• Lab coats or white coats should be worn when providing patient care.
• Lab coats should be clean, well-maintained, and free from excessive stains or wrinkles.
• Personal items such as pens, badges, or stethoscopes should be kept securely in designated pockets.
  

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Adhere to specific PPE requirements based on procedures and infection control guidelines.
• Use disposable gloves, masks, protective eyewear, and other necessary PPE as indicated during patient care.
• PPE should be used, removed, and disposed of properly following infection.

More Dress Policies

Hygiene

Please note that our dress code applies to your overall appearance — including hygiene. We expect everyone to come to work clean. This includes any clothes or belongings brought with them.

Also, be sure to:

• Maintain a neat, clean, and professional appearance.
• Avoid excessive makeup, heavy perfumes, or strong scents that may cause discomfort to patients or colleagues.
• Hair should be clean, well-groomed, and styled away from the face.

Jewelry

Jewelry should be minimal and non-distracting, reducing the risk of contamination during patient care.

Avoid wearing excessive jewelry, including large rings, bracelets, or dangling earrings.

Personal accessories such as ties, scarves, or headbands should be clean, well-maintained, and in a professional style.

Tattoos & Piercings

Got tattoos? Feel free to show ‘em off! (As long as they are appropriate.)

You cannot expose any tattoos at work that are:

• Inappropriate.
• Discriminatory.
• Hateful.
• Erotic.
  

Visible body piercings should be minimal and non-distracting, avoiding excessive jewelry or ornaments.

Hair

Hair guidelines are in place to maintain a clean and sterile environment, prevent the spread of infections, and ensure the safety and well-being of patients and staff members.

• Hair cleanliness: Medical staff is expected to maintain clean and well-groomed hair. This includes regular washing and ensuring that hair is free from dirt, debris, or excessive hair products.
• Hair restraints: To minimize the risk of hair falling onto surfaces or contaminating sterile areas, we require staff members to keep their hair secured and away from the face. Common hair restraint options include wearing a surgical cap, a hairnet, or pulling the hair back into a bun, ponytail, or other secured hairstyles.
• Hair length: There may be specific guidelines regarding hair length, especially for staff members who have direct patient contact. Long hair is often required to be tied back or secured to prevent it from coming into contact with patients, equipment, or surfaces.
• Facial hair: You are required to either maintain a clean-shaven face or keep facial hair neatly trimmed to ensure a proper fit of masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE).

Nails

Maintaining good hand hygiene is crucial to prevent the spread of infections. Medical staff are required to adhere to certain guidelines regarding their fingernails.

• Short nails: Medical staff need to keep their fingernails short to minimize the risk of harboring dirt, bacteria, or other pathogens. Short nails are easier to clean thoroughly and less likely to tear gloves during patient examinations or procedures.
• No artificial nails: The use of artificial nails, such as acrylic or gel nails, are prohibited. Artificial nails may create a breeding ground for bacteria and make it difficult to maintain proper hand hygiene.
• No nail extensions: Long nail extensions, such as those achieved through the use of tips or wraps, are prohibited due to the difficulty in maintaining cleanliness and the increased risk of glove tears.
• Clean and well-maintained nails: Medical staff is expected to maintain clean and well-groomed nails. This includes regular washing and scrubbing of hands, proper cleaning under the nails, and avoiding any excessive nail polish or decorations that may interfere with hygiene practices.
• No nail polish: Nail polish can potentially chip or peel off, leading to fragments or residue that may contaminate the environment or interfere with proper hand hygiene practices.

Dress Disciplinary Action

What NOT to wear

Just to make sure we’re on the same page, here’s what’s NEVER appropriate in the office — whether you are actively carrying out medical procedures or not.

Always inappropriate dress:

• Sleeveless tops.
• Tank tops.
• Tube tops.
• Low-cut shirts.
• Above-the-knee skirts.
• Shorts.
• Open-toed shoes.
• Flip flops.
• Pajamas.

How We Handle Inappropriate Dress

If you accidentally come to everyday work in dress that doesn’t follow policy, we’ll let you know. If needed, we will send you home to change (or privately request that you change via Slack).

If your dress or hygiene is a continual issue, you will be spoken to by your direct manager and disciplinary action will be taken, up to and including termination.

Stakeholder meetings

It should be noted that inappropriate dress is not tolerated in stakeholder meetings. If you have inappropriate dress or hygiene in a stakeholder meeting, you will be asked to leave the meeting and disciplinary action will be taken, up to and including termination.‍

By e-signing, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to follow all of the guidelines outlined in this policy.