GROOMING

A professional, well-groomed appearance is very important for anyone providing nursing care for a client/patient.  Cleanliness and neatness are important ingredients in being well groomed and are expected of students when in the clinical area, or other activities representative of the Del Mar College Department of Nursing.  The student will maintain personal hygiene and the cleanliness of all uniforms, lab coats, shoes, or other garments to be worn during clinical activities.  The following guidelines are established to promote the professional appearance of the student during data collection and clinical laboratory.

1.  Hair:  Hair must be clean, styled and/or confined and groomed, so it does not interfere with patient care.  Hair must be cut or styled in a manner that will prevent the hair from hanging down over the patient and posing a risk of infection.  The hairstyle must not pose any safety risk. The hair color will be a natural hair shade to demonstrate a professional appearance. Hair accessories must blend with natural color.

2.  Hands and Nails:  Hand washing is a key element in infection control.  Hands are to be washed before and after each patient contact, and as required to prevent the spread of infection. Nails are to be kept clean and be well cared for.  Nail length should not extend beyond the tip of the fingers, and nails are to be kept manicured.  Long nails are conducive to harboring harmful bacteria, may scratch a client/patient, and are easily broken during client care activities.  Neatly applied, clear nail polish may be worn.  NO nail polish is worn in such clinical areas as the operating room or the delivery room where hands and arms are scrubbed and sterile gloves are worn. False nails or nail tips are NOT to be worn in the clinical setting.

3.  Appearance and Hygiene:  Any makeup utilized should be becomingly and sparingly. False eyelashes should not be worn while in uniform.  Perfume, cologne, or aftershave should NOT be worn, as patients may be allergic to, or offended by the scent.  Men with beards, mustaches, or sideburns must keep them neatly trimmed and clean.  The smell of cigarette smoke must not be apparent to the client/patient being cared for.

4.  Oral Hygiene: Regular dental care and oral hygiene will be maintained to present a pleasant, professional appearance.  Clients/patients need not be exposed to the odors of spiced foods and smoking.  Students should maintain oral hygiene to prevent the client/patient being offended.

5.  Jewelry:  No jewelry other than wedding and engagement rings and a wristwatch are to be worn in the clinical area.  Anything considered a safety hazard should be removed.  No rings are worn in the delivery room or in the operating room or when sterile gloves are worn.  Students with pierced ears may wear one small pair of ball studs (no larger than 5 mm), if this conforms to the agency policy.  No other studs, rings, or other items may be worn in other areas of visible body piercing; i.e., tongue, eyebrow. 

Revised Fall 2007