Whether on campus or in a clinical environment, the intern should project a professional image. Although structured guidelines are identified only for dress in the clinical setting, it is the desire of faculty and dean that interns appear neat, clean and well-groomed at all times.
The following are minimal departmental guidelines. Additional dress and identification guidelines of a particular site/facility must also be observed. The intern should ask on the first day of a rotation for any additional facility guidelines relative to dress and identification.
Identification – The Department arranges for official nametags, which are purchased by the intern. Nametags must be worn in all practice settings and interns will not be allowed to participate in a practice setting without some type of official identification. It is important that the intern be easily identified by both name and discipline, particularly in a setting where interns and professionals from many disciplines are engaged in the delivery of health care. In addition, the intern purchases a picture ID that is to be worn in any facility located on the Health Sciences Center Campus.
Dress – Professional dress is conservative business attire. In any practice setting, no casual clothing, including jeans, should be worn unless the intern has specifically indicated such for a particular activity. Uniforms are typically not required as most facilities require lab coats worn over professional clothes. Occasionally, interns may be asked to wear scrubs during a portion of the foodservice rotation depending on the assigned facility. If you do wear scrubs, they should be cleaned and pressed.
Shoes – Feet must be protected; therefore, do not wear sandals, flip-flops, or any other open-toed shoes.
Hair – Hair absolutely must be clean and neatly groomed; hair is a natural reservoir for bacteria and disease-producing organisms and thus should be worn in such a way as to not make contact with patient records, equipment, food trays, patient bedding, etc. (i.e. wear away from the face). Beards are acceptable for males if they are neat and kept closely trimmed. (Exception: some facilities many not allow beards in the foodservice area. The intern should ask the preceptor prior to the respective rotation.) Specific facility guidelines for covering/restricting hair must be strictly observed during the foodservice rotation.
Jewelry – Avoid jewelry that is large and could inadvertently be grasped by a patient, caught in patients bedding, or fall into the food. The best rule is to leave jewelry at home.
Scents – Avoid heavy scents. Strong odors, even of a pleasant nature, are may often be offensive to those who are ill.
Hygiene – Daily personal hygiene is a must; nails should be clean, trimmed and free of colored polish. Teeth, hair, and body should be clean and free of odor. Avoid putting your hands to your hair, face, and mouth, and wash hands frequently.
Undergarments – Undergarments should not show through outer clothing.
Lab coats – Lab coats should be solid white, clean, and be pressed with sharp creases regardless of type of fabric. Lab coats should be kept on a hanger when not worn. Lab coat should be short- no longer than mid-thigh. Longer coats are reserved for physicians and medical fellows.
If in doubt as to whether a particular article of dress is appropriate, do not wear it. Consult with your preceptor or IP Director about an article where there is question. Above all, remember that professional dress is conservative dress. Interpretation of appropriateness rests entirely with facility staff followed by that of the IP Director. Facility preceptors/supervisors have been instructed to send an intern home to change clothes if they are dressed inappropriately. Time missed to go home and change will have to be made up at the preceptor’s convenience.
Amid all of these guidelines and apparent restrictions, please try and remember that appearance is a major way in which to instill confidence in others and earn respect from peers, facility personnel and other healthcare professionals with whom you come in contact.
