Professional Appearance

It is important to learn the rules or standards of dress and personal appearance that have been established by your place of employment

Abide by the rules Make every effort to maintain a neat,

clean and professional appearance

Uniform Many health occupations require

uniforms Should be neat, well-fitting, clean and

free from wrinkles Color depends upon the agency If white is required wear white or neutral

undergarments Extreme styles should be avoided Style should allow freedom of movement

Clothing

If regular clothing is worn in place of a uniform, the clothing must be clean, neat and in good repair

Style should allow freedom of movement and be appropriate

Washable fabrics are best because frequent washing is necessary

Name Badge

Many facilities require employees to wear name badges or photo ID

The badge usually states the name, title and department of the health care worker

In long-term care, workers are required by law to wear identification badges

Shoes

White shoes may be required Should fit well and provide good support

to prevent fatigue Low heels are best because they help

prevent fatigue and accidents Avoid wearing tennis shoes or sandals,

unless they are standard dress for a particular occupation

More About Shoes Shoes should be cleaned daily Shoelaces should be cleaned or

replaced frequently White or beige stockings or pantyhose

with dress uniforms Colored or patterned stockings should

be avoided White socks should be worn with white

pants

Personal Hygiene Good personal hygiene is ESSENTIAL Health care workers work in close contact

with others Body odor must be controlled Daily bath or shower Use deodorant or antiperspirant Good oral hygiene Clean undergarments Avoid strong odors—tobacco, perfume—

these can be offensive and some can be allergic

Hair

Hair should be kept clean and neat Fancy or extreme hairstyles and hair

ornaments should be avoided Long hair should be kept pinned back

and kept off the collar—this keeps the hair from touching the patient, falling on equipment, or blocking your vision during procedures

Jewelry Jewelry is not permitted because it can

cause injury to the patient and transmit germs

Exceptions include a watch, a wedding ring and small stud pierced earring (one pair in the lobe)

Hoop or dangling earrings are not allowed Body jewelry interferes with a professional

appearance and is not allowed

Nails

Nails should be kept short and clean Long or pointed nails can injure patients Long nails transmit germs Long nails can tear or puncture gloves Use of colored nail polish is discouraged

because it can conceal dirt under the nails. Also germs collect in chipped nail polish

More about Nails

Nail polish if worn, should be clear No artificial or acrylic nails Nails must be kept very clean Hand cream or lotion should be used to

keep the hands from becoming chapped and dry from frequent handwashing

Makeup

Excessive makeup should be avoided Purpose of makeup is to create a natural

appearance and add to the attractiveness of a person