Clinical Policies

Updated 2/28/12

Overview

• Refer to the Student Handbook for details of official clinical policies, which include attendance, uniforms, evaluation, academic integrity, etc.

• At orientation, you will receive a copy of the handbook and policies will be reviewed.

• Information listed below also constitutes policies for clinical experiences.

Health and Safety Requirements

See separate policies and procedures.

Uniforms: Overview

• Students are expected to wear two types of uniforms:

• For hospital-based experiences–white uniform

• For community-based (semester 1), psychiatric-mental health and public health experiences-blue shirt and navy or black pants or skirt (see below)

• Both uniforms should be ready to be worn by Wednesday, September 7, 2011.

• Detailed instructions for both uniforms follow below.

Uniforms for Hospital-Based Experiences

White Uniforms:

• Pre-licensure MN students are required to wear Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing designated uniforms when they are doing clinical practice in the hospital. These uniforms consist of a white dress or pantsuit for women, and white uniform shirt and slacks for men.

• Source: These uniforms are purchased from Robert’s Medical Uniforms, Inc.

  • Please complete the form labeled "2012 Graduate Entry Uniform Form."

• Do not use the form linked through the BSN program or labeled “BSN.”

• Read the instructions on the form carefully and fill out the form with your order.

• See the FPB Sizing Chart (PDF)

• To place your order - you may call the number at the top of the form or fax the form to Robert’s Medical Uniforms (fax number is at the top of page one on the form).

• Emblem: Your status as a CWRU student will be signified by the school emblem on a sleeve of each uniform. The uniform company will sew them on.

• How many? Students generally purchase two uniforms for hospital experiences (you will be wearing the white uniform one to three times per week depending on the semester).

Footwear:

• Students wear all white nurses’ shoes.

• Leather sport shoes are acceptable if they are all white with no stripes, etc. Be sure these are comfortable.

• Clogs (unless fully enclosed), high tops and tennis shoes are not acceptable.

• White socks must be worn with pants. Neutral colored stockings or support hose are required with dresses. White hose is not necessary.

Sweaters:

• A white turtleneck jersey may be worn under the uniform.

• A solid color, navy or white cardigan sweater may be worn with the uniform.

Uniforms for Clinical Practice in Community Health, Psychiatric-Mental Health, and Other Non-Hospital Activities

Slacks or Skirt:

• Black or navy blue

Shirt:

• "Blueberry" (medium blue) polo shirt purchased from Robert's Medical Uniforms

  • One should be sufficient (most frequent wearing: 2x/week)

  • See Robert’s Medical Uniforms order form (do not order from the BSN order form – you will not purchase the correct color or emblem).

Shoes:

• Shoes for community, public health, and psych-mental health nursing should be black, blue or brown and completely enclosed with flat heels.

• White sport shoes are OK.

Sweaters:

• Solid navy or black

Emblem:

• Robert’s Uniforms will sew the emblem on your shirt.

Lab Coats:

• A lab coat is recommended.

• When to wear a lab coat:

  • To go on a clinical unit when it is not a clinical day. Appropriate attire is required under the lab coat (no shorts or jeans, for example), plus your hospital ID.

  • For other activities, as specified by course faculty.

• The white uniform may be worn in place of a lab coat.

• You may purchase a lab coat at any uniform store or on campus. The required emblem must be neatly and securely attached to the left shoulder of the lab coat.

Equipment:

• Stethoscope – each student receives a good quality, double head stethoscope. Students may receive a credit toward an upgraded stethoscope. Name/address of store is provided (local).

• Nursing bandage scissors

• Penlight (provided)

• PDA (personal digital assistant) or handheld computer: Recommended (see more information)

• A watch with a sweep second hand is required for all clinical activities.

Watches, Jewelry, and Hair:

• Students must wear a sweep second hand (not digital) for use in taking vital signs.

• Long hair should be pulled or fastened to the back so that it does not hang down when you lean over a patient and you do not need to continually push it back with your hands.

• Tattoos must be covered by clothing.

• Jewelry: see the FPB Student Handbook.

Name Badges:

• Name badges (provided by FPB or clinical sites) are to be worn at all times above the waist.

If you have any questions, concerns or comments regarding uniforms, please contact Robert's Uniforms or the Graduate Entry Program Director.