Clinical Dress-Code Policy and Required Clinical Supplies
The official Ogeechee Technical College Nursing Student Uniform is designed to clearly identify students as members of the healthcare team and to reflect the professionalism of both the ASN Program and the College. Students are expected to maintain a clean, neat, and appropriate appearance during all clinical, lab, and simulation experiences. The following dress code must be strictly followed:
Uniform Requirements
- Official Ogeechee Technical College uniform top with embroidered OTC, program specific patch on the left sleeve – must be clean, pressed, and in good condition (no stains, tears, or fading).
- Official uniform pants – must match the designated uniform and be clean, pressed, and in good repair.
- Shoes – solid white, black, or grey leather shoes or leather sneakers only. Shoes must be clean and in good condition. Clogs, high-top sneakers, and footwear with colored logos or insignia are not permitted.
- Socks/Stockings – plain white socks or stockings must be worn at all times.
- Scrub Cap - plain black scrub cap can be worn if desired.
- Student ID Badge – current-year Ogeechee Technical College Student ID must be visibly worn during all clinical and lab activities.
- Outerwear: Only the official Ogeechee Technical College lab coat may be worn over the nursing uniform. Sweaters, hoodies, jackets, or other outerwear are not permitted.
Required Clinical Supplies
Students must bring the following items to all clinical, lab, and simulation settings:
- Stethoscope
- Bandage scissors
- Penlight
- Watch with a sweep or digital second hand (required for time-sensitive assessments)
- Black ink pen
- Small notebook for documentation and quick reference
Additional Requirements related to Professional Appearance
The nursing student’s appearance reflects both professional standards and the reputation of Ogeechee Technical College. Students are expected to consistently maintain a clean, neat, and professional appearance in all classroom, lab, simulation, and clinical environments.
Fingernails
- Must be short, not extending beyond the fingertips.
- Only clear or natural-colored nail polish is permitted.
- Artificial nails of any kind are not allowed due to infection risk. This includes tips, wraps, acrylics, and gel enhancements.
Jewelry
Permitted items include:
- One ring (e.g., wedding band)
- Two pairs of small stud earrings
- Wristwatch with second hand (essential for clinical tasks)
Some clinical settings may prohibit all jewelry; students are required to comply with agency-specific policies.
Piercings and Ear Gauges
- Visible facial piercings (e.g., eyebrow, lip, tongue, cheek, nose) are not permitted.
- Ear gauges must be plugged with skin-tone plugs.
Hair and Facial Hair
- Hair must be neatly styled, off the collar, and away from the face to maintain hygiene and safety.
- Hair must be of a natural color, defined as colors that grow naturally (e.g., no bright or neon colors such as pink, purple, green).
- Facial hair must be neatly groomed and trimmed.
Tattoos
Tattoos are not required to be covered unless they are offensive in nature, which will be at the discretion of the course faculty and program director.
Scent-Free Policy
To promote a safe environment for all patients, peers, and staff:
- Scented products (e.g., perfume, cologne, body sprays, lotions, scented hair products) should not be worn in the classroom, skills lab, SIM lab, or clinical settings. These products may cause respiratory distress, allergic reactions, or headaches in sensitive individuals.
- Tobacco odors on the body, clothing, or personal belongings are considered inappropriate and may be offensive to others.
Students who arrive with strong odors—including from scented products or tobacco and vape smoke—may be dismissed from class, lab, simulation, or clinical and marked absent according to the attendance policy.
Compliance and Enforcement
The clinical agency and nursing faculty reserve the right to deny access to any lab, simulation, or clinical experience if a student fails to comply with the dress code.
Violations may result in:
- A written clinical warning
- Dismissal from the learning environment for the day
- An unexcused clinical absence, which must be made up per the program’s clinical attendance policy
Some clinical units (e.g., operating rooms) may have additional dress code requirements. Students assigned to these areas are expected to fully comply with the specific agency’s protocol.
Skills/Simulation Lab Expectations
The skills and simulation laboratories are extensions of the clinical learning environment. All activities conducted in these spaces are to be treated with the same level of professionalism and adherence to the nursing program dress code as would be expected in any clinical setting. Proper attire promotes realistic practice, safety, and respect for the learning process.