DRESS CODE/GROOMING POLICY

GOAL
To ensure that all employees dress in a manner that reflects a professional healthcare environment and is appropriate for the position and responsibilities performed and recognize the individuality of employees while meeting the needs of our patients, visitors, and business environment.

POLICY
The professional atmosphere of Cottage Health System (CHS) is maintained, in part, by the image that employees present to patients and the public.  Employees will therefore utilize good taste and professional judgment in determining their dress and appearance. Employees who report to work inappropriately dressed will be sent home, without pay, and directed to return to work in proper attire.

Departments may establish a dress code more stringent than the CHS dress code stated below.  All department dress codes must be in writing, uniformly enforced within the department, and made available to all department personnel.  All department dress codes will be reviewed and approved by the Human Resources Department.  This includes Casual Dress Day Dress Codes.  If a specific department does not have a dress code, employees of that department are expected to abide by this one.

GUIDELINES:

Standards of dress and personal appearance are to be followed by all staff during paid time/when clocked in.  These guidelines apply when the employee is attending on or off-campus meetings/seminars, officially representing the organization.  These standards do not apply when an employee is invited to attend a meeting on their day off.  In those cases, employees are not required to adhere to the dress code and are not to wear their name badge.

General/Personal Hygiene 

Clean hair, nails, and clothing are important in the healthcare setting.  All employees should appropriately use cosmetics and deodorant and avoid excessive use of perfume, cologne, and aftershave.  Specific expectations include but are not limited to::

·         Name Badges provided by CHS must be worn at all times, above the waist and readily visible. Name Badges may not be defaced with stickers, pins, or altered in any way to change the information on the badge

• Employees shall have neatly combed and clean hair.  Extreme hairstyles/hair colors are not acceptable.
• Beards, mustaches, and sideburns will be neatly trimmed and groomed.
• Nails are to be kept neat in appearance and clean.  Nail length should not be excessive. Nail length and color should not serve as a distraction to others.  Employees and other staff who perform direct patient care are prohibited from wearing artificial fingernails and/or other extenders, in compliance with Infection Control policies.
• Make-up must not be excessive and should not be a distraction to others.
• No visible body piercing other than ears is permitted.
• Jewelry must be discreet and provide no risk to the wearer or patients.
• Tattoos deemed inappropriate, vulgar, or offensive must be covered while at work or on work premises.
• All clothing should be clean, fit properly, be in good repair, and pressed or ironed as needed.  Clothing should not be tight fitting.  Appropriate undergarments must be worn to avoid an unprofessional appearance and should not be visible.
• Headgear (caps, bandanas, etc.) that is not part of an approved uniform is not permitted in patient care or other areas where public contact may occur.
• The following are examples of unacceptable attire in any position or location.  It is important to note that  this is not intended to be an exhaustive list, merely one to illustrate what attire is clearly unacceptable:
  • T-shirts, Other Shirts with advertising logos or logos promoting offensive messages, cigarettes, alcohol, and/or drugs
  • Sweatshirts and Sweatpants
  • Shorts
  • Leggings, Stirrup Pants, Spandex Pants
  • Bare Midriffs
  • Strapless/Spaghetti Strap Items, Tube Tops, Halters, Backless Items
  • See-through Garments    
  • Miniskirts, skirts and or dresses with high slits
  • Fishnet stockings, patterned or textured hosiery
  • Blue Jeans
  • Beach Sandals & Flip Flops
  • Low cut blouses, shirts, or tops

Employees with no direct patient care contact are expected to wear standard business attire

• For Women, dresses, skirts or slacks, a shirt, blouse, shell with sleeves, sweaters and turtlenecks are acceptable.  Sleeveless shirts or blouse must be worn under a jacket or sweater.
• For Men, a collared shirt, button down or turtleneck worn with ankle length style pants are recommended.

Employees with direct patient care contact

• Employees and staff required wear uniform or scrub clothing provided by CHS will be issued garments to wear only at work. 
• Employees and staff wearing uniforms and scrubs purchased at their own expense must conform to a color and style appropriate to their department specific dress code.
• No scrubs or uniforms from other facilities are allowed.

Foot Wear

Shoes must be safe and appropriate for the type and location of work performed as determined by the Department Director.  Shoes need to be clean and not worn out in appearance.  If deemed appropriate, dress sandals or open-toed shoes with either an enclosed heel or heel strap may be worn.

March 2008