UI Hospitals and Clinics Professional Appearance Expectations
As part of our continuing effort to provide excellent customer service and patient-centered care, UI Hospitals and Clinics has a Professional Appearance Policy (Internal access only). Basically, the policy asks staff members, faculty, physicians, students, and volunteers to ensure that their appearance contributes to a positive, respectful, and safe health environment for patients, staff, and the public.

To create a professional appearance, please remember while on duty to:

• Wear identification badges above the waist with the photo and name immediately visible to patients, families and others. Nothing should be attached to the badge - pins and awards should be worn on a lanyard or clothing - not the badge.
• Be physically clean and well groomed and take steps to prevent or address problems of offensive body odor.
• Avoid excessive use of fragrances, which may be offensive or cause allergic or adverse reactions in others.
• Ensure that hairstyle, jewelry, scarves or other accessories do not interfere with assigned duties or pose a threat of infection or physical hazard.
• Cover tattoos and body art that contain wording or images that may be perceived as offensive to patients, families or other persons.
• Wear clothing that is neat, clean and free from offending odors.
• Wear uniforms if required and footwear appropriate to job duties.
• Wear scrubs in compliance with Policy III.05, Scrub Attire.

Please remember that the following is NOT appropriate while on duty:

• Shorts, blue denim pants of any length, or exercise or workout clothing, including sweatpants, spandex or leggings. (Denim pants in colors other than blue are acceptable if they are clean and in good condition. Groundskeepers and valets may wear knee-length shorts for exterior work.)
• Beach-type footwear (such as thongs or flip-flops), or bedroom slippers.
• Caps or hats, unless worn for medical or religious reasons or for the nature of specific duties, such as outdoor work.
• Shirts or other apparel with inappropriate images, wording or logos that may be perceived as offensive to patients, families or others.
• Tank tops, halter tops, or other tops that leave the midriff or back exposed, and skirts or other garments that expose undergarments and/or could be perceived as sexually provocative to a reasonable person.

Some additional items to remember:

• Your department may have additional guidelines not covered by this policy due to safety concerns particular to your unit.
• If you have questions about your specific situation due to medical, religious or ethnic issues, please discuss with your supervisor.
• Your compliance with these guidelines will prevent a request for you to change into appropriate attire before being able to begin work.

Thank you for your commitment to creating a respectful and safe environment.