Body Art and Piercings? UW-Milwaukee Nursing College Considers Dress Code Revision

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Program Committee for the College of Nursing is considering adjusting a policy to have nursing students look professional without taking away much of the students’ individuality. The committee might consider loosening its policy on tattoos and piercings.

As more and more people are having tattoos and piercings, society has become more accepting.  Some organizations are becoming more lenient in their dress code policies on tattoos and piercings, but committee members said they are trying to figure out what is best for UWM nursing students and the future of the students when they go work at other clinical facilities.

“Students represent us,” said Jeanne Hewitt, co-chair of the committee. “They have to be mindful of that.”

Undergraduate Program Director Linda Kennedy handed out a draft of the Undergraduate Student Uniform and Dress Code Policy during the University Program Committee for College of Nursing meeting Nov. 6.  The policy hasn’t been revised since May 20, 2011.

In the current policy, students enrolled in clinical nursing courses must conceal body art and tattoos during their clinical work unless the individual clinical agency permits them to be visible. Clear or flesh-colored spacers are permitted to conceal piercings, however, they must conform with the individual clinical agency policy. The committee pondered if some clinical agency policy permits tattoos and piercings to be visible then maybe they should consider it in their policy as well.

Other than discussions of tattoos and piercings, other concerns arose. Clinical assistant professor Rochelle Nelson addressed the issues of brand logos on shoes, especially the size of the logo  –  which was not stated in the current policy.

“It’s not so much about the logo themselves,” Nelson said. “The idea about being in the uniform is to look professional, and we’re getting away from that because we’re allowing a lot of different variations.”

While Nelson was more concerned about the big logos on shoes, other members did not see it as a big deal.  They were more concerned about nail polish leading to nail fungus, and it being a safety concern for patients when nursing students will come in contact with patients especially when treating patient wounds. Though clear nail polishes are permitted, nail polish must not be chipped or cracked.

Another committee member, Dr. Jeanne Erickson, mentioned during the meeting that there wasn’t anything about dyed hair color in the policy. In terms of looking professional, hair color does play a role in appearances and how people can judge someone based on their hair color especially if it is pink. She wanted to see consistency since brand logos and nail polishes were being discussed.

Alyxandria Fabian was part of the committee as the student representative. As a nursing student herself, she understood individuality and how first impressions are everything, but said mannerism is important too.

“You can look the part, but that doesn’t mean you’re professional,” Fabian said. “You can have an attitude where you aren’t patient – centered or you don’t respect clients even though you look like a good nurse.”

While the members were expressing different wide of opinions, Kennedy thought it would be best to continue the discussion next time with further research.