Professional Etiquette And Dress Standards

Transcription

1 Professional Etiquette And Dress Standards Purpose The Department of expects students to dress and conduct themselves in an appropriate and professional manner at all times throughout his/her enrollment in the school. Faculty may disallow a student from class or clinical preceptorship if his/her appearance and behavior does not meet professional standards. CLS students, although not employees, are expected to abide by the UTMB Institutional Policies and Procedures. Additionally, because of safety concerns in the handling of biohazard materials and potentially hazardous equipment, the CLS Department has established its own specific dress code, adhering to the UTMB guidelines outlined in IHOP Policy Personal Appearance. Identification Professional Etiquette Student identification badges will be worn by CLS students at all time while at the school and clinical preceptorships. The student ID should clearly identify him/her as a clinical laboratory sciences student. 1. Punctuality. Students must be on time to class and stay the entire session. If the student is going to be late or needs to leave early, arrangements must be made with the instructor prior to class. 2. Breaks. Students should take advantage of formal breaks offered during lengthy classes. Only in rare instances should it be necessary for a student ot leave and return to the classroom. 3. Cell Phones and Pagers. Cell phones and pagers must be switched off during class session. This includes both lectures and laboratories. If there is a need to reach a student in an emergency, the CLS main office number can be left. 4. Visitors. Students should obtain the instructor s permission before bringing guests or children to class. 5. Conversations. If students have questions, they should ask them at appropriate times and should avoid talking or Continued on next page Page 1 of 5

2 participating in other conversations during class. 6. Computers and PDAs. Computers in the classroom environment should be used for note taking or instructor approved activities. Web surfing, , and instant messaging are not allowed. Dress Code Lab Coats, Splash Shields, and Gloves Attire The UTMB student is expected to report to work neat, clean, well-groomed and dressed in attire appropriate for their role at UTMB. Concern for the safety of students and faculty while working in the classroom laboratory has greatly increased in the past few years. In an effort to promote safe work practices, the Department of will provide each student with a disposable laboratory coat with special safety features, one splash shield for face protection, eye goggles, and one Sharpie marker. Latex gloves will be provided in each laboratory. If a student has an allergy to latex or powder, they should inform the course instructor and non-latex gloves will be provided. While working in the student laboratory, laboratory coats, gloves and the face shield must be worn when appropriate. These are not to be worn outside the laboratory. There will be no exceptions. These safety measures will increase laboratory safety. 1. Extremes in fad or fashion that may be acceptable for social events or for recreational activities are not acceptable at a professional school. Shorts, dungarees, cut-offs, tank tops, bare midriffs, low-cut tops, halters, cocktail or evening dresses, mini skirts are some examples of clothing that are considered inappropriate. 2. Tee shirts or any shirt with advertising, slogans, quips or quotes may not be worn at clinical preceptorships. (A slogan does not mean brand names discretely located on a shirt pocket). 3. Jeans and Shorts: Jeans and shorts may be worn to lecture Continued on next page Page 2 of 5

3 classes. However, shorts may not be worn in the student laboratory. Additionally, jeans and shorts may not be worn during clinical preceptorships by CLS students. 4. Legs must be covered at all times while in the laboratory. Unprotected legs can be a safety hazard. If a student wears shorts to the classroom and wishes to wear pullover sweats or scrubs in the laboratory to cover the shorts and bare legs, this will be permissible. 5. To maintain the student s safety and professional image, the following items are discouraged: a. Studs or rings in any visible body pierce other than the ears b. Visible tattoos 6. Students must wear appropriate undergarments at all times. 7. Extremely brief or revealing clothing are inappropriate in the school and laboratory environment and are prohibited. Pants should be worn at the natural waistline, and undergarments must not show. Shirts, tops, blouses, and dresses should have sleeves. The length of skirts, dresses, etc. must not be shorter than three inches above the top of the knee. Clothing must not be tight fitting. All shirts, tops and blouses must either overlap or be tucked inside the bottom garment. Shoes, Socks, Hose and Stockings 1. Shoes must be clean and in good condition. Only closed toe shoes may be worn in laboratories and clinical preceptorships. No slides, floppy heels, thongs or open-toed sandals, or cloth shoes are allowed in the student laboratory or clinical preceptorships. These types of footwear pose a safety risk and are not acceptable. 2. White, black, or neutral-colored leather athletic shoes may be worn. 3. Socks, hose, or stockings should be worn with shoes as an additional safety measure. 1. Earrings, necklaces, or other form of jewelry should be Continued on next page Page 3 of 5

4 Jewelry and Hair designs that do not have the potential of being caught or entangled in lab instruments, flames, or specimens. 2. Rings should not have the potential to tear laboratory gloves. 3. Hair should be worn in a fashion that will not allow for the potential of being caught or entangled in lab instruments, flame or specimens. It may be worn back and secured at the nape of the neck or worn short. Similarly, the length of bangs should be shortened as well. Fingernails Writing Instruments Personal Hygiene When involved with patient care, students must maintain their fingernails so that the tips of the nails do not extend past the end of the fingers (so that they will not tear gloves or interfere with manual dexterity.). The nail surface should remain smooth. Artificial nails/wraps or acrylic overlays are not permitted per OSHA standards. Nail polish should not be chipped or cracked and should not be in bright colors. Each student will be expected to bring a pencil and pen to the student laboratory with their name on them. Writing instruments may serve as fomites; therefore, all writing instruments used in the lab must be kept in the laboratory at all times. 1. Students should have good daily hygiene that includes clean teeth, hair, cloths, and body, including the use of deodorant. Clothing should be clean, pressed, and in good condition. 2. Students should be clean shaven. If facial hair is worn, it must be well groomed and neatly trimmed. (Example: a mustache should not extend down into the mouth.) 3. Students should avoid wearing excessive make-up as this can damage equipment and contaminate laboratory tests. 4. Students should avoid the wearing of strong scented perfumes, colognes and aftershaves. This is especially important when working in areas where there is direct patient contact. Continued on next page Page 4 of 5

5 5. Students who maintain their own cars or who are in the process of painting their homes should take special care to keep hands and fingernails well-maintained at all times. Preceptorships/Clinical Rotations For Preceptorships/Clinical Rotations you will be given the dress code for the facility at which you will be doing your rotation. You will be expected to follow that dress code in addition to the above stated requirements. This means, for example, that you may not be permitted to wear athletic shoes of any type. Please understand that each facility is concerned with your safety, the safety of other laboratorians, and in maintaining an appropriate public image. You will be a guest and will be expected to comply with the policies of the facility at which you will be doing your preceptorship. In addition, for courses that include a clinical component, e.g., Basic Methods and Laboratory Operations, wine/maroon colored scrubs will be required. Page 5 of 5