BSN Additional Policies

In addition to meeting the requirements for admission as stated above under Admission Policies, students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program must provide the following:

Health Requirements

Please see the list below for mandatory vaccinations and other health requirements. These must be completed, submitted for compliance, and approved by Term 6, Week 3 to ensure processing and placement at a clinical facility. It’s important to note that certain items on the list, such as obtaining results and/or necessary boosters, may require additional time. Therefore, students should begin the process well in advance of the Term 6, Week 3 deadline.

Please note, clinical partners may change immunization and health requirements with no advanced notice, for any reason at any time. You will be notified accordingly as soon as the program becomes aware of any changes.

Student Dress Code and Professional Appearance Policy

As a nursing student at Stanbridge University, you are expected to maintain a clean, professional appearance always—on campus, at clinical sites, in the parking lot, or any setting where you are identified as a Stanbridge student.

General Standards

• ID Badge: Must be always worn above the waist and visible even when wearing a sweater. You may not take an assessment (quiz, exam, ATI) without it.
• Hygiene: Appropriate hygiene is required. No offensive body odors, including cigarette smoke, are permitted.
• Hair: Must be clean, pulled back out of the face and off the shoulders.
  • Theory: A neat ponytail is acceptable.
  • Lab/Clinical: Hair must be in a bun (not on top of the head or low at the neck).
  • Only natural hair colors are allowed. No faddish styles or unnatural colors.
• Facial Hair: Must be neatly trimmed (no longer than ½ inch) to ensure a proper fit for personal protective equipment (e.g., N-95 mask).
• Makeup: Must be professional in appearance. Exaggerated makeup or extreme eyelashes are not allowed in labs or clinical.
• Fragrances: Perfume, cologne, and aftershave are not permitted.
• Tattoos: Must be always covered. Plain white or black undershirts or “sleeves” may be worn to cover them.
• Piercings & Jewelry:
  • No visible facial piercings are allowed. A clear retainer may be used but must not be visible.
  • Only one pair of small post earrings and a plain wedding or engagement ring are allowed.
  • Jewelry must be minimal for safety and professionalism.
• Nails: Must be short, clean, and free of artificial nails or nail wraps. Only clear nail polish is permitted, not chipped.
• Outerwear: Only Stanbridge-issued sweaters are allowed.
  • Clinical sweaters must not have a hood.
  • No hats, caps, beanies, or scarves allowed unless approved for religious or medical reasons.
• Gum Chewing: Not allowed in classroom, lab, or clinical settings.
• Clothing: Must be clean, pressed, and properly fitted. Tight-fitting, ripped, distressed, or jogger-style pants are not permitted.

Dress Code by Setting

Theory/Classroom

• Stanbridge-issued polo shirt.
• Plain black pants or black scrub bottoms (no leggings, tights, jeans, prints, logos, or embroidery).
• Plain white or black undershirts if worn; no visible undergarments.
• Black, grey, or white closed-toe, closed-heel sneakers (must be clean and professional in appearance). No Crocs or Croc-like shoes are allowed.

Laboratory & Simulation

• Stanbridge-issued scrubs.
• Plain white or black undershirt or “sleeves” to cover tattoos.
• White or black non-skid shoes (clean, closed toe and heel, no prints except shoe logo). No Crocs or Croc-like shoes are allowed.
• Required tools: stethoscope, penlight, bandage scissors, watch with second hand (smartwatches not allowed), calculator, blue/black pen, and notepad.
• Optional: fanny pack/apron for additional pockets.

Clinical Settings

• Stanbridge-issued scrubs.
• Uniform must be neat, clean, and pressed.
• Undershirts (if visible) must be plain white or black.
• Shoes must be solid white or black, slip-proof, non-penetrable (vinyl/leather top), and closed-toe/heel. No Crocs or Cros-like shoes are allowed.
• Only the Stanbridge sweater is permitted as outerwear.
• Nails, tattoos, piercings, and hair must meet all general standards listed above.
• Required: watch with a second hand (no smartwatches).

Consequences for Violation of the Dress Code

Theory and Lab

If a student is determined to be in violation of any specific item(s) of the dress code during theory or lab, the student will receive a written warning for the first occurrence. A second occurrence will result in the student being sent home for the day, which will be recorded as an absence. All applicable attendance policies will apply in such cases.

Clinical

Due to professional and regulatory requirements at clinical sites, students must appear in full, approved uniform, and maintain the dress code and professional image standards established by the program and the site. Failure to comply with the uniform or dress code requirements will result in the student being sent home from the clinical site. Such occurrences will be recorded as an absence, and all applicable attendance policies will apply.