A. Clinical Course Times

Clinical course times are posted on the University schedule do not include travel time. Students are expected to be in the clinical setting at the start and end time designated by the instructor. The College of Nursing utilizes a variety of clinical sites and travel time may vary depending upon clinical site. Travel up to 100 miles may be required. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from clinical sites.

B. Dress Code

Students are to dress appropriately, be well groomed, and behave in a manner that is consistent with creating a positive impression of the College of Nursing at the University of Iowa and represents professional nursing well. Appropriate dress and behavior are expected to vary with the location and nature of the student’s educational activities. Guidance is provided by the faculty regarding specific expectations. Name badges that identify the individual as a nursing student facilitate appropriate recognition and must be worn in clinical settings.

C. Uniform Policy

The University of Iowa College Nursing student uniform is to be worn only during UI clinical courses and college-sanctioned events. Students are to wear the College of Nursing student scrubs while in the NCEC. These scrubs should not be worn when students are in paid employment outside of the College. Official uniforms and lab coats are purchased through SNAUI (Student Nurse Association at the University of Iowa).

The College of Nursing uniform will consist of:

1. Black scrubs with the College of Nursing logo.
2.  A black, white, gold, or grey t-shirt or long-sleeved turtleneck may be worn underneath. No symbols or screen-printing should be visible.
3. The hem of the pant should touch the top of the shoe and extend no longer than the top of the sole.
4. White lab coats have the College of Nursing logo on the left chest. The coat may be worn with scrubs or business casual as guided by the instructor and agency. Lab coats are optional while wearing the student uniform.
5. The student photo ID is to be worn on the left side of the lab coat at all times in clinical and simulation settings.
6. Shoes should be comfortable, supportive, and allow the ability to move quietly and efficiently. Shoes should cover the whole foot. Open toed shoes, mules, slides, or sling back shoes are not appropriate.
7. Uniform standards apply during pregnancy; maternity scrub uniforms are expected.
8. Business casual dress is appropriate in some clinical settings, as guided by facility policies.

D. Clinical Misconduct

In cases involving clinical misconduct, the student will be removed from the clinical setting. The Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and the Executive Associate Dean will complete an immediate review of the conduct, in consultation with officials at the agency where the conduct occurred. Sanctions will be determined based on the severity of the misconduct, the potential risk to patients, the nature of the setting, and will be imposed at the conclusion of this review. All sanctions are final and nonnegotiable. Examples of clinical misconduct include but not limited to professional misconduct, HIPAA violations, patient safety issues, harm to patient, etc. Examples of sanctions include but not limited to meeting with faculty/deans, course failure, dismissal from the College of Nursing, etc.

E. Substance Abuse Policy

The College of Nursing adheres to the policies set forth by the University of Iowa Policies & Regulations Affecting Students regarding the Use of Illegal Drugs and Alcohol and the Responsible Action Protocol. College of Nursing students are expected to comply with the policies governing all students at the University of Iowa. Students in violation of the University of Iowa policies which take place outside of the clinical setting will be subject to the disciplinary process established by the Dean of Students.

1. The College of Nursing recognizes that use/misuse of legal and/or illegal drugs, controlled substances and alcohol are matters of concern for student and patient safety. To ensure patient safety the College of Nursing will address events related to substances by encouraging treatment before sanctions, providing information to students about policies and risks, and discuss changes to the plan of study should treatment be required.
2. Clinical Impairment: Any instance where a student is identified as impaired in the clinical arena will require immediate removal of the student from the clinical unit and/or i mediate drug testing. The student will not be permitted to return to the clinical environment without adequate documentation of the student’s ability to provide safe patient care.
3.  Drug Testing/ Evaluation:
   •  Drug testing is not required of all students, but in the instance a student has been identified by observation or arrest regarding use of illegal substances or activities or has been identified as impaired in a clinical setting, drug testing will be required without notice. Any student who has needed evaluation or treatment will be subject to random drug testing for the duration of their enrollment.
   • Drug testing will be paid for by the student, completed at UIHC when possible, and results will be sent to Student Health Services, then to the Associate Dean. All results are confidential. The student has the right to appeal against the requirement for drug testing if the instance takes place outside of the clinical environment. However, if the student is identified as impaired in the clinical setting, drug testing is nonnegotiable. If the student refuses, they may be dismissed.
4. Sanctions which may be imposed for violation of the Substance Abuse policy include but are not limited to written warning, probation, mandatory substance abuse evaluation, random drug testing suspension, or dismissal. In addition, substance abuse counseling is required for all those found in violation. Students will be required to complete a substance abuse evaluation and complete all treatment programs recommended to continue enrollment and progression. The College may require immediate in-patient treatment. All costs associated with any evaluation/treatment process are the responsibility of the student.