Professional Image. Definitions None

Transcription

1 Professional Image Document Owner: O'Connell, Tim Version: 1 Effective Date: 04/25/2013 Revision Date: 04/25/2016 Approvers: Thompson, Angela Department: Human Resources I. Purpose It is incumbent on each individual who wears an Indiana University Health identification badge or who provides services on behalf of Indiana University Health to maintain a professional image in terms of both conduct and appearance as defined by this policy. This applies to individuals who work in an Indiana University Health facility, as well as those who conduct business on behalf of Indiana University Health or otherwise represent the organization in other venues. II. III. IV. Scope All full-time, part-time, supplemental, and temporary associates, as well as students, volunteers, contractors, consultants, medical residents, agency personnel, staff from affiliated institutions and individuals providing services at an Indiana University Health facility are covered by this policy. Definitions None Policy Statements A. All individuals wearing an Indiana University Health identification badge will exhibit a professional image in appearance and behavior that is consistent with the organization s vision of becoming a preeminent healthcare provider and representative of our mission and values relative to the quality of care provided to patients, their families and visitors. B. This policy provides guidelines for the minimal acceptable standard for appearance and conduct. Departments may adopt department-specific guidelines within these parameters which support their specific patient care, safety requirements and/or business needs. 1. Identification Badges: In order to assist patients, family members physicians, visitors, and other associates to identify persons affiliated with Indiana University Health, individuals are required to wear their Name of Policy Page 1

2 identification badge at all times while on duty, except those associates restricted from wearing the badge while working in sterile environments. ID badges will be worn above the waist so they can be easily read. Stickers, emblems, and/or pins related to hospital sponsored or supported affiliations and professional affiliations may be attached to the ID badge as long as pertinent information is not covered. 2. Professional Image: Individuals will exhibit courteous, conscientious and business-like behavior in the workplace consistent with Indiana University Health s Standards of Service as noted in the Associate Handbook and provided in Service Excellence training. When having contact with patients and/or their families, individuals will introduce themselves and identify their role to help increase the comfort level of patients and their family members. 3. Personal Hygiene: a. Hair will be clean and neatly styled. Facial hair will be neatly styled and groomed. b. Fragrance will be minimized and may be banned to avoid allergic reactions, if needed. Employees are expected to refrain from smoking at any time while on duty. c. Jewelry will be kept to a minimum (e.g., no more than 3 earrings in one ear) and may be banned in some areas to safeguard against injury. Nontraditional body jewelry (e.g., tongue, eyebrow, lips, nose, etc.) may not be worn while on duty. d. Hands and nails will be clean and well groomed. Nail polish and style will be subtle and nail length conservative. In certain areas, artificial nails may be banned consistent with infection control policy. e. Personal protective equipment such as gowns, masks, head/foot coverings and other barriers will be removed after completion of task, before leaving the work area and before going to another patient. f. Tattoos will be covered while on duty. g. Undergarments will be worn and must be covered and not visible. C. Uniforms: Uniforms will be standard dress for all associates who provide direct patient care services in the following departments: 1. Nursing and Patient Care Services 2. Environmental Services 3. Ambulatory Services 4. Emergency Services 5. Nutrition and Dietetics Individuals not designated to wear scrubs or lab coats may not elect to do so and should be dressed in attire consistent with their role within the department. Name of Policy Page 2

3 D. Acceptable Attire Guidelines for non-uniformed individuals include: 1. Dress shirts, ties 2. Button-down blouses 3. Blazers, sweaters and cardigans 4. Collared polo shirts 5. Indiana University Health logo shirts 6. Khaki, corduroy and cotton pants 7. Appropriate shoes for business (e.g., mid-heels, dress sandals or flats for women, loafers for men). Closed toe shoes must be worn in patient care and food service areas at all times. 8. Hose is optional for women during summer months with director s approval. Appropriate stockings/leg wear must be worn in patient care and food service areas at all times. E. Acceptable Attire Guidelines for uniformed individuals include: 1. Clean and pressed uniforms 2. Collared polo shirts 3. Indiana University Health logo shirts 4. Lab coats 5. Tucked in shirt-tails 6. Appropriate closed toe shoes (e.g., athletic shoes if approved by manager, Croc style shoes without holes) 7. Appropriate stockings/leg wear must be worn in patient care and food service areas at all times. F. In facilities where staff members have contact with the public, jeans or denim of any color or style including scrubs, skirts, dresses, jumpers, shirts, pants, vests and jackets are not permitted. In facilities where staff members do not have contact with the public, jeans or denim may be permitted with director approval on designated occasions only, such as casual Fridays. G. Appropriateness to the type of work being performed is the applicable standard if there is a question about the appropriateness of an associate s appearance or dress that is not specifically mentioned in this policy. For examples of unacceptable attire, please see the last page of this policy. H. At the director s discretion, individuals who violate policy may receive a written warning and/or be directed to leave the premises, without pay, to change their attire and return to work, if practical. Repeated violations of this policy will be addressed under the Performance Expectations policy and may lead to discipline up to and including termination of employment. I. Department Dress Code Name of Policy Page 3

4 Individual departments may establish its own policy and will integrate that policy as part of the initial department orientation and communicate it as a standard expectation for every associate. It is the responsibility of the department director and management to ensure both the general policy and any department policy are honored by every associate. These policies should be reviewed periodically to ensure appropriateness and: 1. Must incorporate the organization s minimum standards 2. Need to be appropriate to the work setting 3. Need to include paid time frames for changing clothes, if applicable 4. Need to include consequences of not following policy, i.e., associate sent home to change on unpaid time and subject to appropriate disciplinary action For holidays and other occasions such as spirit days, the department director may permit other dress provided it is appropriate for the area and work being performed, as well as consistent with this policy and Indiana University Health s vision, mission and values. V. Approval Signatures Angela S. Thompson, SPHR Date Vice President, Human Resources and Support Services Randall C. Yust Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer Date Name of Policy Page 4

5 Appendix A Examples of Unprofessional Image for both Uniformed and Non-uniformed Individuals Indiana University Health considers the following images unprofessional for a health care environment and inconsistent with Indiana University Health s vision, mission and values. This list is in no way all inclusive. It is intended to be a guideline and should be applied with management judgment and discretion. 1. bare back tops, halter tops, midriff tops, low or revealing necklines, spandex tops, or other form fitting materials 2. clothing or accessories bearing pictures or writing that states or implies nonprofessional, illegal, distasteful, or suggestive language/activities 3. sunglasses (without medical reason) 4. shaggy or unsightly hair, or non-traditional hair coloring (green, blue, purple, red, etc.)head coverings except when associated with professional, medical, or religious rationale or are required for reasons related to practice or Board of Health regulations 5. slippers, thongs, and flip-flops 6. shorts (including walking shorts), capris, leggings, or cropped pants that are more than three (3) inches above the ankle 7. T-shirts, sweatshirts and pants, mini-skirts (skirts being more than six (6) inches above the knee), spaghetti strap dresses 8. painter/carpenter overalls and pants and bib overalls 9. excessively worn, frayed, or wrinkled items 10. reflective clothing (i.e., shiny garments with a liquid appearance) 11. any attire which would be worn for sports activity except when athletic shoes are worn by employees involved in providing patient care services and environmental services 12. clothing which advertises a service, business, non-health related association, or other enterprise. Designer logos are allowed (i.e., IZOD, Polo, Tommy, FUBU, etc Name of Policy Page 5