Guidelines for Uniform Policy and Infection Prevention Control (IPC)
Clinical Education Centre, School of Nursing and Midwifery (SNAM), Queen’s University Belfast (QUB).

Purpose
This guideline establishes clear and consistent expectations for uniform standards and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures within the Clinical Education Centre (CEC), School of Nursing and Midwifery, QUB.  Its goal is to promote professional conduct among students and staff, ensuring these standards are embedded during teaching sessions and upheld in clinical practice placements.

Scope
This guideline applies to all students, educators, and clinical staff involved in teaching or participating in clinical activities within the CEC.

Core Principles
•    IPC compliance is non-negotiable in clinical practice settings (e.g., hospital or community placements), as agreed in co-production workshops.

•    Uniform and dress code standards must be consistently followed by both staff and students to maintain professionalism and minimise infection risk

•    While the CEC is considered a lower risk setting, the same principles apply with flexibility:
     o    Students must wear their campus uniform correctly.
     o    Must be bare below the elbow.
     o    Hair must be tied back and off the collar.
     o    No jewellery (except for a wedding band) is permitted.

•    If a student breaches the guideline:
     o    Staff should explain the rationale behind the standard.
     o    Confirm the student's understanding of the guideline’s importance.
     o    Remind the student to comply in future sessions.
     o    The student may remain in class and participate, but future adherence is expected.

•    Repeated non-compliance should be treated as a teaching opportunity initially but may be escalated to the Preparation for Practice (PFP) team if persistent. Ongoing breaches could lead to referral to Health and Conduct.

1.    Uniform and Dress Code Requirements

Bare Below the Elbow (BBE)
•    Mandatory in all clinical practice placement settings.
•    All wrist and hand jewellery, including watches, must be removed. A wedding band is permitted.
•    Nails must be kept short and clean.
•    Staff should explain the IPC rationale for BBE during orientation and upon any breaches.

Uniform requirement in the Clinical Education Centre
•    Students must wear dark trousers and professional, comfortable footwear for practical classes.
•    Uniforms must be properly fitted and appropriate for the clinical environment.
       
Cultural Considerations
•    Reasonable accommodations may be made (e.g., long sleeves for cultural reasons), but:
     o    Sleeves must be rolled up when in contact with patients on practice placements.
     o    Sleeves may be rolled down otherwise, balancing IPC needs with cultural sensitivity.

2.    Compliance and Consequences

First-Time Non-Compliance
•    Treated as a learning opportunity.
•    Reinforce understanding and explain expectations clearly.

Repeated Non-Compliance in Practice Settings
•    Student may be asked to leave the clinical environment (e.g., ward).
•    May lead to referral to Director of Education for review under Health and Conduct/Fitness to Practice procedures.
 Staff Responsibilities
•    All staff must model appropriate uniform and IPC standards to reinforce credibility and professionalism.
•    Educators are expected to support and guide students in meeting the guidelines.
•    Staff teaching in the CEC must also adhere to the uniform and IPC guidelines.

3.    Policy vs. Guidance
•    These standards are framed as guidelines, allowing some flexibility in teaching environments like the CEC.
•    However, consistent adherence is expected. Repeated or deliberate breaches may still trigger formal processes.
 
Implementation Recommendations
•    Provide regular training and refresher sessions for staff and students.
•    Ensure orientation sessions include uniform fittings and an explanation of IPC rationale.
•    Engage uniform suppliers to offer fittings at QUB.
•    Create a feedback mechanism for staff and students to comment on the effectiveness of the guideline.