VCOM Faculty Handbook

patient care or communication. Products must be compatible with safety protocols, such as mask-wearing, and should not interfere with cleanliness or sterilization practices. Fingernails shall be clean, neat, and maintained to a length where they can be easily cleaned and where they do not interfere with the employee’s and/or patient’s safety or ability to perform their duties. Regular nail polish is allowed as long as it is not chipped. Cologne, Perfume, or Aftershave Standards The use of cologne, perfumes, body sprays, scented body lotions or aftershave shall be used with restraint due to allergies and sensitivities of others. Tattoos, Piercings, and Jewelry Standards Tattoos and multiple piercings may carry a risk of infectious disease transmission if not performed under appropriate sterile conditions. Additionally, perceptions of tattoos and piercings can vary significantly based on cultural, regional, and institutional norms. Patients, parents, or other stakeholders of VCOM may view visible tattoos and piercings as unprofessional or inappropriate in the medical education environment. VCOM may; therefore, require the employee to wear clothing that covers tattoos. Additionally, visible body piercings should be to maintain a professional appearance. Small earrings (such as studs or small hoops) may be permitted, while facial piercings (e.g., nose rings, eyebrow rings, lip piercings) and other visible body jewelry are not permitted. Any jewelry worn must not interfere with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), pose a safety hazard, or compromise infection prevention protocols. Employees may be asked to remove or cover piercings that do not comply with these standards. Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, or other adornments should be kept to a minimum and of a size and design to not interfere with employee and/or patient safety or the ability to perform duties. Dress Code In addition to the hygiene standards outlined above, VCOM has established a business casual or traditional business dress code for employees that projects a professional image for faculty and staff, students, and college visitors. The employee should be dressed appropriate to the job they perform and in accordance with VCOM standards. If on occasion the employee must do work that is not in the usual line of work and risks soiling of clothes, jeans and tennis shoes may be worn, if pre-approved by the employee’s supervisor. Traditional business attire is the most formal type of office attire and reflects a polished, conservative, and professional appearance. Traditional business attire for male employees is defined as a suit, long sleeved dress shirt, tie, dress shoes, and socks. Traditional business attire for female employees is defined as a suit that may include a skirt or pants, a conservative blouse, and closed-toe shoes. Business casual attire blends traditional business attire with a more relaxed style, aiming to look professional without being overly formal. Business casual attire for male employees is defined as a collared shirt (e.g. button down or polo), long pants such as dress pants/chinos/khakis, and casual dress shoes. A blazer or sport coat is optional. Business casual attire for female employees is defined as blouses or tops of professional appearance with skirts or dresses of appropriate length or slacks/chinos/khakis and closed-toe shoes. High heel shoes must be short enough to be functional and portray a professional appearance. A blazer is optional. VCOM does not allow denim-jeans, of any color; flip-flops; casual sandals, t-shirts; tank tops, halter tops, sweatshirts/hoodies; men’s shirts without a collar; shirts with unprofessional writing; shorts; hats, or other such casual dress. Employee attire should not look like cocktail, party, or picnic attire. If an employee has a compelling

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