Ascension NE Wisconsin - St. Elizabeth Hospital

This dress code policy is provided for volunteers to present themselves in a positive and professional manner consistent with our values. This policy addresses personal appearance, volunteer's identification, and enforcement. It is expected that all volunteers follow this policy and be accountable for their appearance.

POLICY STATEMENT

Volunteers are expected to present a professional image appropriate for the task being performed. This policy outlines personal appearance expectations which are based on our Promise and the need to provide a safe, professional and personalized care environment. Our Promise represents our commitment to creating and maintaining a culture of excellence in service to our customers. Personal appearance is one example of how all volunteers can positively impact our culture of excellence. Acceptable personal appearance is an ongoing requirement for continued volunteer placement.

Individual departments may have specific dress codes. See your volunteer supervisor in your assigned department for more information regarding what is acceptable. All volunteers are required to follow their departments' dress code, if applicable.

• Organization ID Badge
• When on duty, an organization ID badge must be worn above the waist, preferably at shoulder height.
• Name badges are to be visible and readable to anyone approaching, clearly identifying name, title and photo.
• It is your responsibility to maintain your badge in good condition.
• At termination, ID badges are to be returned to the Volunteer Services.

• All clothing should be clean, neat, wrinkle free, in good repair and appropriate for the activities performed. Clothing should fit properly and not appear tight or too loose. Best judgment should be used at all times; when unsure if attire is acceptable, check with management. When in doubt, don't wear it.
• When on duty, the volunteer uniform must be worn.
• A volunteer will be given (1) one volunteer uniform at orientation. Additional uniforms can be purchased.
• Laundering of the uniform is the responsibility of the volunteer.
• If a uniform becomes unsightly because of normal wear and tear, the uniform can be traded in for a replacement uniform.
• At termination, volunteers need to return their uniform to the Volunteer Services department.
• Appropriate Clothing items include:
• Dress pants, of appropriate length, should not drag on the floor
• Professional dress Capri style pants below the knee in length may be worn
• Dresses and skirts must be knee length
• Shirt or top that does not expose shoulders, back, chest, cleavage or abdomen
• Undergarments should be worn and be covered by clothing
• Sports team wear may be allowed only on designated days
• Inappropriate Clothing may include, but is not limited to:
• Screen-printed T-shirts, sweatshirts, athletic-wear
• Blue jeans, bib overalls, shorts, tight fitting spandex or Lycra
• Unapproved head coverings

• Footwear must be appropriate to dress and the work being performed.
• Footwear must be clean, in good repair and provide safe, secure footing.
• Dress shoes should have quiet soles with a maximum 3 inch heel.
• Athletic shoes (i.e. tennis shoes) are acceptable.
• Closed toe shoes are recommended for all volunteers, however, sandals and open-toed shoes may be worn in non-patient care areas only as long as the style of shoe does not present a safety concern and provides for a professional appearance.
• Hiking boots, non-dress sandals (flip-flops or beach sandals) are prohibited.
• Wearing of socks, stockings or hosiery is strongly encouraged for a professional appearance.

• Jewelry and Accessories should not present a safety or infection control hazard and should be conservative and reflect a professional appearance.
• Body and facial piercing is allowable provided it is tasteful and takes into account our need to be customer focused in addition to not interfering with communication, safety and infection control practices.
• Volunteers may wear a limited number of professional or decorative pins.

• Volunteers are responsible for keeping their body clean, well-groomed and free from odor and excessive scent (including tobacco products).
• Colognes may trigger allergic reactions in co-workers and patients and should be avoided.All hair (including facial) should be clean, combed, neatly trimmed, and not interfere with performance of duties.
• Some work areas may have additional guidelines (i.e.: hair nets, appropriate color). Volunteers assigned to patient care areas should properly secure hair longer than shoulder length.
• Volunteers assigned to pharmacy, food service or patient care areas may not wear artificial nails or have nails that extend beyond the fingertips more than 1/8 inch. Nail polish is not recommended.
• Tattoos found to be offensive must be covered. Examples of offensive tattoos are pictures or words of a sexual nature, gang affiliations, violence, profanity or derogatory words/images.

Failure to Comply
A volunteer may be required to change his/her clothing if found to not meet the intent of this policy. Additionally, failure to adhere to this policy may result in corrective action.