Editorial: Is a ‘mini’ uniform code just skirting around the issues?

An Integrative Review of Body Art in Nursing

“…11,18,[31][32][33] Other nonresearch articles included 2 case studies, 8,16 a legal commentary, 34 2 specific to nursing issues, 10,17 and an editorial. 35 Also included were 2 literature reviews, 13,15 a policy development piece, 14 an evidence-based practice (EBP) project, 36 and EBP recommendations. 37 Through independent analysis of the articles by 2 nurse researchers, followed by iterative team discussions, 3 broad themes and 8 subthemes emerged (see Supplemental Digital Content, Figure 2, available at: http://links.lww.com/NE/B83): (1) level of acceptability (subthemes of positive perception, stigmatizing, and personal meaning); (2) professional image (subthemes of appearance matters and policy); and (3) infection concern (subthemes of hygiene, contamination, and injury potential).…”

“…Nonresearch articles consisted of 4 letters to the editor9,12,20,30 and 6 commentary and opinion pieces 11,18,31–33. Other nonresearch articles included 2 case studies,8,16 a legal commentary,34 2 specific to nursing issues,10,17 and an editorial 35. Also included were 2 literature reviews,13,15 a policy development piece,14 an evidence-based practice (EBP) project,36 and EBP recommendations 37…”

“…Professional image was exemplified in the subthemes of appearance matters and policy through 7 of the 9 research articles22–28 and 16 of the 21 nonresearch articles 7,9–18,32,34–36. Nurses' appearance conveys professionalism, trustworthiness, confidence, and compassion 27,28.…”

“…Professional image was exemplified in the subthemes of appearance matters and policy through 7 of the 9 research articles [22][23][24][25][26][27][28] and 16 of the 21 nonresearch articles. 7,[9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]32,[34][35][36] Nurses' appearance conveys professionalism, trustworthiness, confidence, and compassion. 27,28 Research linked nurses' professional image and patients' perceptions of competency in care and comfort with the care provided.…”

“…26 Other literature described dress code policies as carrying significant image considerations for a health care facility and nursing as a profession. 9,10,[14][15][16]32,[34][35][36] Nursing students are often asked to cover tattoos with rationale based on policies and professional image. 16 A legal commentary highlighted the frustration of a manager unable to retain an excellent nurse due to a restrictive dress code policy.…”