Changing Uniforms

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Has anybody out there ever changed their uniforms in their ward? We are a rehab ward and we are convinced we need to change our uniforms for the benefit of the patients. We often find patients will perform better for our therapy staff than for us. We believe coming out of traditional nurses uniform and going into trousers and polo shirts similar to that of the therapists will result in the patients receiving nursing more in the therapy role than nursing hands on. If you have, will you let me know what you've done to have your uniforms changed.

Cheers!

Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

I think we should wear what we wore out on friday night!!!!

No seriously we would all be grateful if anybody could answer this thread.

:rotfl:

Specializes in Stroke Rehab, Elderly, Rehab. Ortho.

I manage a nursing Home and our uniforms have changed a couple of times since I have been there...we were all in dresses, then went into tunics & trousers which are much better...recently because of my emigration progress my personal uniform has changed to scrubs (plain or colourful ones) with the agreement of my Boss (who was very enthusiatic)..now some of my staff ahve changed their tunics for scrub tops (plain ones) because they are cooler and more comfortable. Infact some of the staff want to wear the colourful ones now.

I have had a good response out of the residents when I have worn my colourful ones - even the confused ones have passed comments. So much so that I wear them all the time now because it brightens their day up...

I suggest whatever uniform changes you want to make go for it...(my Boss is happy as replacing the scrubs from the tunics are half the price ;) ) :rotfl:

Don't do it just to look like pams, do it for safety reasons, such as minimising risk of injury to staff and patients by wearing appropriate clothing which does not restrict your movement as a dress does..... Talk to your Health and Safety reps, whichever union they are, or even a H&S or a Risk Manager if you have them. If you suggest covering the costs by savings on potential sicktime or litigation, management may even listen...

Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

Hi,

Just to say we are not in uniform dresses at present time but in tunics and trousers.

Thanks for suggestion re H&S and risk management.

Please keep suggestions coming.

Kay

Specializes in Stroke Rehab, Elderly, Rehab. Ortho.
Don't do it just to look like pams,

I dont look like a pam... :sofahider

I'm not in the UK, but this thread touched a nerve. Not all change is for the better.......

I work in a free-standing inpatient hospice unit. The facility and grounds are truly beautiful, and it is obvious that thousands of dollars have been poured into the place to make it as home-like, peaceful and inviting as possible.

Up until Jan. 04 we were required to wear white pants, but our shirts/jackets could be any soft/muted, pastel, or floral pattern (just nothing glaringly bright/dark.) Imagine the uproar when we were casually informed that as of the end of the month we had to wear ALL WHITE!!! Uproar, may not be a strong enough word to describe the reaction...I kept expecting a riot to break out. :angryfire

It seems that "the-powers-that-be" (we all know the type...those who are pathetically far removed from the pulse of nursing, yet wield the power to really mix things up!) wanted "our patients and families to be able to clearly differentiate the nurse from the nursing assistants", and also stated that they "really like the crisp look of a nurse in white." The home-like atmosphere is now a bit sterile, and the morale of the staff has taken a dive. (We fought against this tooth-and-nail, many firing off heart-felt letters to administration opposing the change.)

Are we way off base, or has anyone heard anything more ridiculous?? :confused:

Thank you all for your replies on this thread. Some did not seem to find it hard getting the approval when they changed theirs, and hopefully it will be the same for us!!!

Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

Hi check out thread of 'should nurses return to uniforms, may or may not help our case'. You will find this thread in General Nursing polls

Specializes in med/surge.

What is a pam?

Maybe I've been asleep for the last millennium, but I've never heard the expression?

thanks

xx :imbar

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