The other day I had an elderly patient approach me. She looked very concerned, so I asked her what was bothering her. She told me she wanted to ask a question, then asked if I was a "Bonified" Nurse or a helper nurse. I could not help it, I cracked up, I assured her I was indeed "Bonified" and took her to a room where she could ask her questions in private.
The next day, as I sat (amazing I was able to find time to sit!) doing the ever-present paperwork we all do, I over heard two sweet patients discussing Nursing uniforms. Both stated they had a very hard time telling the Nurse from all the rest of the staff. While we do have our titles on our name tags, they complained that thier aging eyes could not see the title unless we were practically sitting on thier laps. I began looking around at the uniforms the staff wears. Every single person employed by the company wears scrubs, from housekeeping on up. I suddenly realized how difficult it must be for our elderly, who's vision is not as good as it used to be, to recognise the Nurse from the Kitchen help. They suggested it might be better if the Nurse went back to the all white scrubs and let everyone else wear colors. So, my question is, how many of us would be willing to wear white if it helps out patients recognise us when they need us?
