I was prompted to join a nursing forum today so I could research what my employer is implementing as far as a new dress code.
Although the committee who drafted this new policy stated that this was a result of employee AND patient satisfaction polls, many of my collegues are furious that our opinions and input was never asked for. I work at a 350 bed hospital and level one trauma center. Specifics: we buy from the same vendor, the SAME style, and color-coded for our differing professions ie: RN's, PT, CNA's, RT, etc. will all have their own color. They are offering a stipend for three uniforms for start up, and after that we are to purchase our own.
I wanted to gain the opinions of other professionals whose hospitals/employers have changed to this policy. Whether it worked or not and why. What actions were taken?
This new policy seems like a step backward in time.
The rationale for them is that we will look more professional, the patients will take more comfort in knowing who their nurse is as opposed to environmental services (funny, but I have yet to come across ANY RN, RT, PT, or CNA who does not introduce themselves as such upon entering the room).
We feel like 'drones' who are now going to be dressed every morning because apparently we are unable to do so ourselves.
Personally, my patients frequently give wonderful comments on my jackets.
So tell me what your ideas are on this.
How can we fight the battle and have a chance at ending this ludicrous and military type of policy?
What's next? Limiting hair styles to above the collar?
:trout:
They are telling us that this is the NEW trend and that this is what patients want.
From experience, I say that they are full of it.
I would really like the local news to investigate...even if it is only an internet poll.
