Oh no they didn't...uniform changes in florida

klone, MSN, RN · Feb 3, 2011

If I were in that situation, I would buy the appropriate color scrubs from whichever company I wanted, and just go about my business.

itsmejuli · Feb 3, 2011

OP, Florida is a right to work state. Ruffle feathers and you won't have a job.

I know some unemployed nurses who would love your job even if they had to wear bright orange jail house jumpsuits.

fancyhen · Feb 4, 2011

I like the idea of color coded scrubs but wouldn't like to be told who to buy from. And if you're buying the scrubs, why does there have to be a hospital logo on it? I'd have more problems with that aspect because if you have a second job or leave that hospital, the scrubs would be useless.

If you itemize your taxes you can deduct the price of uniforms, shoes and upkeep. There is a standardized deduction for each time you wash/dry the scrubs too since they should be laundered separately. Don't forget to deduct union dues (including ANA membership) and other work related expenses. The way the economy is right now, every little thing helps. Keep your receipts and records, but they are all legit deductions. Hopefully that will help a little bit with the initial cost of scrubs.

Good Luck.

linearthinker, DNP, RN · Feb 4, 2011

Yes, it's legal. You can always go work someplace else. I get why it's annoying. I only wear medelita scrubs, and wearing cheap crappy stuff would annoy me. Not something I'd freak out over though.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Feb 4, 2011

As long as my scrubs are clean and pressed, I really don't care what colours I wear to work. Let's face it, we aren't there to make a fashion statement. Especially given that many of us end up covered in..... who knows what, on most days. I also appreciate the fact that I'm comfortable now, versus spending a fortune on suits, like I used to.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Feb 4, 2011

Our hospital has announced that in a couple of months our uniforms will be role-specific: all RNs wear navy blue, CNA's burgundy, ect. There will be no uniform allowance and they have taken it a step further to let us know exactly what company we are to purchase our scrubs through, plus what company we are to pay to have the hospital logo embroidered on it. Is this legal? How do we fight this without risking job loss?

Florida is a "right to work" state. Thus, your employer can require a great deal from you, and fire you for many reasons with little to no recourse. There are few unions, and some facilities that are unionized in my experience, have relatively weak union protection, especially in this poor economy.

Please be aware that many FL facilities have required uniform colors, including one that requires all white and caps (even for those who went to schools that had no cap - they get a generic which totally destroys the tradition aspect). And no, most do not get reimbursement. And there is no recourse.

allnurses Guide · Feb 4, 2011

In the UK the NHS Trust employing you provides the uniform free. As standard five tunics and five pairs of trousers (or five dresses if you prefer) are supplied in the Trust's particular choice of uniform which usually includes the Trust logo and/or "NHS" embroidered on the right sleeve.
I DO wish the UK would drag itself out of the Dark Ages and go to scrubs. I wore these only when working in ITU and they are so much more comfortable than the fussy nursing uniforms that all UK hospitals demand.

Some areas in the UK are going into scrubs

http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/861/page/47039

BabyLady, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2011

OP, Florida is a right to work state. Ruffle feathers and you won't have a job.
I know some unemployed nurses who would love your job even if they had to wear bright orange jail house jumpsuits.

I think you mean "employment at will".

There are tons of states that have the same regulations.

However, unless a facility is REALLY in touch with paying unemployment, they don't just fire anyone who ruffles feathers...and yes, you CAN collect unemployment if you have been fired...just call the unemployment office, the criteria is VERY narrow that permits employers to skip this obligation.

That goes double for employees who are in protected classes such as over the age of 42 or minority.

Employment at will doesn't give ANY company in ANY state Carte Blanche to do as they please without any reprocussions.

tokyoROSE, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2011

I WISH they would implement the color codes here. That would make identification easier and be much better on the eyes. I cringe when I see scrubs with teddy bear prints. Nothing says "I'm a professional" better than that.

tewdles, RN · Feb 5, 2011

Children enjoy teddy bear prints.

BabyLady, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2011

Children enjoy teddy bear prints.

I personally believe that Pediatrics, needs to be an exception to the solid color scrubs rule.

Even in some hospitals where RN's wore white, even in Peds, printed colors scrubs were worn to be a variation for children so that they would not associate a particular color with pain/anxiety.

allnurses Guide · Feb 5, 2011

Frankly, I'd ask a labor attorney or the Labor Dept. If the logo is required, then it can't go anywhere else, so they may not be able to require that. Requiring a specific color... I don't think that part is out of line with a dress code. Who would know if you bought from somewhere else with the logo on it? Again, I'd look into the legalities of the logo and the one source retail they're trying to put on you.