I just flipped through the April AJN and came across an interesting article r/t history of RN uniforms. An interesting point was made, that although new scrubs are cheaper, easier to take care of and maybe more comfortable there is a big problem with them: We all look alike, nurses, PCT/CNA, respiratory techs, housekeepers, etc. Patients have a difficult time distinguishing among healthcare professionals, and so do we.
Personally I do believe we should go back to nursing uniforms-it's a great tradition, maybe aside from the cap :chuckle We are professionals and our uniform is our singnature, after all if we respect it others may too. Now don't get me wrong, I do not wish to be looking like Florence, but a new, professional, clean cut design would do it for me. (Maybe that's why I'm going to the military? :rotfl: )
I can see the why so many nurses love their scrubs but , as a patient i have been confused by everyone wearing them.( the kitchen staff, laundry, janitors, secretaries, ect they all look like nurses) Even my husband couldn't tell you the diffrence in what the intials in a name badge stand for for example,from a CNA to an RN. I would love to see something that could make the Nurse stand out in the crowd with out the patient having to ask if the person is indeed a nurse. I think a universal color code would do.or maybe if the other dept's would stop wearing scrubs
What's wrong with looking like Florence? I think those old starched white uniforms and pins look very professional, except maybe for the cap and the white stockings. I know some of you women out there are going to roll your eyes and say I'm only saying this because I'm a guy, but that's not true. I hear some women saying that the Florence look is a bimbo-ish Media fantasy. I disagree. Whats so bad about nurses going back to wearing whites and pins? Who says the uniform for women has to be a dress? The standard could be as simple as all-white scrubs for both guys and gals.
Hello,
I just flipped through the April AJN and came across an interesting article r/t history of RN uniforms. An interesting point was made, that although new scrubs are cheaper, easier to take care of and maybe more comfortable there is a big problem with them: We all look alike, nurses, PCT/CNA, respiratory techs, housekeepers, etc. Patients have a difficult time distinguishing among healthcare professionals, and so do we.
Personally I do believe we should go back to nursing uniforms-it's a great tradition, maybe aside from the cap :chuckle We are professionals and our uniform is our singnature, after all if we respect it others may too. Now don't get me wrong, I do not wish to be looking like Florence, but a new, professional, clean cut design would do it for me. (Maybe that's why I'm going to the military? :rotfl: )
Man o man, I'm not a nurse yet....but I hope this never happens. I'm already looking forward to wearing scrubs because that's what I am so used to seeing. In all of the hospitals in my city...you can definately tell the difference between nurses and other staff...although they all wear scrubs. I think with the nurses I have had to deal with...they have carried themselves in a different manner from the other staff. Even their appearance: hair, makeup(if any), etc. seems to be more polished. Say no to dresses! please! :rotfl: BTW, I think after I finish nursing school, I will continue purchasing scrubs that are very similair to our school uniforms. I adore them, and they look polished, and I feel they are very professional. Everyone else I have talked to seems to feel the same way.
I have to say that scrubs are more comfortable and more practical for nursing. What other options are there? Skirts/dresses are just impractical, being dolled up in dress pants/blouses is impractical...so what are we left with?
Nomatter what we wear, people will always be complaining. At least with scrubs we have variety in colors/prints/styles. It doesnt get much better than that!
I certainly hope this is not something that the PTB ever seriously consider. It's a well known fact that when you are comfortable, you will perform much better, regardless of the profession. I just can't see nurses being able to stretch in the ways that are required with the restriction of some type of hem-line. The color white.. well, if that's your personal choice, I say go with it. It's not for me, though. The way I see it, if you want the pressed and starched uniform look, go for it!! Make yourself silly with glee if it suits you. However, there are so many various circumstances to take into consideration when it comes to the various jobs of different units, that I just can't see one uniform being mandated. For example, a NICU nurse wouldn't exactly be having to possibly half way crawl up on a bed to transfer a patient like one in the ED might.
Perhaps if the name badges were color coded, and patients all had the dry erase board in the room where the nurse could write his/her name at each shift in the proper color code that might help. I don't know.
I can't say that I would NOT choose nursing if I had to wear a certain thing, as the fashion aspect of it isn't why I'm choosing the career! However, I think if something IS mandated, it needs to be unisex and take into consideration all factors.. not just what someone else deems "professional". If wearing a white dress or whatever makes you feel professional, then by all means, do so. I, personally, prefer to wait until someone opens their mouth and can carry on an intelligent conversation with me and shows through their actions before I deem this person to be, or not to be, a professional. JMO
I think I speak for all the guys when I say we'll take a pass on the dresses, hats, and especially the panty hose. But, what about scrubs with a white lab coat? Lots of pockets for all the gear and you can always take it off if the going gets too messy....
I agree, there is no way I'd wear those dresses - it seems though that there are lots of cute scrubs and prints, if you are in a hospital that will let you wear them. Some places designate a specific color per unit - I like wearing the new cute tops with prints, the softer the better, like peaches makes. with the long hours, comfortable is best. besides, scrubs still speak to what profession we are, or at least that's what I think.
It seems like most of you are missing the point. What I am suggesting is once again: SOMETHING COMFORTABLE- meaning as comforable as scrub, NOT DRESSES, NOT WHITE, NO CAPS and most of all PROFESSIONAL LOOKING. Maybe this will help you forget the biased nurse look and get it out of you head :)
Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN
12,126 Posts
The day you'll see me wearing a dress at work will be the day that everyone does. Including the men. And i DOUBT that'll happen anytime soon.