IMHO I think some uniform guidelines are necessary to protray a professional image. We have some staff members who would come to work in shorts and sandals if they could get away with it. I would add that I think that a hospital should PAY for the level of uniform that they desire, either by clothing allowance, or uniform (scrub) exchange. In this biohazard awareness, I'd sure love to leave the bugs in the locker room and have a fresh set to wear next time. I was in the firefighting business for 25 years and they were very specific as to what you wore and how it looked, but they gave you $750 a year to make sure it was covered. Of course, that was negotiated in a contract, which few nurses have. (A whole 'nother thread, for sure!) Bob From E.R.