Question; orientation went great except...

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So first let me say that I debated posting this in the male nursing study section but figured that I would prefer the opinions of both men and women (admins please move if it is in the wrong section). So the issue:

I had nursing school orientation today and it went great except for one thing. We received our uniform jackets and my large sized jacket's sleeve only reached to mid-forearm on me (I'm 6'3" with long arms and broad shoulders). Needless to say this puzzled me as a men's large should definitely reach further. The buttons were also on my left side which, and correct me if I am wrong ladies, is the style of a women's jacket. Obviously I thought this was an error since I have a unisex name and I called the uniform store that embroiders our jackets. They said that the school specifically requires Cherokee brand Navy cardigan style 4301 jackets for all nursing students. I then went back to the school and they confirmed that that is the only option for all nursing students for uniformity reasons. Fair enough I thought until I googled Cherokee cardigan jacket style 4301 and all of the results said women's jacket; not unisex but women's. Now I don't really care what sex/color/ the jacket is or whether it is technically a women's jacket, I care that it does not fit me and the other sizes are either too short (above my belt line) or too long with the sleeves still above my wrist. I then decided that I shouldn't trust google and called Cherokee directly. They confirmed that style 4301 is 100% a women's jacket not unisex and that their male equivalent is style 4350. Why has this not been an issue I wondered. The school of nursing officials told me that no men have had any major issues with their's as most students just pushed their sleeves up as well. Unfortunately I cannot do this as I have two full sleeves of tattoos; classic catch 22. I will happily cover but my women's jacket sleeves are too short. So basically my questions are; 1) can my school require me to wear a women's jacket (not unisex) if it does not fit me in a medium, large, or extra large; and 2) If yes, for uniformity, why would they require a women's jacket for all yet allow me to wear men's scrubs that are different than women's obviously?

I have approached the school already (tactfully because I don't want to **** off the people that will be grading me for the next two years) and their attitude was very unbudging. Can they do this? Any help, advice, and/or opinions would be appreciated greatly. Thanks.

Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.

Common sense needs to prevail here. I can't believe they aren't bending on it. Wear the jacket and say "is this how you want me to look?" and then show them the male equivalent jacket.

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Specializes in MICU.

you made me smile with that comment!!!

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Specializes in Cardiac Stepdown, PCU.

I agree with some of the others. I would simply get the men's jacket, have it embroidered or patched, and wear that one. I wouldn't say anything to anyone. Are there other men in your program? What do they think? I also agree on putting it on, walking up to your professor, showing them the issue and go "What do you want me to do about it?" and if they say roll the sleeves up, do so and go "what about that?" when your tattoos show.

As a last resort, is it possible you can purchase a large size with sleeves that will fit you, and simply have it tailored so the rest of it will fit a bit nicer and more comfortably?

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This is ridiculous. You should not be made to wear a women's jacket- however I disagree with those that said just buy the men's jacket and wear it. Since you already brought it to the attention of the school and they said not to do that.

I am hoping/betting the Dean will have common sense and be reasonable.

You might be smart to get a few other guys to take up the cause with you.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Education.

I would be very leery of a school with policies that rigid. As a professor, I would be embarrassed to have colleagues with so little common sense who value policies over people. This is as ludicrous as forcing a 300lb student into wearing scrubs meant for a 140lb student. Where is the concern for student dignity? There are times to be rigid (safety issues), and times where you must recognize that rules may have legitimate exceptions. If the school does not budge, OP, realize what they are communicating to you and go into this with eyes wide open.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

if everyone has to wear a unisex outfit why not make the females wear the men's??? I like wearing men's hoodies because they are roomier under the arms and I feel less constricted. Sounds like someone is trying to be very legalistic. However, do not make enemies over this. In the long run, it is trivial.

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Specializes in hospice.

Forcing a man to cross dress in order to get his education is not trivial.

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Totally unacceptable my friend sure this will be resolved.

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I would hope that the professor doesn't understand how ill fitting it really is. I would physically show them. Hopefully going up the chain of command will get this resolved. I do think it is ludacris to expect a man to wear a woman's jacket that obviously does not fit.... hopefully it is all just a misunderstanding.

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Specializes in Critical care.
I would hope that the professor doesn't understand how ill fitting it really is. I would physically show them. Hopefully going up the chain of command will get this resolved. I do think it is ludacris to expect a man to wear a woman's jacket that obviously does not fit.... hopefully it is all just a misunderstanding.

Hey, I know entertainers like to branch out into other areas like fashion, but I'm surprised he's put his mark on nursing uniforms?:roflmao:

Ludacris - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia;)

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Okay so here's the update. I spoke to several other guys today and they said that they all had the same problem but not one of them thought to say something. The Dean of Nursing herself said that I can order the men's equivalent of the jacket. Her exact words were, "Oh whatever, just have him order the men's one!" I was standing outside the door. When I asked her secretary (the one who relayed the information to me since for some reason the dean couldn't talk to me directly) if the dean knew that the jacket was a women's she quickly replied, "Yes she knows and she said to just order the men's equivalent." when I asked if this applied to the other men she said no just me. The thing that worried me the most was that they acted as if I was whining about some trivial issue and being a brat but hey I have thick skin so be it. So yahhhh, victory right?!? I'm not really sure. Obviously I'm going to be the only person wearing a different jacket and when asked why by professors, clinical instructors, and students I'm going to say simply that I have the male version of the jacket. I'm also sure that when other men hear this they are going to complain and guess who's head the Dean is going to want on a stake? I feel like I've painted a huge target on my back just for standing up for what's right in an extremely tactful manner. It's going to be a rough year.....

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Specializes in hospice.

This is so stupid.....glad you can wear a men's jacket, but this whole issue....SMH.

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