RN's shoulder patch

[cinja]

It occured to me when getting my nursing school uniforms that RN's need to stand out compared to the other staff, not everyone is a nurse. Refering to my earlier sentence, a shoulder patch should be worn when you pass the NCLEX. There would be two patches, one for each shoulder. This would allow nurses to abide by any color or clothing requirements mandated. Institutions would not be allowed to override the wear of this because it is given by the national board as a requirement. To one up this even more those with bachelors and masters would have an additional smaller patch sew above the RN patch. Those nurses that are certified in specialties would have a smaller recognition patch below as well. After watching the L&D department operate during my my wifes visit for the birth of our daughter all I saw were different color scrubs. My wife never knew which color was which and wished those that weren't nurses would quit trying to look like them. She said more than once she would ask the nurse something but her mistake, it was the dietary people getting the dishes. I told her it was managment trying to hide the fact that they are short RN's and they make everyone the same to keep the confusion. It's a tough world out there and not everyone is equal. RN's should not allow management to marginalize their education or knowledge. So, in lieu of a union, we should join together and educate the public on who and what we are. It has to be done on a national level for this to work. Off of my soap box now and back to my drug cards.

[SheriLynnRN]

While I realize that it doesn't apply to all nurses in all situations, I will stick with simply wearing my hospital badge with my title and introducing myself to every pt by saying "I'm Sheri, and I'll be your nurse until 11 pm." if every one the pt came into contact with stuck with this method there might not be so much confusion. In a few months, when I am a L&D/postpartum pt, I will be sure to ask if I'm not sure who someone is, or what their role is. It is my general conclusion that pts need to ask more questions, and take more responsibility for themselves and what happens to them. Just my opinion.

[pugmum]

I'm just wondering--did anyone check the website I posted??

Excellent website...I get the newsletters, and thought about ordering the patch, but haven't gotten around to it. I have a name tag with big letters that I wear on my lapel so pts. can read it, as my hospital picture ID writing is so small you need a telescope. But I can sure see how patches would be handy for some.

[rnmom3153]

I love your idea of some sort of symbol to differentiate nurses. After all, when I became an RN 30+ years ago, we had caps and that was a widely accepted and recognized symbol for a very long time! Each school of nursing had a different cap, it was really interesting! I loved mine and was proud to wear it and did so til I worked in L&D and had to hang it up for a surgical hat! By the time I left L&D, caps were passe and that really saddend me. We also had our pins, but of course these were small.

So yes, I love the idea of a patch or badge. I'm familiar with the link to the Nursing advocacy site and that's an option as well.

rnmom

OF COURSE WE COULD ALWAYS GO BACK TO WEARING CAPS!!!

OR A HALO :chuckle

OK, just kidding! :roll

[pugmum]

OF COURSE WE COULD ALWAYS GO BACK TO WEARING CAPS!!! OR A HALO OK, just kidding! :roll

Halo or nothing!!! I could never that get that cap to stay on my head for any period of time....please, no more!!:chuckle

[cinja]

I love your idea of some sort of symbol to differentiate nurses. After all, when I became an RN 30+ years ago, we had caps and that was a widely accepted and recognized symbol for a very long time! Each school of nursing had a different cap, it was really interesting! I loved mine and was proud to wear it and did so til I worked in L&D and had to hang it up for a surgical hat! By the time I left L&D, caps were passe and that really saddend me. We also had our pins, but of course these were small.

So yes, I love the idea of a patch or badge. I'm familiar with the link to the Nursing advocacy site and that's an option as well.

rnmom

OF COURSE WE COULD ALWAYS GO BACK TO WEARING CAPS!!!

OR A HALO :chuckle

OK, just kidding! :roll

After looking at the patch it looks too generic. Is there an international symbol we could place between the "R" and the "N" also uniform stores would carry but only be able to sell to people who could produce the right documentation.