Survey: Do you think hospitals should require a uniform code for nurses?

powerpuf girl · Dec 1, 2003

I firmly believe in a dress code.,Whether it be scrubs or whites.It is awful being sick and have to be tended by someone who looks and smell as if they are going to a party or just left one.The nails should also be groomed,large earrings and earrings in the brows should go.Call it old school if you like,but we do have to have a dress code or people would wear whatever.

kimmicoobug · Dec 1, 2003

I look pretty young at 26 and have noticed when I wear a particular scrub top, I get referred to as "young girl" more often. When I wore this particular top this week, the patient called me "little girl!!!!!" I came home and told my husband I was retiring that top.

With that said, I am not in favor in wearing a particular color on a particular unit. I like variety in my appearance.

SarahCeleste · Dec 1, 2003

As a student nurse, we're forced to wear all white (undies, shoes, socks....GEEZ!) and I will admit, I hated it at first, but now I think it does look distinguished, yet a little too old fashioned. I think it's okay for hospitals to give certain color dictations of scrubs, such as all black, all blue, etc. I think the scrubs with the decorations are cute and have nothing against them, but I do have to say it looks more professional and team oriented when the staff is dressed all in the same color. The only exception I really have for this is ob/pediatrics. Not to offend anyone, of course it was just an opinion poll and it's not goin to melt the polar ice caps, but I just think it's more presentable for one color. Hell, I'll be happy just to get out of this all white stage! I agree with ya'll----the all white is just not practical here!!

Rock, LPN, RN · Dec 1, 2003

Powerpuff and Hearts Galore have the right answer. The others in this discussion do not.

cardiacnrs · Dec 1, 2003

The Hosp I work at requires the nurses to wear some form of royal blue. I have found no difficulty in finding uniforms with this color, and have many prints with this color in it. (Dr. Seuss and Eyore are the favorites of my pts.)

I would like to be able to wear the uniforms I had before starting at this hospital, but they are pretty strict about this. (I have a tendency to like bright colors and cartoon characters)

As it is a new hospital and they started this from the beginning there really has not been a problem. Each unit was allowed to pick their colors when the hosp opened.

No one has complained.

MrsWampthang, BSN, RN · Dec 1, 2003

A nurse I used to work with who is now in education told an interesting story about dressing for work.

She worked in the ER on nights years ago and decided, along with the gal she always worked with to try an experiment. For one week, they both wore all white and caps to see how patients reacted.

She said it was amazing the change in attitudes of the patients. She said the patients were more respectful of them both than these patients (even the jerks) had ever been, simply because of how they looked.

This isn't meant as a push for all white and caps, I just thought it was an interesting ancedote.

I still think nurses should have some sort of standard of dress to wear that sets them apart from all other departments. Whether it is a certain color of scrubs or whatever.

JMHO,

Pam:)

adrienurse, LPN · Dec 1, 2003

Last year I got the very unpleasant job of reworking our Nursing Dress Code. I took it to Nursing Practice council and it was decided to allow street clothes as well as uniforms on the unit. Guess what? A year later, I rarely see anyone wearing anything but a uniform, everyone seems to look better and neater and it's given people much more flexibility in choosing footwear and they're much more comfortable and happy!

Tamera · Dec 2, 2003

I think that a person should look professional whether it be white or not. The ID Badge should be placed in a visible area & the staff person should identify who they are to the patient upon entering the room. That's my two cents. :roll

bumbl_b · Dec 2, 2003

RN's are expected to work autonomously: that should include what they wear to work.

education · Dec 3, 2003

Yes i do, what is the average year for retirement for nursing?

Rock, LPN, RN · Dec 3, 2003

As professionals, the patient should be able to see, at a glance, who is about to care for him/her.

A uniform dress is the answer. Bring back caps, school pins, etc. :roll

nikatwork · Dec 3, 2003

It has never bothered me that white uniforms are not worn but I DO take issues with lots of jewelry, LONG hair, and long painted nails - always wonder WHAT if under those nails and WHY are they necessary ????

N