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

Laura (NH) · Dec 3, 2003

Nurses need to think of the patient first and the fact that not all name tags are properly visible to the patient. A uniform code for nurses provides a professional image that the patient can respect. The hospital in our town, on shift changes, has the nurse introduce herself to all her patients so we know who the actual nurse is. I do like the idea of a uniform color for different levels in the profession.

Those who are against the dress code, who feel all businesses should have one, need to really look at where we have gone since jeans were allowed in the work environment. People dress sloppy and don't "care" the way they once did. When one respects themselves in the way they dress and present themselves, then those who need to look to them for assistance automatically have a respect for them. Of course, that might not work all the time, as there are some very angry people in this world, but nurses are there to provide care, not an attitude.

Laura

imeejon · Dec 3, 2003

I thought this was about whether there should be a uniform code, not whether nurses should wear whites.

In the UK all ward nurses in National Health Service hospitals(which is most) wear uniforms, but blue not white.They can wear tunic and pants, or dresses.Shoes are black. Most female nurses wear dresses, by choice. I have both. Health Care Asistants wear a different colour. Scrubs are worn in the OR and are supplied and cleansed by the employer, as is any other needed protective clothing, such as aprons. Any other protective clothing such as apronThe docs wear white lab coats on the wards but surgeons may sometimes wear scrubs. Porters and service staff have different uniforms.No-one wears jewelry, false nails or heavy makeup.I have not heard much discussion or complaints about uniforms. I am quite happy with mine, and surveys show patients are too.

In the private sector there are similar standards, but may be different colours.

On the subject of whites, someone pointed out that in some asian countries, white is a mourning colour. Quite true. It is in Islamic countries also. But in most of those countries it is also the colour of nurses and doctors uniforms.

Jan B · Dec 3, 2003

I work in a big Hospital in New Zealand, and I have to wear a dress White, button down front with navy blue lapels, white pipeing across the top of the pockets and round the sleeve. Most of the Hospital staff wear this with the EN's wearing the same but with green pipeing etc. ED wear navyblue similar to scrubs but with square neck and white pipeing and button down front of the top...very nice actually, much more tidy that scrubs. All the office staff wear street clothes. The CNL wears the white dress with red pipeing etc. WE have been after a new uniform for years as you can imagine working in orthopaedics and climbing on beds in a dress is not a good look....now we are told that they are going to cut our dress down, make them into tops and we acan wear Navy 3/4 pants while they work out a whole new uniform for us.........so we will see what that looks like...I agree that a uniform is required but just get away from white...., and dresses!!!!!!! Jan

blndstranger · Dec 3, 2003

I don't necessarily think that there needs to be a uniform code telling the nurses what to wear but I do think that there needs to be a code on what not to wear. As was said before, wrinkly scrubs look bad . So do sloppy hair, long fake nails, low cut tops. tight clothing, etc. I also think that nurses should be the only hospital staff to be allowed to wear print scrub jackets. This would also help with the confusion on who is who. I also think that the only nurses allowed to wear the traditional plain drawstring scrubs should be those in areas where the chance of getting "messy" is high, such as maternity, ER, OR. These of course are just my opinions but I don't think you can look professional in certain types of clothing. :confused:

Greg Bennett · Dec 4, 2003

Let the nurse (and all other healthcare providers) be known by their knock, knock at the door to the patients room immediately followed by " my name is------ and I am your [doctor, nurse,PT,RT, CNA, Dietitian...today]. Regarding uniformity of dress, I don't see that as an aide to identification. It does not take into consideration travel nurses, float pool employees, or independent contractors. I do agree that all healthcare workers (especially those of us who care about professional standing, image, pay) should present a clean and neat appearance. Personally, I wear bright scrubs and the response from staff and patients is positive (but then, so am I).

My 25 cents,

Greg

Laura (NH) · Dec 4, 2003

How would you feel if police officers didn't wear a uniform? How about security guards...even the ones in hospitals wear uniforms. The uniform presents the neat and authoritative apperance that is required for them to accomplish their job.

What is the "real" reason people are opposed to looking like a professional in their nursing field? I think we have come a long way in understanding the comfort in clothing a nurse, even doctor's need, in the type of care that they provide. A patient certainly doesn't expect their nurse or doctor to be uncomfortable in their work, but I'm curious...is the confusion that nurses just want to wear what they want to wear, when all I can see is that doctor's offices, hospitals, etc. have made many changes in making their uniform a comfortable one for them.

I agree...a neat, clean and tidy appearance is a must, as you represent a sterile environment. I don't think it has to be one style over another, but I do think it should be uniform across the particular healthcare facility. I also don't think administration is looking to make their nurses unhappy, but they have come a long way to make them more comfortable in their jobs of caring for a variety of patients. I'm all for a uniform fashion that represents the health facility in the manner that is requested. I would think you would be proud to wear your uniform that is required of you. You worked hard to earn that status, why not dress appropriately for it?

The knock is a great idea too, but if nurses can wear whatever they want, what value will your knock have?

The nice thing about people...we all have different personalities and opinions...it's what brings us unity that creates a peaceful world.

sophiemaecat · Dec 4, 2003

Most of the facilities in my area have different professions "scrubbed"by colors as mentioned above. Patients seem to appreciate this once they have deciphered the color scheme as they like to know who the heck is in their room. We did, however, have someone suggest that our nurses be scrubbed according to degree... such as BSN, ADN, etc. (not kidding)

live4today, RN · Dec 4, 2003

When looking at the results of the poll thus far, I can't say that I am the least bit surprised that more people want uniform codes for nurses in the hospitals than those who voted not to have a uniform policy.

I am pleased to see that I voted with the majority of voters who WANT a uniform code for nurses again. As to what those uniforms should be, should be voted on by the staff in question at each facility desiring to address this issue.

I also agree that too many colors, too many wrinkled clothing, too much jewelry, fakenails with designs on them, etc.., strong perfumes and colognes, dirty shoes, rumpled hair, and too much makeup need to be canned from the job....for sure. :rolleyes:

Also, if the hospitals desire to implement a dresscode......like other service oriented businesses....they need to PAY for the uniforms to be cleaned, and provide each staff member with several uniforms at the hospital's expense.

More thoughts later if I think of any.

live4today, RN · Dec 4, 2003

Originally posted by sophiemaecat
..................................We did, however, have someone suggest that our nurses be scrubbed according to degree... such as BSN, ADN, etc. (not kidding)

Oh PLEEEEeeeeezzzzz! Give me a frikkin' break! :rolleyes:

I could NOT believe my eyes when I read that SOME people where you work had the nerve to want that! :eek:

Jan B · Dec 4, 2003

where I work we are provided with 6 uniforms, The hospital will wash then or you can do it yourself......then just pick them up form the uniform room

Grace Oz · Dec 4, 2003

Just imagine the worlds Armies, Navies, Air Forces, swanning around in 'casual', or, 'anything goes', clothing!!!!????.....

A uniform gives one a sense of 'belonging' to an organisation as well as for professional & practical reasons.

In Australia we have uniforms, & each hospital, both private & public, has it's own identifiable uniform. You are usually either provided with your uniform by your employer, or are given a uniform allowance as part of your wages. If the uniform has the facility logo embroidered on the shirt or whatever, you can usually claim for the cost of the purchase, ( if you've had to initially outlay the money yourself), at taxation time. Also, here in Oz, we can claim the cost of laundering our uniforms at taxation time, ( our financial year ends on 30th June, then we lodge our tax returns).

Also, who in their right mind would want to wear the same clothes at work that they do socially or outside the hospital environment!!??.....

There you have it, my "two bob's worth"! LOL

Cheers from "Down Under"

Grace

mlolsonny · Dec 4, 2003

Now granted I'm a little off topic, but I'm in LTC, and a lot of people (especially the residents) enjoy the colorful print tops.

White isn't the answer in LTC either. Forget all the body fluids, and think of the wheels on the wheelchairs that go outside, I just get plain dirty. Not to mention the people that can't color coordinate their underwear under white pants...