Uniform Policy

[johnsonj911]

Hello All,

I have a question for all the nurses of the world, and this seems like the most practical way of getting answers. What does the Uniform Policy at your hospital look like?

I have personally worked in a few different facilities, in different specialties, and the dress code is a little different in each place. For Instance, I have worked in one place that you could get embroidered Scrub Jackets, or fleece vests, and you were able to wear those items while on the job, while other places strictly prohibit outer wear (scrub jackets, vests, etc.) for infection control purposes.

Other hospitals in my area allow long sleeve under shirts, while some do not, for infection control purposes. In the research I have reviewed, I see this is likely under-researched as a whole in the medical community. The few studies I have seen are specifically geared towards physicians in regards to lab coats and ties, most referring to these items as not being washed on a frequent basis. Personally, if I am wearing a long sleeve undershirt, I can 100% guarantee that it will be washed prior to it being warn again (with the same regards to any type of scrub jacket or vest that I would be wearing).

One of the other facilities that I worked at required that nurses wear certain color scrubs, dependent on the specialty, (Red = ER Nurse, Gray = ICU Nurse, Etc). Usually, these were simply a requirement of the color of the scrub top, but that is irrelevant. If your hospital requires a certain type of scrubs to be worn, are the scrubs provided for you, or are you given any type of uniform stipend?

What is your personal opinion on how a nurse should present themselves, during their shift? Professionalism should always be the first concern, but do certain things make you look more professional, or vice versa. Does a fleece vest, properly fitted of course, make you look any less professional as a nurse? And does color matter? As a profession as a whole, white has been the color of the past, and currently (in many hospitals) the presence, but what about the future? White is undoubtedly very difficult to keep clean, easily stained by the various medications, bodily fluids, and every thing else professional nurses come into contact with on a daily basis (hopefully not this often, but it does happen from time to time), so is a better color combination the future? Or does color really not matter at all?

Basically, looking for input from nurses in various states, countries, and specialties, just to see the general consensus of the nursing population.

Thank you for your time.

[NicuGal, MSN, RN]

All black scrubs

No long sleeves/jackets/fleece/vests for any patient care area.

No jewelry no watches

Any color shoes

Only areas that may go to OR get hospital provided scrubs, otherwise you buy your own, no stipend.

We used to wear black pants with any color top. New nursing VP wanted all black. We hate it. And patients have stated they don't like the change also. Some units are laundered by the hospital and look hideous after a while... So faded and wrinkled.

We we actually did a survey of patients and believe it or not, white is what they associate nurses as wearing. We went thru a white phase with another VP... Yuck.

As for looking professional, as long as you are neat, clean and tidy. But some people still can't get that right. When your scrubs are worn and tired looking, get rid of them. Never been a fan of fleece vests, we aren't going on a hike outside lol