Uniforms- color coded or personal choice?

[lpn1313]

I work at a LTC where the executive director has decided that we should color code the staff uniforms, nurses in one color, stna's in another, etc. This is basically his decision, imposed without any input from staff, families, or residents. Does anyone have any research- or know where I can find some- about the effects of this? The entire staff is livid-and some of the families and residents are not happy either.

[LydiaNN]

I don't like the color coding idea because it means you can't wear "fun" tops, with flowers, animals and such. I think residents enjoy that. I agree with wearing street clothes in group homes for people with developmental disabilities, but I suspect that uniforms may inspire a sense of confidence in the care older people are receiving. I have nothing to back that up, I am just thinking of the few people I've known in LTC and how much faith they had in their nurses. It was touching! It may be hard for them to get used to not having the staff in uniforms.

[eflynnlpn]

I work at a LTC where the executive director has decided that we should color code the staff uniforms, nurses in one color, stna's in another, etc. This is basically his decision, imposed without any input from staff, families, or residents. Does anyone have any research- or know where I can find some- about the effects of this? The entire staff is livid-and some of the families and residents are not happy either.

:) Where I work, everyone wears what they want. Whats the point of having assigned colors, when the patients think that everyone that helps them: aides, nurses, physicial therapists, are nurses. No matter what they're wearing. I'm sorry that you have to go through this.

[thomphillipRN]

im new to all of this.... but let me ask you this... don't we want to be recognised as nurses... don't we as professionals want our own autonomy.. i am proud of the job i do and certainly dont want to be recognised as someone other than a professional nurse.... i like the idea of color coding.... right?

[donmomofnine]

I think in LTC the residents get to know their caregivers, who is a nurse, aide, etc....those that can understand that sort of thing. Many cannot, due to cognitive problems, and therefore think we are all nurses and that doesn't matter to any of us! It's not about titles, it's about caregiving. Any of us can do many of the things the resident requests anyway!

[Purple Princess]

at the last place I was at they were converting over to color codes for all staff. Everyone hated the idea. Many had been working there for years and accumulated numerous printed tops, pants that now couldn't be worn. Well the pants could if they were the right color. Where I'm at now the aides and the nurses both can wear printed tops. We have casual dress on fridays where you can wear jeans. And some nurses where their pants and a nursing oriented t shirt! The PT people and activities tend to wear khaki pants and polo shirts. But the residents love us all. I have tie dyed scrubs, bright pink, butterflies, summer, and just all kinds.