Morning In Charge shifts I'd like feedback from Registered Nurses who when working as the Team Leader Monday to Friday morning shifts in there chosen public hospital area think we should be entitled to the In Charge of shift allowance. In my workplace the NUMs office is not even situated in our unit. Management are always at meetings or in the office doing 'their thing". Whilst the Team Leader is left to run the department the same for evenings, nights and weekends and yet there is no allowance for the morning because the NUM is rostered on, Whooppee! we hardly see her because the Director of Nursing puts so much expectation on to the NUMs. I actually don't think the I/C allowance is about money as it's pitence for what we have to do, it's the principle of the fact that if we are doing the exact same thing in the morning as evening, nights and weekend shouldn't this be recognised?

Our Uniform is disgraceful, I believe we should have a uniform which identifies nurses from other professions. Our blue shirt with white stripe is almost identical to Big W that's not to say working for Big W is any less important but surely we can have our own identification. Whilst I am on my soap box I also believe RN uniform should be different to EEN, EN should be different to AIN as we have all worked at different levels to reach our level of qualification, AINs are not EENs and EEN are not Registered Nurses and should not be identified as such stating that ID badges are worn is incorrect as a lot of the time they are not and if they are, are not always visible.

Ducking into a store on the way to work yesterday I was approached by an middle-aged man who mistook my uniform for one of the supermarket workers and asked me where he might find a particular product.

Haha....don't worry, I was once mistaken for a McDonalds employee when I was travelling to work (we happened to have striped shirts!)

I just wish they would make a decision once and for all and get nurses' opinions on them first! I have been in my current hospital for 12 years and have seen 4 or 5 uniform changes in that time. The current ones I hate as the sizing is terrible (and inconsistent even with others of the same size) and the wait to receive them is atrocious! Some of them are see-through and the sides are too short so that if you lift your arm up (as when hanging an IV) there is a good chance you'll show off half your midriff (and yes, they are supposedly the "right size"). There is still no distinction between RN, EEN, AIN, etc....and the white and blue striped shirts look suspiciously like the ones some of the ancillary staff wear (eg: porters).

A national uniform???? Would be interesting to see....maybe even made in Australia???? Heavens....

RNLOU wrote:
Ducking into a store on the way to work yesterday I was approached by an middle-aged man who mistook my uniform for one of the supermarket workers and asked me where he might find a particular product.

Haha....don't worry, I was once mistaken for a McDonalds employee when I was travelling to work (we happened to have striped shirts!)

I just wish they would make a decision once and for all and get nurses' opinions on them first! I have been in my current hospital for 12 years and have seen 4 or 5 uniform changes in that time. The current ones I hate as the sizing is terrible (and inconsistent even with others of the same size) and the wait to receive them is atrocious! Some of them are see-through and the sides are too short so that if you lift your arm up (as when hanging an IV) there is a good chance you'll show off half your midriff (and yes, they are supposedly the "right size"). There is still no distinction between RN, EEN, AIN, etc....and the white and blue striped shirts look suspiciously like the ones some of the ancillary staff wear (eg: porters).

A national uniform???? Would be interesting to see....maybe even made in Australia???? Heavens....

uniforms personally,and i came out of uni wearing the white dress,i think scrubs are perfect.they allow movement and the nurses modesty is not compromised.the look good on both men and women.maybe different colours for each designation and an embroidered patch with your classification.i agree about the old people getting more confused.they felt more comfortable when they could identify you easily.the current uniforms are killing me due to the fact that they dont breath and i am going through menopause.i have had to pull out my old ones to wear so i can get through a shift without melting.management is not happy about it but whats the alternative.would support any action that fixes this problem as it is widespread

Uniforms Do Matter Its geat to see all the conversations about uniforms and in particular the male nurses uniform. I agree with baffi in that with national registrations national uniforms or at least colours would be good. Rich

decent uniform As we fall head first into national registration, should we move to a national uniform or at least national colours for our occupations.

We have probably all been to meeting where a rep from a uniform suppler will bring the best in corporate uniform round, designed for office or catering and we have the choice of nothing for working on the floor.

I am a fan of the Polo as its wash and wear. would dearly love places to put things, like watch, scissors, pens, tapes, a place for the keys.

Working with a lanyard carrying all your tools your ID and protocol information hanging around your neck has to be an infection control issue not to mention the danger of scissors round the neck.

The cargo pants that tradies use are good as there are places for your tools of trade, but many hospitals prefer a tailored look and frown on the cargo.

The joey is a great idea but for a male nurse not a good look, the pickpocket is good, the pouches ambulance offices use are wonderful but don't give the right image for the ward.

I'm not a fan of scrubs, but I understand they have a place.

Identity vests in A and E and during major incidents as a fast identifier area good idea but I would challenge making ward staff look like a netball team by having Nurse, doctor and ward clerk is practical and safe with infection control and the problem of who would control them and clean them.

There are enough of us to have warrant a proper designed, functional uniform with easily identifiable colours to denote occupation.

Maybe something with hand rails, so when people ride you to do more they can do with safety.

I agree with Bernhard The male nurses uniforms really need to be changed - like some female uniforms you really do not know to whom you are conversing with.

The only people who can bring pride back into the profession is ourselves - different uniforms for different departments and more accountability for the privilage.

For too long we have been complacent - the government wants us to wear the legalities of our profession but with out the acknowledgement of our skills hiding the Nursing staff in walls of obscureity.

Stand up for what we are regardless of how old or where we trained we all are Nurses some more highly trained some just ground floor troops or cannon fodder if you like have uniforms that say who we are and where we work ( department wise)

just been away in Brisbane, and back to the comments! Last comment had the phrase "badge of honour" and that probably summed up nursing best, but that was in a time gone bye! The uniform was a pose, more so for the girls, whose uniforms often stood out better, and the styles showed which major hospital they came from, and ultimately, which training school. Today there doesn't seem to be any 'honour' feeling at all, because university training has created a dissociation with the training facility idea of nursing. The pride can't be there, as there is really no longer any 'there' to be proud off, or to 'show off' to the public.
And yes, I am mistaken for the wardsman (by other nurses) or for a doctor ( by elderly patients, because I'm male - many still do think nurses are female, doctors are male!). Years ago, everyone knew the difference by the uniforms.
Scrubs are meant for war-time, not for a hospital during peacetime. Are we at peace? They are a lazy way to dress, and not professional, unless you are in the theatre ( or as a replacement when your uniform gets covered in someone else's blood etc ).
Australia had a reputation for the highest level of nursing/health care in the 1970's and much of that was also linked to the professional look of the staff. The only nurses who complained about the uniforms then were those who had NO pride whatsoever in nursing anyway, and only did this as a 'JOB', and NOT a vocation. We were better off without them. They are probably also among the group of nurses who sat on their bums while the real nurses worked.

Uniforms - why go back The real issue here is that when Nurses were Identified as Nurses the assaults against Nurses were way down - the most hardened patient would defend a Nurse if attacked as many of the older Nurses must remember - It was not just the uniform it was the attitude that went with it - pride and the feeling of self worth - you felt to be able to wear a nurses uniform was a matter of showing the world you were somebody - you had surpassed all the hardships of training and to be able to wear the badge of honour that we all work hard for to-day more so than ever and not to be mistaken for a cleaner or an office worker - apart from the older uglier uniforms that had pockets that were easily accessible for all the Nursing Paraphernalia we have to carry around with us

State wide uniforms- A step backwards I don't believe clinical nurses were consulted when the materials and patterns were chosen for the state wide uniform. I am still confused what pastel coloured line camouflaged by dark vertical lines, represents what job title. If I have difficulty, what chances does the patient have of identifying a nurse? The polyester shirts look nice, my favourite colour is blue, so I wear these more often. However, on a hot day they are the most uncomfortable piece of clothing. The cotton shirts are cooler, but not by a lot. The shirt style limits movement and swims on slim nurses. How long are the sleeves! They almost reach my elbow.
I wear surgical scrubs for half my working hours. I think they are unbeatable for comfort, movement, infection control (washed after every wear). On these days, I am correctly identified as a nurse, and not asked to mop the floor.
Blue scrubs for nurses, green for Interns/ Residents and Maroon for registrars. Why shouldn't medical personnel be outfitted differently from receptionist, cleaners and orderlies?

I actually liked my uniform from back in the day at Royal North Shore. I was a dress, it washed and wore well and even though I got mistaken for a high school girl (I was only 18 anyway) that was all good because nobody ever asked to see a concession card, so I got cheaper public transport. I would be more than happy to go back to a hospital supplied cotton dress.

I really dislike the new uniforms. They don't breathe well, they don't look nice on and they're uncomfortable fabric. I was in Franklins yesterday and I had a customer ask me where an item was. I explained to him that I don't work there and even then it wasn't my regular supermarket and I had no idea where the item was, he didn't believe me. He even asked me again. When I got to the checkout I realised that here I was in my nurses shirt (albeit not the new uniform but a shirt from the old corporate days) and it was essentially a very faded version of the Franklins one. You can't win though as I have been accosted in Big W wearing the new uniform.

Uniforms! Why consider uniforms to be "nurses subordination" to doctors? Are you anti-doctors??? Nursing is a profession, and though doctors were viewed as 'superior' years ago, not all nurses accepted that, and worked accordingly. We are meant to be health professionals, working as part of team, and this 'subservient' attitude is a nail in the coffin in the system. I respected doctors (if they earnt it!) and treated them accordingly. I started in a uniform initially grey & grey, then barber's jackets, and so on. Uniforms though ugly serve a purpose - that the public and all others know what you are. You are NOT supposed to wear a uniform outside the facility. As for the 'subservience' comment re doctors.... In the 70's, all doctors had a uniform, which was a white coat that reached to their knees, much as a scientist wore. I once had a female doctor who ordered I clean up a mess (caused when she stood on a full urine drainage bag with her high heels!), so I grabbed the white sheet on the bed and threw that down to sop up the mess, but then she saw the pens fall out of the pocket, because yes, I used her coat! She should have worn it! Uniforms serve a purpose.
Today, many nurses see nursing uniforms as a fashion accessory, and embellish them with extra jewellery, and belts of all colours.
Laugh! - I went to a ward to visit one of the patients I looked after in the intensive care unit. At the ward, as i arrived, the NUM commented : " about time you turned up! - we've been waiting for you for an hour!" then asked me to turn two of the patients in her ward..... so I did! .... and as I was leaving, she stopped me to comment that the nurses told her I was the best wardsman they had! _ Now I can get another job! That's why we need better uniforms, that distinguish the ranks!

Proud non-uniform nurse! Way to go Naz - a nurse after my own heart. I have worn the starched uniform with caps/veils, the shop assistant uniform, the scubs, the cleaners uniform, the corporate uniform, the polo t-shirts and hated them all!
I also think uniforms represent "the handmaiden to the doctor image" and nurses really need to just get rid of that image once and for all. I respect that many nurses like and want to wear a uniform, but I think it needs to be one that looks professional, practical, attractive but not restrictive. Maybe there should be a competition for nurses, so that nurses can decide their own look.
In the meantime I haven't worn a uniform since the early 1990's - I chose a specialty where I didn't have to wear one because I don't believe I need a uniform to identify myself as a nurse. I go smart casual, wear an ID badge and introduce myself with my name and designation so there is no mistaking who I am and what I do.

Comment from Judymooney

judymooney wrote:
I think it would be beneficial to return to a more identifiable uniform for nurses. It would help restore some of the pride in being a trained nurse (The uniform my workplace currently uses is also worn by2 other local businesses that have nothing to do with medical care). It would also prevent confusion. When visiting another hospital it is impossible to identify who is an R.N, an E.N., A.I.N, AHP, clerical or domestic staff. The materials used are often of poor quality and not specifically designed for a physically demanding job. Scrubs are comfortable but look sloppy. Surely there is an alternative that can be designed to suit all body types and still be comfortable but not look like a pair of P.J.'s and in a material that 'breathes'. Maybe NSWNA could run a competition for nurses' uniform designs. I wouldn't want to see a return to white dresses but something that looks a bit more professional and more identifiable as a nurse's uniform. Uniforms that would enable clients and the general public to easily identify staff roles could save time and minimise confusion.

I found Judymooney's comment in the Thank You page so I transferred it here :-)

Comment from Rubyoc

Rubyoc wrote:
I prefer things to go back to the old d ays - when you were issued with a certain amount of uniforms that you picked up from the hospital where you worked and more importantly you were paid an allowance.
Recently our uniform allownce was taken from us, But this year we were informed that we wouldn't be receiving our allocation ? So I definately think that our uniform allowance should be reinstated,

Transferred Rubyoc's comments from the Thank You page to this post :-)

Uniform rant I agree with many of the comments made here. I am one of the younger nurses and it is a definite NO to going back. I get disgusted at the tainted, stereotypical image of nurses in the white uniform. It also signifies nursing's subordination to medicine, and also, female subordination. Just read the plethora of literature. I feel very strongly about this issue. Nurses have worked so hard to be seen as professionals, so why go back to making us look like hand-maidens?

If identity really is an issue, then why do doctors not wear uniform? (nurses' subordination again). Patients do want to know who the doctors are too. I, myself, also feel very uncomfortable when a doctor from another team, that I do not know, and in plain civilian clothes, comes and asks about my patient's current condition, or that I find them freely looking through my patient's confidential notes. They could be anyone.

And yes, WHO on earth are designing these I-work-in-GO-LO uniforms? I also agree with the appaling fitting. A sumo wrestler could fit into what is supposed to be a size 8.

I agree that scrubs are more professional looking and it definately identifies you as a staff member. To distinguish between roles, different colours or embroidery are usually used. If its consistent throughout the hospital, patient's will be able to easily identify the staff member that they want to approach. Also in terms the worsening MRO situation, the scrubs (and whatever bugs you have collected from your patient and the surroundings) are taken off in the hospital premise at the end of the shift.

Time for a change Ducking into a store on the way to work yesterday I was approached by an middle-aged man who mistook my uniform for one of the supermarket workers and asked me where he might find a particular product. I had a bit of a laugh about this incident, but on the serious side, I am often asked for clarification of my exact position by my patients. I have also often overheard patients and visitors asking domestic and kitchen staff questions, clearly mistaking them as nurses due to their similiar uniforms. I think a more professional uniform is required (scrubs are okay in some areas, but should clearly identify the exact role of the employee) and clearer identification of the position of the staff member in the particular uniform is essential as patients often like to know (and have the right to know) who is looking after them and what their qualifications are i.e. AIN, EN, or RN. I believe if we as nurses want to go forward and be recognised as professionals, we have to look the part in well-fitting, professional, yet functional apparel which not only distinguish us to outsiders as nurses; but also distinguish the positions more distinctly.

Polo the wy to go? Are polos popular at your hospital? Are they once a month special or all the time

New Uniforms please our current uniforms look like what the staff at Big W wear. Patients cannot differentiate each types of staff. They look most unprofessional.

Uniforms I've been nursing for a long time and, while I wouldn't want to go back to the days of starched aprons (yes, I did say a long time) and veils, the current version of the nurses' uniform leaves me cold. The fabric is cheap, the fit is appalling and, as someone else has said, we could be shop assistants in Target or Big W, depending on the colour of the blouse. I personally wouldn't want to go down the non-uniform route and I'm not a fan of scrubs because I just think they look scruffy. Scrubs would be better than the current uniform, though.

Working in a paediatric setting for 15 years, we have gone from hospital specific corporate uniforms to non uniform (wearing brightly coloured polo shirts ) and now it seems we will once again return to a state wide uniform. Whilst wearing a uniform is easy, it is not neccessarily ideal in our setting. The children respond much better to nurses that have no specific standard colour scheme. We have received lots of positive feedback about our non uniform policy from parents and older patients and it is such a shame that due to a new state wide ruling that we will not be able to continue this. We have never had issues with parents or patients not knowing who we are as we always introduce ourselves as well as wearing lanyards and easily identifable name tags.I thought nursing was a field that wanted to move with the times but it seems time is standing still somewhere in the dark ages.

Scrubs Survey? It seems to me from your comments that you like the scrubs a lot. I have noticed their popularity is growing at many hospitals that I visit. Maybe it would be worthwhile posting a survey here on the blog to gauge your support or disapproval for the scrubs suggestion. What do you think?
Rich

srubs are great I currently wear scrubs in my area and i love them.
they are comfortable (we often refer to the pants as PJ pants) and they are very practical for nursing work
i think they also help to identify the nurse too.

totally agree with scrubs I am in total agreeance regarding the uniform confusion, in our hospital RNs and ENs wear the same colour, light blue, and we often get mistaken in the street or at big w for big w workers, who have the same colour and similar design. I think we should be able to wear scrubs with our title embroidered on them. I am also a midwife and when i work in maternity i wear purple scrubs with midwife on them, in easily read letters. I have noticed the women accessing maternity identify who is who therefore they don't feel confused and don't ask questions of staff who are unable to fully respond to their needs. Bring in scrubs!!!

Nurses Uniform As a nurse with 23 years of experience working on the wards, I have seen the development of patients confusion over the nurses uniform debate. When I first started nursing we still wore caps and were easily indentified as nurses. these were then phased out and the patients began to question who were the nurses and who were the sisters. Nowadays with the different coloured tops for Enrolled Nurses, Registered Nurses and Nursing unit managers and so on patients appear more confused than ever. The patients I feel most sorry for are the little old dears with poor vision and just give up in the end and call everyone 'nurse.

Uniforms - why go back? What about forward?? Scrubs are commonly utilised in the US in all wards (not just critical care units as seems to be the case in NSW)and with a written insignia, such as "Nurse" could easily differentiate from doctors and physios etc; they are comfortable and you don't look like a slob; which is one of my complaints about the current NSW generic uniform for nurses. Is it that hard to get a good quality material in a sporty, functional design that has a degree of professionalsim associated with it...and Ye Gods...made in Australia? Surely a designer could have been approached for this task?? I would love for the NSWNA to approach the DoH and have the issue of the uniform design and quality re-approached. Let's go forward and obtain something that helps the public ID us...and makes us feel good wearing it - and supports Australian industry.