Health Upp Nursing Uniform Guidelines – All occupations, from teachers to lawyers to lifeguards, have certain expectations they must follow to maintain a specific standard of professionalism in the workplace. These criteria are how they gain the trust of their clients or patients and legitimize each career. The medical and health services industry must adhere to strict uniform paradigms since the specialists in this field work daily with people and the quality and care of their health and well-being. It is essential for patients to trust you. How you look can positively or negatively affect the nurse-patient relationship.
Nurse Footwear
Most nurses are on their feet for their entire shift, which can be from 8-16 hours or even longer in some situations. Comfortable Nurse footwear is critical for support and pain relief. The best shoes have a non-skid sole and thick cushioning and are made of a non-porous material like leather. Some nurses prefer low heels or clogs, but heels or running shoes are obviously a no-no. They must all be clean and free of dirt and other contaminants. Easily cleanable materials are preferred. Open toes or open heels and sandals are not recommended for safety reasons. Shoes that don’t make noise are preferred by patients, particularly if you must visit them in the middle of the night.
Attire for Nurses
Nurses offer most of the contact with patients in this field, so following competency standards is even more imperative. It is critical that nurses provide optimum quality of care to patients no matter what the clinical setting may be. How nursing specialists present themselves to patients and families plays a significant part in the perception of care received. A professional appearance provides added confidence to those receiving health services and helps them know they can trust the nurse to deliver services with expertise and adherence to safety standards.
In years past, nurses were easily recognized by their starched white uniforms and pointy nurses’ caps. Thankfully, those days are pretty much gone now. Who decided that white was the perfect uniform color when nurses deal with messy bodily fluids all day? While some nurses still wear white dresses and pantsuits, most prefer scrubs for comfort and easier stain and infectious material removal. Many hospitals now designate a specific color of scrubs for different departments to make it easier to tell where someone works. Pediatrics is one color, pharmacy is another, and so on.
It is true that nursing apparel has changed to a much more casual look, but it is still important to follow some basic guidelines, whether you are a male or female nurse. Most hospitals and other care centers have specific rules that still allow for comfort but present an air of professionalism, regarding the appearance of their nursing staff. Here are some essential nursing uniform guidelines: dress code policy dos and don’ts:
Basic Dress
While uniforms should be easy to move around in, that doesn’t mean you can be sloppy. If shirts are made to be tucked into pants, tuck them in. If a dress comes with a belt or sash, wear it. Although you may be rumpled and wrinkled by the end of your shift, don’t start the day with wrinkled clothes. This gives a poor impression and reflects badly on you and your profession.
Short or three-quarter-length sleeves are a great idea since cuffs tend to get as contaminated as hands and wrists. If you get cold easily, have a lab coat or sweater where the sleeves can easily be pushed up as needed. Or, you could also wear a camisole or another undershirt to maintain warmth and modesty. For ladies, your bra or other undergarments should not be visible. Underwear must be worn, and thongs are inappropriate.
Always start your shift with a clean uniform without stains. Clothes should be able to withstand hot water to ensure that all potential contaminants are removed when laundering. Having several different uniforms can help you in the laundry department so you will not have to rely on only one or two outfits for work.
This is not only for safety purposes but allows other staff and patients to call you by name. Items that should never be worn to work include t-shirts, sweat pants, jeans, shorts, leggings, tank tops, miniskirts, and beachwear. A nurse’s uniform not only identifies them as being a part of the staff at the hospital or another medical setting, but also sets a standard for safety and professionalism.
Jewelry
There is a lot of debate about proper jewelry attire for nurses. Many facilities only permit a watch, a wedding band, and a single pair of small ear studs. Others are more liberal and will allow nasal studs and multiple ear piercings. Additional facial or obvious body piercings are inappropriate. Necklaces, bracelets, and dangling earrings often present a hazard during patient care and are usually not permitted. These items may unintentionally injure a patient or can be grabbed by a child or elderly person receiving care.
Hair and Nails
Hair should be neat and pulled back if longer than shoulder-length. So hair bands should not be too flashy. Bandanas and large bows are not a good idea. Depending on the clinical situation, nails should usually be neatly trimmed. Some facilities allow nail polish and others do not. Long or artificial nails, however, can increase the risk of infection for patients, and the nurses themselves, and are typically unacceptable.
Final Thoughts
Professional appearance has a significant impact on how nurses are perceived. First impressions and further interactions can instill confidence or concern in patients, depending on how their nursing team is dressed. Maintaining a neat uniform and care for how you look can help you forge a better relationship with patients and staff. Nurses who want to be treated as professionals should present a professional appearance. Be proud of who you are and how hard you have worked to get where you are. Show respect for yourself, the nursing profession, and your patients by dressing accordingly.