The pros and cons of color-coded uniforms for nurses

We all know that nurses must wear uniforms. But there are many hospitals that have their own rules about who should wear what. This standard color-coded varies from hospital to hospital. Some hospitals have more than half a dozen different colors in their coding system.

Fortunately, most shades that are assigned are available. For example, sky blue unisex jackets and pants with drawstrings are a very common option in hospital dress codes. Other typical options that you can easily find are navy blue, white, pink and black.

Why is a code used?

The purpose of the color code is simple. It offers a kind of visual key that allows you to differentiate one specialty from another or a department from another. In principle, it seems that this should make it easier to know who is supposed to do everything.

However, this strategy does not always have the expected result. According to the Registered Nurse, Maria Coachelo, the color norms are restrictive and don’t make much sense: “Navy blue for nurses and green for nursing assistants… it’s horrible! The rest can wear the color you want. Even so, patients still don’t know who the nurses are. ” Sher asks this question: “Do patients know what meaning colors have? Does the rest of the hospital staff know that color code? ” Frequently the answer is no.

However, color coding can play an important role if everyone makes an effort to communicate effectively. Some hospital managers believe that adopting a dress code in hospitals is really useful.

Now, we inform you that registered nurses wear navy blue and blue… and, besides, I don’t have to worry about what I’m going to wear! ” An intense blue blouse attracts attention and you can add up details such as princess seams, which serve to highlight some of your body features.

Why nurses like to have assigned colors

Not having to decide what to wear every day to work is one of the things that nurses like most in the dress code that specifies uniform colors. Amy Brown adds this: “Solid colors make it so easy to dress. Black is the color we have chosen – we had to do a survey! ” The slimming effect of the black color can be accentuated with details such as an elastic band on the back that gives the square neck blouse more shape at the waist.

Limiting the options can also make it less expensive to upgrade your wardrobe. Most nurses at mine. previous jobs like that his employer does not have a dress code, but points out that this freedom has an inconvenience: “It is expensive to buy enough uniforms so that it does not appear that you wear the same clothes day after day.”

Some nurses are fortunate that their employers provide and wash their employees’ uniforms – which is only possible if the colors are standardized. Brown adds: “I don’t care what I bring in so long as I don’t have to take germs home.”

Why nurses hate color-coded uniforms

For every nurse delighted to wear a single color, there are more than two nurses who can’t seem to bear it. Some complaint about the color they have to wear. Some nurses complain: “Navy blue is HORRIBLE when it fades and there are no two pieces that combine!” They believe that changing from a more flexible dress code to a strict color-coding code can negatively affect mood.

Many people who work in centers where the staff is allowed to wear a wide variety of uniforms do not believe color coding is necessary. Some managers reflect the opinion of many nurses with the following statement: “We can carry whatever we want. I think going to work is much more important than wearing one color or another. ” With today’s high demand for nursing professionals and the low supply available, managers are definitely right!

If your employer follows a color code for uniforms, what do you do to customize yours? Do you wear a brightly colored shirt under the uniform so that it looks through the v-neck and contrasts with the color of your uniform? Or do you make it more interesting with a pair of modern zebra print clogs?

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