"They're rumpled and disordered," declares Sandy Dumont. "Loose, limp, and careless looking. Nurses have got to get back into uniform. Then they'll have power and authority, and be taken more seriously. Uniforms imply that you are professional and trustworthy. Scrubs are not a uniform."

Sandy Dumont is an image consultant (www.TheImage Architect.com), with over twenty five years experience directing the image of executives for fortune 500 companies. And she thinks its time to resuscitate nursing uniforms. "White denotes extraordinary cleanliness and sanitation. I'd choose an easycare modern fabric, like a wash and wear soft polyester/cotton blend. It would be tailored to enhance the figure, with both skirt and pant versions, and an informal as well as formal top portion, possibly with epaulets. This would give the new nursing uniform power and authority, and epaulet insignias could denote rank or station in the hospital."

Don't worry. Sandy says The Cap should stay gone. They're simply unrealistic given the physical exertion of your profession.

You see, Nursing has an image problem with the public... they can't see you. We've all heard patients speak of "the nurse who took my blood, the nurse who cleaned my room, the nurse who took me to radiology." Everyone in the hospital is in scrubs, and patients are not savvy enough to keep the players straight. I too have fallen victim to their confusion. As a young female doc, I am often asked dietary questions should I visit the hospital sans long white coat and shoulder draped stethoscope...my uniform.

Nursing has an image problem with doctors as well. We doctors, moaning about overload of patient demands, don't see the qualified professionals eager to accept responsibility right beside us. Sandy believes that physicians would respond differently to nurses in uniform of power rather than in rumpled attire. "I would quit my job if they made me wear something like that", opines Sandy, "And those cartoon character jackets; no wonder they have no uthority."

It's not about having the skill or the training. We know that you're qualified. Ms Dumont explains, "A uniform doesn't make you good. A uniform gives you respect."

Sandy shares an example from the aviation profession. Although Southwest Airlines has loosened uniform standards for its flight personal, you still don't see the pilots in cut-off shorts. "When we need to trust you with our lives, or our families, we'd like you to look professional." Or trust you with our patients lives. Help your docs know that you are a medical authority and to be respected.

But what about your loss of personal freedom? Sandy believes that the benefits to the profession will outweigh the costs. Sandy explains that some costumes become ennobled, and convey personal qualities, attributes, and virtues. Nurses have "given up their camaraderie, given up their credibility, their 'bonding by means of cloth'. Why do you believe that your personal freedom outweighs the right of the patient to have trust in you? And you've chosen to look silly in the doctor's eyes. You're the only thing between their patients and death, and you're covered in cartoons."

Chuck the cartoon jackets unless you're in pediatrics. If you wish doctors to treat you as a colleagues in healthcare, society to acknowledge you as authorities, and to be paid as your profession deserves, insist upon the image of a professional.

Source: P@ssionate HealthCare
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