Buffalo, N.Y.-based Kaleida Health's proposal to change its dress code for nurses has sparked resistance, according to The Buffalo News.
The change would require unionized nurses at Kaleida facilities to wear only solid-color scrubs. The nearly 3,000 workers, represented by the Service Employees International Union Local 1199 Upstate and Communications Workers of America Local 1168, are currently allowed to wear scrubs with prints on them.
The long-term aim would be for nurses to all wear solid gray scrubs, according to the report.
Cheryl Klass, RN, BSN, Kaleida executive vice president and chief nurse executive, told The Buffalo News the goal is "that the standards of appearance reflect the standard of nursing care we deliver across our system."
"Nationally, clearly identified registered nurses support feelings of trust and confidence. We want our patients to know who our registered nurses are," she added.
But not everyone is on board.
James Scordato, SEIU 1199 Western New York area vice president, told the publication, "We think it's important that the nurses are able to wear what they've always worn. I think Kaleida has seen from the community and Facebook that this has created a life of its own. I don't think Kaleida realized the importance of these uniforms and prints to families and patients. We've had families approach us and ask how they can help."
The new dress code change was slated to take effect in January, but implementation has been temporarily delayed as discussions between nurses and the hospital continue, according to the report.
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