Considering uniforms? Try scrubs for ED access
Khakis and blazers work, too
In response to our query in the January Hospital Access Management about the pros and cons of uniforms for access staff, Dawn McNay, RRA, director of registration at Mount Carmel Medical Center in Pittsburg, KS, gives this response:
"Three years ago we instituted uniforms for the emergency department [ED] clerks. They are scrubs different from that of the ED nurses and techs. The staff wanted to wear scrubs from a practical standpoint; their clothes were often getting soiled and were hot and uncomfortable with all the movement the clerks are required to do.
"In order to distinguish the clerical staff from the clinical staff, clerks are required to wear their name tags and display a name plate at their registration station. Six months ago, we implemented uniforms for the rest of the registration staff. Again, it was at their request. The staff wear khaki pants or skirt with a navy polo shirt that displays the hospital logo and name.
"We have received many compliments from customers. In fact, other clerical departments in the hospital are looking into doing the same. I really like the new uniform because it has eliminated dress code issues with the staff.
"In the last year, I found myself frequently counseling employees on the appropriate length of skirts. What is acceptable for a businesswoman on [the television show] "Melrose Place" is not acceptable in a hospital where 55% of patients are of Medicare age."
[Editor’s note: If you have an access problem you’d like help with, just ask other Hospital Access Management readers. Send your Access Feedback question to editor Lila Moore at (404) 636-9264. E-mail [email protected]. Or associate managing editor Hannah Kamenetsky at (404) 262-5509. E-mail [email protected]. Or fax your comments to (404) 262-7837.]
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