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Learning Objective 1: 1) State the impact professional dress code has on nursing image in a small community hospital.
Learning Objective 2: 2) State the impact professional dress code has on patient satisfaction in a small community hospital
Problem Statement:
Lack of a consistent nursing dress code led to the inability to discern between a nurse, a patient care technician and other ancillary support staff.
Research Question:
Does the professional attire of the nurse affect patient satisfaction and nurse satisfaction?
Methods:
Registered nurses at a community hospital in the Midwest were surveyed using a questionnaire to assess nurses’ attitudes regarding nursing image and professional attire. The survey was completed before and again after a formal nursing dress code was implemented. Participation was anonymous and voluntary. Qualitative research design was utilized and statistical analysis was performed using Minitab®.
Patient satisfaction data was abstracted during the same time periods via Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction surveys, which were randomly distributed to inpatients by Press Ganey.
Results:
Data analysis revealed a statistically significant positive difference in the nurses’ attitudes regarding nursing image and professional attire. No significant difference was found in Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction scores.
Nursing Implication: This study found that nurses perceived a more positive impact of a professional dress code on the image of the nurse after a new dress code was implemented. The professional attire improved the image of nursing at this small community hospital. Leading and participating in this applied research study improved the nursing professionalism of this small community hospital.
References:
Albert, N., Wocial, L., Meyer, K., Na, J., Trochelman, K. (2008). Impact of
nurses’ uniforms on patient and family perceptions of nurse
professionalism. Applied Nursing Research, 21, 181-190.
Lange, J. C. W. & Polifroni, E. (2000). Nurses and assistive personnel: Do
patients know the difference? JONA, 30 (11), 512- 514.
Windle, L., Halbert, K., Dumont, C., Tagnesi, K. & Johnson, K. (2008). An
evidence-based approach to creating a new nursing dress code.
American Nurse Today, 3 (1), 17-19.