New uniforms perturb some nurses

Nurses at UNM Hospital will soon be required to wear all-black uniforms to allow for quick identification of hospital staff, but some nurses say the color conjures associations of death and despair.

Hospital department heads decided uniforms should be color-coded across the hospital so patients can easily differentiate between professions. Sheena Ferguson, the administrative chief nursing officer, said staff can currently wear whatever color uniforms they prefer, which may cause confusion for patients. She said staff had the chance to vote on five color choices, and nurses chose black.

“The overwhelming choice, by two-to-one margin, even combining the other options, was black.” Ferguson said. “It seemed to be a professional color, it was formal-looking and they needed a color that was suitable for both men and women. There were limited color choices so they could provide a variety of sizes and styles.”

But some nurses said they aren’t happy with the change. Sarah Womack, a pediatric nurse, said she understands the push for uniformity, but said she doesn’t want to wear black.

“I think from the management point of view I can understand why they’re doing it,” she said, “But if nurses were more proactive about introducing themselves, it (would be) a better environment, especially for the pediatric units, to have colorful tops and let nurses express themselves. I think black is a depressing color choice for a hospital.”

Nurses in UNMH’s emergency department switched to all-black uniforms about a year ago, but said they were not allowed to talk to the media. The switch for other UNMH nurses was planned for Nov. 15, but it has been postponed due to complications finalizing a purchasing contract, hospital officials said. They said once the contract is finalized, they will make the switch.

Three sets of uniforms, totaling $125, will be provided to each employee to aid with the switch.

Nurse Supervisor Katherine Otero said she thinks the switch is a good idea because it will allow for a more professional-looking and easily identifiable staff.

“We’re not trying to impede people’s styles, we’re just trying to make everyone identifiable,” she said. “Overall, I think it’s going to be more satisfying for patients once they get into it.”