Policy on uniforms for agency nurses

Aims

To set standards which promote a professional image and instil patient and public confidence
To ensure staff are familiar with current evidence available on the wearing of uniform/dress in healthcare
To permit identification for security and communication purposes
To enable mobility and comfort for the wearer
To comply with Health & Safety Legislation and to reduce risks of infection to staff, patients and visitors

Uniform Rules

No jewellery, including wrist watches, fitness/ activity trackers (e.g. Fitbits), bracelets, rings, earrings, visible body jewellery or necklaces should be worn whilst on duty and when undertaking a clinical procedure or encountering patients. Note the following exceptions: A single plain band/ ring, Medic Alert and Fob watches.
Long hair must be tied back
Wear the provided uniform with no variance.
Wearing theatre scrub attire, all such staff members must change into a new set of scrubs when returning to duty in their departments.
Uniforms must be changed daily or when visibly soiled with blood or body fluids.
Uniforms should be washed without other items of clothing at 65oC or above in a domestic washing machine
Clinical Staff who wear a uniform should change into & out of uniform at the workplace. Anyone permitted by the client to wear a clinical uniform to and from work should have it covered completely when travelling. A clean uniform should be worn for each shift.

Direct Medics Ltd. will provide all staff with two tunics for use during assignments. These tunics will be replaced by the company a maximum of once per year; any additional tunics will be provided at a cost of £14.00 per tunic. Staff are expected to supply their own trousers and shoes, which must be clean and suitable for purpose on arrival at each assignment.

All staff are provided with an agency identification badge upon registration, which must be always displayed clearly whilst on assignment. An induction checklist card will also be provided; this must also be stored within the lanyard supplied alongside the identification badge and used as a reference to the information required when entering a clinical setting for the first time.