GOSHEN —
Patients and other guests can now pick out a member of the IU Health team at a glance.
A systemwide implementation of a new dress code recently began after months of planning and organizing, said Judith Sadler, nursing research / magnet coordinator at IU Health Goshen Hospital.
“Patients wouldn’t know who was taking care of them,” Sadler said. “I’ve had family members who said that they wouldn’t know who was who (hospital staff) and that was identified (with dress code) to reassure patients and family members.”
The implementation has been referred to as the “Look of Assurance.” It’s to provide simplicity of recognition and a sense of comfort, Sadler added.
“It’s like a second check. It’s a look of assurance of the person taking care of you,” she said. “They always have their ID badge and they introduce themselves when they go in a room. This is another avenue — visual — to say we are paying attention. The logo is on each piece (of clothing.)”
Some of the different looks in the new dress code are registered nurses wearing red and black uniforms, licensed practical nurses wearing khaki and black scrubs, respiratory care staff wearing pewter-colored clothing and food services/catering staff dressed in a white shirt, black vest and tie and black pants. The patient care support specialists, including certified nursing assistants, emergency department technicians, medical assistants, nursing assistants, nurse technicians, and patient care assistants wear olive scrubs.
Personnel in the off-site physician offices are included in the new dress code as well, Sadler said.
The IU Health logo appears on each piece of uniform.
“I really like our new look and have heard nothing but positive comments,” said Angie Hulva, RN, at IU Health Goshen. “I feel it’s very professional and makes us easier to identify, which is a plus for patients, families and other colleagues as well.”
There was some resistance at first by the some of the colleagues, Sadler said.
The prior dress code allowed for individual selection in the styles and colors of scrubs and uniforms.
“What is more important?” Sadler said. “Their desire to be individual will have to be somewhere else.”
All the colleagues were given stipends to purchase their first few sets and the uniforms have reasonable pricing, Sadler added.
Lori Schmucker of patient financial services at IU Health Goshen said she is 100 percent for the new uniforms after a negative experience while visiting a relative at another hospital.
“I am so thankful that I work at a place where we care about first impressions,” Schmucker said, “and we care enough about our patients that the clothes we wear make us look like we belong here.”
Breaking News
Related Photos
-
Maggie Garcia, near, works on her computer, while Lindsey Swinhart, far and Amanda Onax, work in the background. The three demonstrate the new uniforms being worn by hospital staff at IU Health Goshen Hospital. Nursing assistants and secretaries wear green and resident nurses wear red. Sam Householder
Hospital staff now has color-coded uniforms
- Breaking News
-
-
THE DIRT ON GARDENING: Choose your pool plants wisely
Do you have a pool or a pond or do you plan on having one in the near future? Then you’ll want to choose your plants wisely that you’ll expect to have near or around the perimeter.
-
Handle poison hemlock carefully
Poison hemlock is a weed that seemed to burst onto the scene last year during the drought.
In the past, it could be found in waste areas like along railroad tracks and ditches, but in 2012, poison hemlock seemed to be everywhere, including backyards, gardens, fields, even along the river at Bonneyville Mill Park. -
Police: Teen arrested after firing gun in Goshen
A 16-year-old Goshen boy was arrested on multiple charges after allegedly firing a gun along Crescent Street Thursday night.
-
Jefferson students spend the day at Camp Amigo
On Tuesday, 450 Jefferson Elementary School students experienced “outdoor” school.
-
Bus driver’s condition upgraded after Wednesday wreck
A school bus driver injured in a four-bus crash Wednesday north of North Webster was hospitalized in fair condition Thursday.
-
ASK THE SHERIFF: Sheriff explains his job and the tasks of his deputies
Two weeks ago I indicated that I would write further on the controversy of the Second Amendment.
-
Goshen has growth spurt
Goshen Mayor Allan Kauffman doesn’t have the magic bullet as to why Goshen is over the 32,000 mark in population for the first time.
-
Sentence dealt for reckless homicide
GOSHEN — From the witness stand in Elkhart Circuit Court, Kristina Wolfinger could see the man who killed her brother. She described what she didn’t see.
-
Milford Fest activities to fill Saturday
Milford Fest will take place in downtown Milford Saturday.
Events begin at 7 a.m. and continue through 9 p.m. -
Local Memorial Day events set
The following are scheduled Memorial Day services in the area:
- More Breaking News Headlines
-
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
