Employees at Erlanger Health System in Chattanooga, Tenn., are abiding by a new color-coded dress policy — a strategy that is expected to boost morale and professionalism — according to a Chattanooga News report.
Beginning Jan. 1, clinical staff must wear solid-color scrubs in the hue designated for their department and job. Physicians employed by the hospital are required to wear white coats. Employees at the system’s children’s hospital can still wear kid-friendly prints, however.
Chief Nursing Executive Lynn Whisman said the policy improves professional appearance and promotes staff morale. She also said it enhances patient safety by helping patients and families identify employees by department.
Employees were given $50 vouchers for new scrubs or the option to use a payroll deduction to pay for their new uniform purchases.
Related Articles on Hospital Employee Morale:
Survey: 73% of Physicians “Not Excited” About Future of Medicine
Hospitals Take Bigger Steps to Fight Compassion Fatigue
The Unhappy Physician: Why Hospitals Need to Take Morale Seriously
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
