Merit Health Central Celebrates Nurses
If you ask the average person to describe a nurse’s uniform, chances are “scrubs” will not be the most common answer. Even though scrubs are the uniform of choice for most nurses these days, we still picture a crisp white dress uniform, apron, cap, and white hose and shoes. This nursing uniform is one of the most iconic and recognizable in the history of American professions.
On July 27th, “Throwback Thursdays” was implemented by the leadership at Merit Health Central to honor the nursing profession. Nurses are encouraged to wear a white uniform every Thursday and are rewarded for their participation with some “throwback” deals – like an old-time Coke for a nickel.
“When our patients and families see a staff member wearing a white uniform, they immediately recognize that staff member as a nurse,” said Laura Knight, RN, BSN, MSN, chief nursing officer at the hospital. “We wanted to bring the white nurse uniform back to honor the profession, strengthen the sense of pride in the work and bring a sense of peace among patients in a way that has traditionally had a lasting, positive impact on our society.”
Cutline for photo: From left, Shea Bishop, RN, BSN, director, Emergency Department; Annie Knight, RN, BSN, CCRN, director, Burn ICU and Burn Step-Down Unit; Laura Knight, RN, BSN, MSN, chief nursing officer; Dishun Spivey, RN, interim nurse manager, Telemetry; Cynthia Ellis, RN, BSN, BSA, MSM, assistant chief nursing officer; Kim Harrell, RN, BSN, MHA, CNOR, chief quality officer; Michelle Dunn, RN, BSN, director, Cardiovascular Services; Donna Ricotta, RN, BSN, Emergency Department; Renee Kinnard, RNC, BSN, director, Women’s Services and Post Surgery unit.
