Uniform Change Response

Dear Third Semester Students, Thank you for your input regarding the Delta nursing programs uniform change. I do appreciate that there are concerns for those who will only be wearing them one semester. I also appreciate that you are willing to express your concerns through petition and signatures. However, the uniform change is not a negotiable subject. The change comes from the need to come into compliance with our legal obligations to hospital contract stipulations that state students must wear a unique uniform that is not like other hospital personnel. That is why all students must change for Fall 2010. The petition states that you will need two uniforms. I don't believe that will be the case as they can be laundered between clinical assignments. The usual cost for the white uniform worn at Certification and Pinning is easily $75.00 and you will already have that white uniform to wear once you purchase your new Delta uniform. While some females may wish to wear a white dress, historically, as many choose to wear pants. There is no "traditional" nursing dress - it has been a choice in the past. As a class, you will be able to vote to wear caps or not. To bring the cost of a new uniform into perspective, I would remind you that grant monies have paid for all students' ATI costs up to this point - a savings of approximately $300 that the students coming after you will not realize. Again, thanks for your hard work and your fine representation of Delta nursing students. Sincerely, Karen Ippolito