I am in total agreement with Chris. Why is a nurse's uniform required? A
uniform does not indicate competence and is both totally impractical and
inappropriate on the "shop floor". I don't know of any organisation who
still expect their OHN(s) to wear such a uniform. In my opinion this
reinforces a treatment service to be offered by the nurse and the "sick
role" to be taken on by the employee.
The term authoritarian also rings very loud warning bells. It is my
suspicion that this organisation have a problem with non-attendance and they
want "the nurse" to use their magic fob watch to make it go away!!!! I would
be very cautious about working with an organisation with this sort of
attitude.
Anne Harriss
----- Original Message -----
From: "Chris Packham" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 02, 2002 9:23 PM
Subject: Re: Uniforms
> I always worry when I hear this type of approach. It tends to suggest that
> they see the OHN as some form of glorified first-aider. It was not so long
> ago that a manager said to me: "Oh! We don't have a real nurse any more."
> Knowing that the new nurse was highly qualified in occupational health, I
> asked him what he meant. His response was: "Well, the old one wore a
> uniform". As far as "recognition" I have yet to meet a good OHN who has
> problems with recognition, merely because they are not wearing a uniform.
In
> fact, my view would be that the uniform can act as a barrier between
worker
> and nurse, since it implies formality, whereas a more informal approach
> always produces better relationships and hence will be more effective.
>
> I also worry about the "authoritarian" bit. Sounds as if they have
problems
> and are asking you to be the unfortunate individual to try to solve them
for
> you and take the flak!!!
>
> I think you need to ensure that your terms of reference, scope of activity
> and limits of authority are very clearly defined.
>
> Regards
> Chris Packham
>
> EnviroDerm Services
> 2 Amery Lodge Farm, North Littleton, Evesham, WR11 8QY
> Tel: +44 (0)1386 832 311
> Fax: +44 (0)1386 830 163
>
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