4 May 2005

TO:	DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH	Heads of Health
		Health Facility Managers
		Nursing Service Managers

 

Non-compliance of Nurses with the Prescribed Requirements for Uniforms and Distinguishing Devices

South African Nursing Council is aware of the protest action embarked on by some nurses against the uniform allowances by reporting for work in inappropriate attire, in the Gauteng and North West Provinces. 

The Council in response to this protest action provides the following guidance to employers:

1. Employers must ensure that nurses who do not wear the accepted uniform and distinguishing devices do not place patients in their health facilities at risk.
2. The Regulations of the South African Nursing Council require nurses to wear distinguishing devices with suitable attire that befits the image of the profession of nursing. Nurses that are inappropriately attired taint the image of both the nursing profession and the health care system.
3. Nurses who violate the South African Nursing Council Regulations pertaining to the distinguishing devices and uniforms for nurses, are liable to be charged with unprofessional conduct and should be reported to the South African Nursing Council.

You are also advised to contact the Council if you require any further assistance or guidance in this matter.

(signed)
Hasina Subedar
REGISTRAR