The Odisha Health and Family Welfare Department has announced a revised dress code for the state’s Nursing Service Cadre, effective immediately. The changes, which focus on enhancing professionalism while minimizing financial impact, introduce a color-coded uniform system across various nursing roles.
Key Changes in Nursing Service Dress Code
According to the department’s official notification, after reviewing the proposal from the Odisha Nursing Employees’ Association, the new dress code will include the following adjustments:
- Nursing Officers & Senior Nursing Officers: Their new uniforms will feature light lavender attire. Those working in high-intensity areas such as the ICU, OT, and Labour Rooms will wear specialized scrub suits. For general ward duties, female staff will wear a saree or salwar kameez (with a 3/4th sleeve top), while male staff will wear a shirt with formal deep navy blue trousers.
- Assistant Nursing Superintendents (ANS): The new dress code for ANS will include cyan blue outfits. Similar to nursing officers, ANS working in ICU, OT, and Labour Rooms will wear scrub suits. Female ANS will wear sarees or salwar kameez, while male staff will wear shirts paired with formal navy blue trousers.
- Deputy Nursing Superintendents (DNS) & Nursing Superintendents (NS): Their uniforms will be white, with scrub suits designated for ICU, OT, and Labour Room duties. Female staff in general wards will wear sarees, while male staff will wear shirts with formal navy blue trousers.
Distinctive Features of the New Uniforms
In addition to the color-coded uniforms, several notable features have been introduced:
- Collar Neck Detail: The white aprons for DNS and NS will feature a deep purple Sambalpuri border, adding a distinctive touch to the professional look.
- Aprons: Nursing Officers and Senior Nursing Officers will be provided with white half-sleeve aprons, while full-sleeve aprons will be given to ANS, DNS, and NS staff working in general wards.
- Identification and Designation: Each staff member will have their name and designation embroidered on their uniform, ensuring clear identification. Nursing Superintendents will also wear a dark brown badge, featuring the hospital logo and their name and designation.
A Practical Approach to Uniform Changes
The revised dress code has been carefully designed to ensure that the changes will not place a substantial financial burden on the state government, as stated in the official notification. The move aims to create a more professional and cohesive appearance for nursing staff while maintaining a focus on practicality and comfort in healthcare settings.
