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Rumor Mill separates fact from fiction Dress Code Rumor: I heard that since MUSC is no longer moving forward with Magnet status, the new dress code will not be enforced in spring 2007. Is this true? Truth: The new dress code will go into effect on March 1, 2007. The purpose of the new dress code is to acknowledge the unique role that each health care provider has in patient care. With the new dress code, MUSC patients and families will be able to quickly identify an employee's role in providing health care. The MUSC image is an important component in how  patients and families regard the Medical Center. Black Uniform Rumor: I have heard that even though black is the selected scrub color for the clinical associates/patient care technicians (CA/PCT), many people strongly disagree and feel that the color has a negative aspect. Truth: Due to many concerns regarding black as the selected scrub color for the CA/PCT’s, the clinical services administrator and the nursing directors decided to have a revote on the CA/PCT scrub color in the near future. The CA/PCT’s should not purchase black scrubs. A special scrub sale will be held for the CA/PCT’s at a later date. Magnet Rumor: The Magnet program is a thing of the past. We are hearing that staff are still going to the state conference in Greenville and the national conference in Florida. If true, this seems like a waste of funds that might be better spent elsewhere. Truth: The Magnet Recognition Program recognizes excellence in nursing services and although MUSC is not actively submitting the application for Magnet, MUSC nurses continue to pursue excellence. This is done by implementing best practices in patient care and establishing an employer choice environment. The Magnet national and state conferences are educational and professional development opportunities to not only gather best practices from other top hospitals, but also present examples of MUSC excellence, both of which are goals demonstrated in a learning environment. Uniforms Rumor: I have heard that it is illegal for the hospital to mandate that its staff purchase new uniforms in order to meet the new color-code policy. Is this true? Is there a relevant law pertaining to such requirements? Truth: It is the Medical Center’s opinion that the dress code does not violate state or federal law. The intent of the dress code is not to inhibit any personal freedoms, but instead to enable patients and their families to quickly identify each individual care giver’s role in patient care. The MUSC Medical Center continually strives to promote enhanced communication with patients, thereby improving the efficiency and quality of the services provided. Scrub Color Rumor: I heard that the registered nurse royal blue scrub color may be revoted since the black scrubs were. Truth: A request for revoting for RN scrub color was received. The RN group had 539 votes:153 votes were for first place for royal blue, 78 second place votes for royal blue and 68 third place votes for royal blue. The total vote for royal blue was 299 or 44 percent of the entire RN votes. The next color place vote had 84 votes for Caribbean blue and the third place vote had 83 for black. A large percentage of RNs voted for royal blue and no further voting will occur. Coffee Rumor: I heard a Starbucks is supposed to replace the coffee place by the elevators in the main hospital. Truth: A Starbucks coffee operation will go into the space vacated by the previous coffee vendor. Construction has been completed. Final inspections, licensing, and DHEC approvals are in process at this time. The opening is anticipated to be the week of April 17. Scrub Colors Rumor: Because of the inquires still being received on scrub colors, following is a repeat of an earlier posting on the Rumor Mill providing the official source of information on scrub colors in the Medical Center. Henceforth, the mill will not respond to inquiries on this subject, and the official site should be contacted. Truth: In response to the many inquiries received by the Rumor Mill regarding dress codes and uniforms, Medical Center administration calls attention to the following Web site which provides all relevant facts: http://www.musc.edu/medcenter/dresscode/index.htm. This site will be continuously updated. Reproduced from http://www.musc.edu/rumor/.     Friday, April 14, 2006 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publication at 849-1778, ext. 201.