Regulations Regarding the Distinguishing Devices and Uniforms for Enrolled Nurses and Midwives and Enrolled Pupil Nurses

The following regulations have been approved by the Minister of Health in accordance with section 11(1) of the Nursing Act, 1957 (Act 69 of 1957), as amended, regarding the distinguishing devices for enrolled nurses, midwives, and enrolled student nurses. These regulations were made by the South African Nursing Council in place of the regulations that were published under Government Notice R.955 of June 28, 1963:

• 1. ( 1) An enrolled nurse or midwife must, unless the Council decides otherwise, wear white epaulets that are attached to- in all clinical nursing settings.
• (a) an oval badge in the color dull cherry with the words “South African Nursing Council” and “Suid-Afrikaanse Raad op Verpleging” written in white around the edge on a blue background if a nurse is enrolled;
• b) an oval badge in the color green with the words “South African Nursing Council” and “Suid-Afrikaanse Raad op Verpleging” written in white around the edge on a blue background if enrolled as a midwife;
• (c) an oval badge with the words “South African Nursing Council” and “Suid-Afrikaanse Raad op Verpleging” in white around the edge on a blue background, if enrolled as both a nurse and a midwife. The top half of the badge is a dull cherry red color, and the bottom half is green.

(2) An enrolled nurse who is also registered as a midwife is required to wear the badge specified in paragraph (1)(a) along with the distinguishing devices specified for a registered midwife in the regulations regarding the distinguishing devices and uniforms for registered nurses, midwives, and registered student nurses and student midwives. This requirement applies regardless of the provisions of these regulations.

(3) The distinguishing devices should only be worn as directed, not in conjunction with any other badge or device.

(4) Any person who violates any of these regulations commits an offense and is subject to a maximum fine of twenty rands (R20) if found guilty.

2. A maximum fine of fifty rands (R50) will be imposed on anyone who violates these regulations by manufacturing, selling, or providing any distinguishing device without the council’s written approval.

3. The following requirements must be met when an enrolled nurse, midwife, or student nurse wears a uniform:

(a) Respectable full-length tailored trousers may be included in the uniform, which must be plainly tailored. The skirt must be at least knee-length for women. Men can wear pants that are either long or short.

b) The entire uniform must be of a single color;

(c)    The accessories shall be-

• (i)    plain matching shoes in matching color;
• (ii) short-sleeved hose for men and full-length stockings for women;
• (iii) if worn, a plain-colored tailored jacket, jersey, coat, or cape.

4.    Unless the Council decides otherwise, an enrolled nurse or midwife who is a member of the Nursing Services of the Prisons Department or the South African Military Nursing Services does not have to wear the required distinguishing devices when wearing the military uniform or the uniform of the Prisons Department, despite the provisions of these regulations.

5.    After being published, these rules will take effect six (6) months later.

6.    The South-West African Territory is subject to these rules.