Nursing Uniform Policy

Whether or not nurses should be required to wear uniforms is a hotly debated issue.

Whether or not nurses should be required to wear standardized uniforms is a widely debated issue and one that can spark rousing arguments on both sides. Many schools of nursing require students working in clinical settings to wear uniforms, and some medical facilities have instituted the all-white uniform.

Argument for Uniforms

The all-white nursing uniform promotes professionalism, cleanliness and readily identifies a nurse.

Surveys have found that the many colors and styles of uniforms that nurses wear today confuse patients. Prior to the mid-1980s, when all-white uniforms fell out of fashion, a nurse was readily identifiable. Today, people cannot differentiate between nurses, orderlies and technicians. Psychologically, all-white uniforms reinforce the notions of cleanliness and a hygienic environment. In addition, the lack of uniforms diminishes professionalism.

Argument against Uniforms

All-white nurse uniforms perpetuate the "handmaiden" image and frighten children.

Nurses opposed to the return of the all-white uniform, or any uniform, point out the loss of individuality and the idea that uniforms reinforce the "handmaiden" stereotype. Furthermore, some nurses have found that the all-white uniform scares children, have a depressing perception and are impractical in an environment where blood and other substances and fluids can easily stain them.

Student Nurse Uniforms

Nursing schools are requiring nursing students to wear uniforms in clinical settings.

Numerous nursing schools have instituted uniforms for students in clinical settings to identify them easily. Usually the uniform is all-white; women wear either a pant suit or dress with white stockings and shoes, while men wear a white shirt, pants, socks and shoes for men.

References

• Palm Beach Post: Retro Nurses Outfit Has Returned to JFK Medical Center
• Indiana State University: Nursing Uniform Policy
• Bowie State University: Baccalaureate Nursing Student Policies; Uniforms
• Texas A&M University: College of Nursing & Health Sciences: Student Dress Code
• Armstrong Atlantic State University: College of Health Professions; Policies & Procedures

Resources

• Solutions Outside the Box: The Great Uniform Debate
• American Nurse Today: How Do You Look?