How to Craft a Nurse's Hat for Kids

The original purpose of a nursing hat was to keep a nurse's hair neatly in place.

Part of the traditional nursing uniform was the nurse's hat, which made nurses easy identifiable. These hats often featured a large red cross on the front. With a couple household items you can create your own nurse hat. Use your hat to create the perfect Halloween costume or for a career day activity for school age children.

Things You'll Need

• 8.5- by 11-inch sheet of white construction paper
• 8.5- by 11-inch sheet of red construction paper
• Glue stick
• Red glitter (optional)

Instructions

1. Fold the white piece of construction paper in half horizontally. Make a firm crease in the paper.

2. Bend both sides inward. It should make a triangle at both ends. The hat should now look like a large triangle without the point on top.

3. Bend the side ends inward to form another triangle and square off the sides. They should be about 1 to 1.5 inches. You should now see the form of a nurse's hat. With the sides bent inwards, the hat should stand up.

4. With your scissors, cut an addition sign out of red construction paper. This will become your red cross. Two inches is a good size but it can vary. Decorate the red cross as desired.

5. Glue the red cross to the middle of the front side of the hat.

6. Attach the hat, using bobby pins to secure it Use a hole punch and yarn for shorter hair. Punch holes in the small side triangles and tie yarn to each end.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also cut out a red "N" for nurse or a heart instead of a red cross.