Nursing Uniform Policy

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. medical team with nurse holding syringe getting ready for an inj image by asiana from Fotolia.com

  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. nurse on duty image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com

  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. medical team with nurse holding syringe getting ready for an inj image by asiana from Fotolia.com

  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.