The symbolism and myth surrounding nurses' uniform

Abstract

This article addresses nurses' uniform from the perspective of the symbolic, myth, legend and competing discourse. The analysis touches upon why nurses working with people who have learning disabilities discarded the nurses' uniform and why other nurses may consider doing so, particularly if suitable alternatives exist. The analysis draws from various areas of nursing practice, including the nursing of disabled people, elderly people and people with learning disabilities. Nurses' uniform is revealed as a totem of considerable potency such that to wear a uniform in just any setting or context has to be cautioned. The practicalities of protective clothing are addressed. A differentiation is drawn between uniform and protective clothing such that much of the undesirable symbolism associated with uniform may be discarded with a consequent enhancement of the image of the nurse.

Editorial: Is a ‘mini’ uniform code just skirting around the issues?

“…Nazarko (2008) asserts that wearing a uniform is essential for infection control purposes. The symbolism of traditional uniforms makes patients feel secure and safe, and they also enable patients to recognise staff which can be reassuring for patients (Richardson 1999). Moreover, uniforms are thought to be central to projecting a corporate and professional image.…”

“…Could it be that the 'mini' dress code is only skirting around the real issues? Richardson (1999) explains that uniforms have their origins in religious and military influences, and therefore, nurses' uniforms are used to symbolise their rank, status and class. Evidently by virtue of the fact that such uniform practices obtain, and remain open to public ridicule and thinly veiled puerile comments, indicates that uniform dress codes still serve to keep clinical nurses in their place.…”

Reflections on the practice of facilitating group‐based antenatal education: Should a midwife wear a uniform in the hospital setting?

“…21 Although seen as a positive by many, the conveyance of a sense of power and authority by wearing a uniform has its detractors. According to several authors, 21,25,26 the sense of power and authority that is conveyed by wearing a uniform creates an atmosphere of inequality in both the woman and the midwife, leading the woman to think that she needs the midwife's permission before taking action. 17,22,23,26,27 The uniform might create more interpersonal detachment and less relationship.…”

Beyond the Misapprehension of Nursing Rituals

“…As nurse scholars increasingly sought the professionalization of nursing practice and its autonomy from physicians, however, they began to depict the uniform as a symbol of submissiveness to physicians and the enforcement of uniform dress codes as the way hospitals maintain control over nurses. During the past decade, the uniform has increasingly been rejected as a symbol that contradicts nursing's self-image as an autonomous profession with a body of knowledge, educational requirements, and standards of practice that are based on sound scientific research (Muff, 1988;Richardson, 1999;Silberger, 1998;Sparrow, 1991). Sparrow, for example, equates the cap and apron worn by nurses during the early part of the 20th century as symbols of servility akin to "Victorian parlourmaids" (p. 116).…”

“…In a study that describes the significance of uniforms for contemporary nurses, Richardson (1999) states:…”