The history of nursing uniforms is relevant today as we see some hospitals like the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children bringing back the nurses' uniform. Maybe not the typical starched white one with cap which might be the image that first pops into mind, but a more casual Roots brand one, intended so that nurses will be better identified in the hospital.Of course, everyone doesn't agree that Roots, or uniforms in general are the best way to go as seen in the Toronto Star's Voice column last week. Some responses (from the LONG list of comments) to the uniform at the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children included:
I am not really sure how these uniforms will work to distinguish the nurses from other members of the staff. There is nothing about them that says ‘nurse.’ They look like everyday clothes, and could be seen on anyone who enters the hospital.
What dress does say 'nurse' in this day and age? Since they were first worn in the nineteenth century, nursing uniforms often took on the silhouette of fashionable dress, though remained white and starched with the standard components (these were generally: the cap, bib, apron, dress, collar, cuffs). Does this Roots version suit the fashion trends of our period? I would argue yes, so much that the public is in fact worried that the nurses cannot be clearly identified. Maybe Roots should design a cap? That might do the trick!?
Some didn't like the idea of uniforms at all. Also, a doctors' clothing is mentioned which made me a little confused. Aren't we talking about nurses here?
Did Roots make a donation to the hospital and the kickback is to be the official supplier to the hospital? I care more about being cared for by staff that is qualified, not dressed trendily. A doctor could wear ripped jeans for all I care, if he can get or keep me healthy.
Other comments reflected what different styles of dress can mean to people from gaining the trust of patients to professionalism and dignity for those nurses who wore them:
These Roots creations look great if the people wearing them are off on a hiking field trip. They do not instill any amount of confidence in me if I were a patient.
The nursing profession has a long and glorious uniform tradition, which is daily being eroded by more and more hospitals dressing their nurses in polo shirts and scrubs, often making nurses indistinguishable from cleaners and domestic staff. I find this a tragedy, as a traditional uniform is smart, enables the nurse to be easily identified by patients and public and gives the nurse a certain dignity that you just cannot get from a polo shirt.
You know I love the language of dress!
Stay tuned for more. I suspect this won't be the end of the current debate on nurses' uniforms.
