Growing up, I was always aware of the profound respect afforded to nurses. My mother, a 1973 graduate of a 3-year Diploma nursing program, still cherishes her cap and cape – tangible symbols of her dedication and achievement. In her era, and in my childhood, the image of a nurse was synonymous with the crisp white uniform dress, complemented by pristine white stockings, supportive white shoes, and the iconic nursing cap, proudly worn every day, irrespective of the healthcare setting. This uniform commanded instant recognition and respect from the public, a stark contrast to the perceptions of the profession today. While it’s true that nurses were expected to stand when a doctor entered the room, the dynamic wasn’t universally one of subservience; many physicians held nurses in high regard.
For me, the contemporary scrub uniform represents a significant departure from this esteemed image. Scrubs, now ubiquitous, are worn by a vast range of hospital staff, from housekeeping and phlebotomy to radiology technicians, blurring the lines of professional identity. Even individuals outside of healthcare have adopted scrubs as casual wear, diminishing their symbolic value further. I firmly believe that a return to more traditional nursing attire, specifically the White Nurse Uniform Dress, could be a crucial step in restoring the public’s perception of nurses and the nursing profession to its former status of respect and authority within the community. My current nursing program’s requirement of a white uniform is, in my view, an encouraging move in this direction.
As graduation approaches, I eagerly anticipate the capping ceremony, a tradition sadly considered “old-fashioned” by many of my classmates. However, for me, the cap, the cape, and the complete white uniform dress embody everything I am working towards. Earning these symbols of nursing achievement is a deeply personal aspiration. For my graduation photographs, I plan to wear a classic white nurse’s cap and my mother’s cherished cape, proudly showcasing my transition into a Registered Nurse. I want my appearance to unequivocally communicate my profession to everyone I encounter. Upon employment, I sincerely hope to be permitted to wear my cap daily. My mother, working in demanding and challenging environments, consistently wore her cap with pride and professionalism. I am confident I can uphold this tradition.
