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Nursing Dress Codes

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Abstract The purpose of this paper is to offer a summary and synthesis of some of the more recent research regarding implementing mandatory dress codes. The tradition of nursing attire has changed over the years. The history of nursing uniforms includes wearing solid white skirts, shoes, and white cap. These white garments typically signified nursing roles and differentiated nurses from other staff members. Common questions that arise within medical institutions includes: what are the advantages of implementing mandatory dress codes? Should nurses be required to wear traditional white uniforms? Should personal individuality be preserved? How will patient care be impacted? Regardless of the point of view, most positions tend to agree that …show more content…

Is this self-expression beneficial to our patients and our nurses? Personal self-expression has lead to the assortment of styles seen in the nursing wardrobe; moreover, LaSala & Nelson (2005) states that dress can reflect the individual’s personality, but should not be distracting or too casual for the work setting. In association with personal expression within the workplace, Spragley & Francis (2006) argue that nurses often say they want to be recognized for their knowledge, competence, and experience, not for what they are wearing. To consider the creative of nursing apparel, the department or work environment would be the best indicator of suitability. Perhaps, colors and patterns can be considered appropriate in certain departments of nursing, such as pediatrics. According to Matziou et al. (2009), studies report that the nurses' uniform influences the children's mood and that of their parents, especially in pediatric hospitals; furthermore, the uniform of the nurses should be specially designed to be functional and representative of their role. Multicolored nurses' uniforms are those most preferred by both the children and their parents. For instance, cartoon characters worn on scrub attire may be considered distracting, and inappropriate in medical units such as oncology. Albert et al. (2009) adds that patients and visitors may perceive nurses as

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