Like their counterparts today, nurses in the early part of last century were highly trained, compassionate and dedicated to their calling. But, oh, what a difference in the uniforms they wore and the instruments they used.
"Early nurses and nursing students almost needed a class in how to get dressed," said Tony Smith, RN, MSN, ONC, service line administrator for orthopedics and director of alumni services at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta.
Student nurse uniforms had multiple parts, which were given as rites of passage at intervals during the three-year training and often had symbolic meanings.
For example, the four folds of the triangular kerchief adopted in 1914 to replace the gathered bib symbolized the spirit, art, science and scope of nursing, according to a 1976 archival document.
But the upper part of the apron also had practical uses. Because nurses couldn't easily reach their dress pockets, they often kept bandage scissors, paper or stethoscopes in their bibs.
By senior year, nursing students wore a blue dress with a white starched muslin apron and kerchief, white cuffs buttoned over long (and later short) sleeves, a white starched cap, Clinic Shoes, white stockings and a senior pin.
The uniform coat was a navy blue cape with red-flannel lining. A watch with a second hand was required.
Every nursing school and hospital had its own style of uniform.
"It took a lot of work to keep these uniforms cleaned, starched and pressed, so, until the late 1960s, Piedmont Hospital had its own laundry," Smith said.
After graduation, nurses wore all-white uniforms. The dress became fuller or shorter to reflect changing fashions, and starch was replaced by permanent press.
The cap was discarded in the 1970s. Nurses found it an added encumbrance when working with high-tech equipment.
According to Piedmont's 1962 Nursing Student Handbook, the uniform was required always to be worn complete ¨ and only when the student was on duty, in class or in the hospital cafeteria. And students were not allowed to chew gum while in uniform.
Today, nurses dress for comfort and
practicality to accommodate their greater
responsibilities in the workplace. In most
cases, the white dress, hose and nursing
shoes have given way to a"wash-and-wear"
scrub suit (pants and tunic) and athletic
shoes or clogs.
The lab coat with large pockets is a practical alternative to the bib. Neatness and moderation in jewelry are still prized, and many nurses wear their graduation pins.
"Mine is always pinned to my lab coat," Smith said.