Forced wearing of nursing cap.

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  1. Is this sexist or gender bias?

    • 95
      yes
    • 101
      no

196 members have participated

I'm a senior registered nursing student and our school has a pinning ceremony to mark the completion of our program.

Our class contains about 20% men, equal split of black and white in both genders. I am approaching 50 and this is not my first career.

The director of the nursing program gave the class the "option to vote" on the wearing of a nurses cap for the pinning ceremony and our class photo. The majority of the class voted to wear the cap, men excluded from wear.

I do not wish to wear the cap and have been told by program director that "the class voted to wear it and you have to or you will not be able to participate". I understand the cap is traditional, but I feel it calls specific attention to my gender and not my success in passing nursing school. I've worked very hard to get where I'm at and I wish to celebrate my success with a pinning ceremony.

I truly feel that being "forced" to wear the cap is discriminatory based on my gender alone. Period. The guys are not made to wear them because they are considered "feminine or female dress", and I don't wish to be "forced" to dress as such either (we are all wearing pant-scrubs by unanimous vote).

I respect the choice of anyone else that wishes to wear the nursing cap. I don't and won't presume to force my opinion on them.

Has anyone else had this experience?

Does anyone know of any precedence against forced wearing of nursing caps to participate in school activities, etc? Any input on how else to proceed in approaching my school administration would be appreciated.

I welcome the input from both genders, seasoned and new nurses, students and educators, and anyone else on here that wants to chime in.

I ask only, that you be nice to me and each other. This is very serious for me.

I think it's foolish to wear the cap without the dress. Haha, but I think nurses should still dress like that! So I may not be a good judge lol!

Specializes in hospice.

I would not wear it, I would not go. Luckily, we did not have a pinning ceremony. I wore a cap and gown to my graduation, walked across the stage, received my BSN and that was enough. I don't think I would have went to nursing school if there was a posiblilty I would have to wear a hat like that, unless everyone in the hospital had to do it including the doctors, techs, management.

I wore a hat in the military, but everyone had to wear one, not just the females.

Specializes in FNP, ONP.

When I graduated the women were required to wear white dresses, white hose and white shoes and caps, and the men were required to wear white pants and white shirts, with black shoes. We walked in a Cathedral, and believe me, if anyone had showed up improperly dressed, they would have been sent home. Everyone complied, and I still have the photo.

None of this is discrimination, and I think some of you fail to understand the meaning of the word. :no:

OP, I think 3aremyjoy said it most eloquently. Take pride in your accomplishment and proudly don your cap and celebrate with your classmates. It is an inconsequential matter and you will treasure that photo for the rest of your career, and it will surely bring many smiles to your face. You will shake your head in in disbelief that you even considered not attending over something so trivial.

Congratulations.

Specializes in Cardio-Pulmonary; Med-Surg; Private Duty.
We happen to live in a democracy, if a vote was held and a majority of the class wishes to wear a cap at graduation in theory that is that. It is not being "forced" by the school but they are following the will of the larger body of graduating students who expressed their views.

I'm reminded of the old maternal saying, "If your friends jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge, would you do it too?"

What if the majority voted that everyone should wear bikinis? Or go naked? Just because the majority voted for something doesn't mean it's a good/necessary thing to do, or that it is appropriate for everyone.

If there is a Muslim woman in the class, would she be allowed to wear a traditional headcovering? Would she be required to wear a nursing cap over the top, or exempted from the rule?

Since nurse's caps fall under female attire much would depend upon the facilities dress code policy regarding transvestitism. If you wear just the cap administration may ask you to take it off, then again if you plan on wearing *starched whites* including skirts and hose then things may get a bit tricky.

Actually, if they wear just the cap, they might be a bit chilly.... ;)

Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

When I earned both my bachelors and then my Masters, in order to participate in the ceremonies, I was forced to wear a mortarboard and a gown that I've never worn since!

Was I discriminated against??? :-)

The cap is definitely sexist and discriminatory. Get a lawyer.

For those who say she should wear what the majority voted for, you must have missed the part where the MALES do not have to wear caps. Only the females must suffer this dilemma.

And I am really aggravated with those who say it's a little thing, let it go, don't ruffle any feathers. I guess I'd advise her not to be too verbal too soon, that is, before she successfully graduates. But I would not advise her to just roll over. If she feels strongly enough about being discriminated against, get a lawyer and go for the jugular.

When I earned both my bachelors and then my Masters, in order to participate in the ceremonies, I was forced to wear a mortarboard and a gown that I've never worn since!

Was I discriminated against??? :-)

No, because it was all or none. Did they say you only had to wear a gown/mortarboard if you were female, and the males could wear something else? I doubt it.

This would be a different issue if they voted for everyone to wear the caps, males included. When you are required to do something that others are not based on your genitals alone it IS discrimination.

Specializes in medical surgical.

Sorry, I would not wear it. I am also 50 years old. This is exactly why I did not go into nursing for my first degree. I am no handmaiden and I refuse to look like one. At my age, sorry I get to decide. I have also been to college prior and was in a sorority. Those days are long gone! If I had to wear it I probably would not even attend the ceremony. That is how strongly I feel about it. Flame away!

Oh for goodness sake.

We happen to live in a democracy, if a vote was held and a majority of the class wishes to wear a cap at graduation in theory that is that. It is not being "forced" by the school but they are following the will of the larger body of graduating students who expressed their views.

The OP has several options open to her:

1. Refuse to wear the cap *and* take her place at the ceremony, basically threatening the powers that be to take action.

2. Do not attend the ceremony on principle or whatever reason she chooses.

3. Suck it up and wear the darn thing, it will only be less than two hours out of nursing career that will span decades (hopefully), and then she can do what countless other grads have; take the cap off and chuck it into a closet/drawer never to see the light of day again.

One assumes this matter was discussed at length before the vote was taken and therefore the OP was given ample time along with others to express her views and or objections. If the majority won the day you can be sure they aren't going to look too fondly upon a *rebel* looking to spoil their special day.

America is a constitutional republic, not a democracy. And you are missing the whole member/lady parts aspect of this issue.

OP, contact someone at EEOC or some other federal agency or your Senators' offices for direction and guidance. Someone federal should teach your school about the LAW. Civil rights or something like that. Go for it, OP. you might never have to work again if you can sue the school for violating your civil rights.

It is all in good fun (as well as good intent). :) I'm a guy, and I'd wear the cap! :D hahaha Now if they wanted to bring back the entire nursing outfit from prior years...well let's just say I'm not wearing a dress! :)

It shows where nursing has been and how far the profession has progressed. Doesn't necessarily have to be labeled sexist or gender biased.

This a byproduct of nursing becoming a "recession-proof, everybody come on in, afterthought career" there is little to no respect for tradition or the history of the profession. I indeed still have my cap and it is on a stand with my pinning pic not a drawer or closet. If it matters I am NOT even 40 years old but I worked hard to make it to my pinning and I take offense to it being called archaic, sexist, cartoonish, and silly. If those are the words that this ceremony and attire bring to your mind perhaps you are the one that doesn't belong, not the traditions of the nursing journey.

Edit: I am indeed no handmaiden or nun but if the thought of being labeled as someone who serves others is so revolting I hope I am NEVER in your care.

I think go with the consensus, graduate, never wear the hat again and put your energy into studying for the NCLEX and enjoy being a graduate!

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