A question about older uniform styles

[Ariko]

I have a question about older style uniforms, which were worn with a pinafore (we would call it a bib apron). First of all, I think that they are very smart and professional but not having worn one I cannot speak to how practical they may have been. Did you like wearing them?

I think read that the apron was never worn outside of the ward, or hospital. Is this correct? Also, did the hospital provide the blue dress as well as the pinny? How was the bib portion held up? I have seen several photos showing a fob watch or school pin holding the front up, but I have also seen other photos with nothing visible holding the bib. Was it pinned from the inside breast pocket?

I get wistful looking at those old uniforms. The current state of uniforms is deplorable. The scrubs worn here make it impossible to tell the charge nurse from housekeeping staff. That raises another question. Does the color of the belt worn in the UK indicate rank? I wonder if is it true that the British are (or were) obsessed with rank as in Pygmalion?

I have tried to attach a photo to this post, but I don't if it will work.

Many thanks for your answers.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

I cannot speak for wearing a pinafore but can answer most of your question

The Uniforms then and still do dictate to what level of nurse or worker you are. In nursing Navy blue = Sister/Charge nurse, lighter blue=RN, green= Enrolled nurse and brown/beige=aux nurse/health care worker. When I first started nursing in 1986 nurses was not allowed to, unless they worked in the community, wear their uniforms outside the hospital.

I would not say we are obsessed but view it as practical for visitors and family members aswell as the patients to be able to see who's who and approach the relevant member of staff for whatever is required, ie nurse re questions and domestic staff if requiring other things like a vase for flowers.

I am sure that you will recieve other answers but this is my opinion :)

I don't wear the fob watch any more but did buy one for a US friend who is a nurse who was forever loosing her watches or accidently washing them and after 3 yrs is still using it :)

[karenG]

ok. I will put up my hand and say I have worn a uniform like that! when I was doing my OND at Moorfields Eye Hosptal we wore those... and it was only 20yrs ago! and knowing good old MEH they probably still wear them!!

I only had 3 dresses and they fitted!! like a glove! you were measured and the dresses made for you. I had 10 white pinnies. The dresses had buttons on the front that the top of the pinny attatched to. At the back it was held in place another button. Then you had your belt over the top. The collars were cardboard and we used soap to soften them. held in place by collar studs. The pinny was put on on the ward and if you left the ward.. it stayed behind! I must admit it was very comfortable and I felt like a real nurse!! you rustled as you walked!! the pinny was useful.. we used to turn up the bottom and write in pencil on it!

the uniform dresses were different colours to denote grade.. thus while doing my OND I wore purple pin stripes, when qualified I wore blue pin stripes. sisters wore all blue and no pinnies. we had two pockets in the side of the dress which were just about big enough to put a pen/pencil in! I had a fob watch but it had to be under the top of the pinny.

I must be old!!!

Karen

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

ok. I will put up my hand and say I have worn a uniform like that! when I was doing my OND at Moorfields Eye Hosptal we wore those... and it was only 20yrs ago! and knowing good old MEH they probably still wear them!!

I only had 3 dresses and they fitted!! like a glove! you were measured and the dresses made for you. I had 10 white pinnies. The dresses had buttons on the front that the top of the pinny attatched to. At the back it was held in place another button. Then you had your belt over the top. The collars were cardboard and we used soap to soften them. held in place by collar studs. The pinny was put on on the ward and if you left the ward.. it stayed behind! I must admit it was very comfortable and I felt like a real nurse!! you rustled as you walked!! the pinny was useful.. we used to turn up the bottom and write in pencil on it!

the uniform dresses were different colours to denote grade.. thus while doing my OND I wore purple pin stripes, when qualified I wore blue pin stripes. sisters wore all blue and no pinnies. we had two pockets in the side of the dress which were just about big enough to put a pen/pencil in! I had a fob watch but it had to be under the top of the pinny.

I must be old!!!

Karen

I agree................ You old so and so ... :rotfl:

[Karen30]

I would not say we are obsessed but view it as practical for visitors and family members aswell as the patients to be able to see who's who and approach the relevant member of staff for whatever is required, ie nurse re questions and domestic staff if requiring other things like a vase for flowers.

This obviously doesn't work ..frequently I am asked by visitors for vases, cups of tea, mop buckets, the floor being wet...etc......maybe they think I am the domestic!!!

[karenG]

I agree................ You old so and so ... :rotfl:

thanks Anna!! :rotfl:

Karen

[bulletproofbarb]

My opinion:

Uk nurses are too anal about their uniforms, colours, pinnies ect. Sometimes, they seem to spend more time discussing the uniform than anything else....and those god awful metal buckles. Lord knows what would grow on a petri dish if they were swabbed...and whats with the waist band???????? I like to breathe and move at work thanks.

Given the fact alot of people can read and ask anyway, why waste time and money on uniforms. Karen30 is right. People ask the first person they see for something, they don't seek out the right person according to their uniform.

A decent uniform top and trousers or dress is all that is needed, no fancy attachments.

[karenG]

My opinion:

Uk nurses are too anal about their uniforms, colours, pinnies ect. Sometimes, they seem to spend more time discussing the uniform than anything else....and those god awful metal buckles. Lord knows what would grow on a petri dish if they were swabbed...and whats with the waist band???????? I like to breathe and move at work thanks.

Given the fact alot of people can read and ask anyway, why waste time and money on uniforms. Karen30 is right. People ask the first person they see for something, they don't seek out the right person according to their uniform.

A decent uniform top and trousers or dress is all that is needed, no fancy attachments.

too anal.............. gee thanks!!

I havent worn a uniform in years....

I would like to point out that when we did wear 'proper uniforms' there was very little in the way of assaults on nurses............. I dont remember there ever being any infection control problems... and yes I wore a fancy silver buckle. oh and you'd be suprised how many people cant read or write!

and talking of swabbing things and then culturing the results... ever taken a culture from your arm???

the op was asking about old style uniforms, and yes, I've been in this job a long time so I have worn old uniforms and new ones and now no uniform.. and actually I prefer a uniform of sorts... so I wear a suit. at least I can take it off when I get home and throw it in the wash... and its seperate from my normal clothes. Oh and yes.. when I trained the uniforms didnt leave the hospital unless you lived in the nurses home in which case you had a truly glamours cape to wear (and I still have mine!)

Karen

[Karen30]

EEkkk... I don't know about being too anal.....

I like having a uniform, I feel proud when in uniform that I am a nurse. I too had a silver buckle and this had meaning not only that I was a qualified nurse, but the fact my parents bought it me as a qualifiying present......I know a lot of nurses whose buckles were given to them as presents on qualifying. However, I do wear tunic and trousers these days which are much more comfortable and practical for work.

As for how much infection a buckle may harbour...consider things you use today such as fob watches, pens, scissors, stethoscopes...etc......as well as the aformentioned arms and hands.

[donmurray]

"Sigh", I still miss that starched rustle.......

[llg, PhD, RN]

I am an American and wore a uniform similar to the one described way back when I was a student. I loved them back then ... and I miss them. The crisp white apron, the comfortable blue dress underneath -- both with ample pockets. I did hate wearing a cap, however. They were impractical and uncomfortable.

I don't have to wear any uniform (or scrubs) to work now as I am in a role that is a combination of administration and staff development. I wear "civilian" skirts and blouses, or nice trousers, etc. I have no desire to wear contemporary scrubs -- though I know from experience that they are very comfortable and practical. However, I would consider wearing a uniform to work if I could wear one like my old school uniform. Even the thought of it makes me smile.

llg

[OC_An Khe]

Is it the way we dress that gives us our recognition, pride and sense of accomplishment? Or is what we do on a daily basis that is the source of our professional pride and satisfaction? Did love those capes though.