What is the purpose of requiring white shoes?

Nurses General Nursing

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I am just REALLY curious. So far I haven't come up with an answer from the internet, only discussion posts about what shoes are best. Is there a history to this, or a purpose to make nurses wear white shoes? I saw some on sale last week and was thinking maybe I should start stocking up, ha ha! :D

Specializes in Legal, Ortho, Rehab.

I personally like the white uniform and bright white sneakers. You'd be surprised at how many patients actually pay attention to these details. I had one guy look down at my shoes while he was laying in bed, and commented how bright and clean they were. He also mentioned other nurses who didn't seem to care, which made him hesitant. It looks clean, professional and it's traditional. I don't like the hot pink crocs and stuff either (I'm not saying if that's your thing you are a terrible nurse). Just my :twocents:

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

Actually in the earlier part of the 1900's up until probably the 30s or so nurses wore black hose and black shoes.

Personally I like the white sneakers, it's easier to tell when they're clean. I have several Rockports, but they don't make my favorites anymore. I also have some new balance that are OK but are too wide even in the narrow size. Probably ought to check with your job or job to be before spending a lot on shoes that may not be appropriate.

Take a look here: http://dyk2.homestead.com/

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Specializes in Home Care.

Taking pride in your appearance is the first step in acting professional no matter what your job.

When I was in bootcamp for the military we had to "spit polish" our black boots. They got so shiny that you could see the reflection of your face in them. I'd rather wear white sneakers :)

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Our facility policy requires white shoes but it's really just the soles they care about. It has nothing to do with nursing or tradition, they just want to prevent the black streaks on the floors! Even though it's the policy they very rarely enforce it.

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Okay...showing my age here...anybody remember Clinics-white tie oxfords? I wore them for years, even after sneakers were in fashion. I have narrow feet, and they came with a 4A heel. Remember polishing, then shining. Though not very stylish, they were comfortable...

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Okay...showing my age here...anybody remember Clinics-white tie oxfords? I wore them for years, even after sneakers were in fashion. I have narrow feet, and they came with a 4A heel. Remember polishing, then shining. Though not very stylish, they were comfortable...

I remember the Clinics -- although I never wore them myself (I was a Nursemates and SAS girl ... :)) People complain bitterly about the idea of being required to wear "real" duty shoes now, but the well-made ones were extremely comfortable, even when you were on your feet all day.

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Specializes in LTC Family Practice.
Okay...showing my age here...anybody remember Clinics-white tie oxfords? I wore them for years, even after sneakers were in fashion. I have narrow feet, and they came with a 4A heel. Remember polishing, then shining. Though not very stylish, they were comfortable...

Yup, and like you I have a narrow foot with a quad A heel :(. Back in the olden days of horse drawn carriage ;) as a student nurse we had butt ugly dress uni's white nylons (that'd be with the girdle:mad:) and white oxfords...man those shoes hurt my feet...not only narrow but high arches and insteps :(.

I just completed a Phlebotomy Tech course and our uni was scrubs OHHH was I thrilled. I'm returning to nursing after a loooooooooong time away and wearing sneaks and scrubs is my idea of heaven after what I used to wear.

I hate wearing white to this day - no white in the closet and I hope we don't have to start wearing it again...can't keep it clean and it's too see through, unless your almost wearing heavy canvas.:mad:

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Specializes in Med/Tele, Home Health, Case Management.
The RNs at our hospital have to wear all white all the time including shoes. I was wondering if that's becoming the norm nationwide?

REALLY??? The only time we had to wear all white was in nursing school...and that was within the last 5 years.

Most hospitals in my area are color coded by job (i.e. nurses = royal blue scrubs, techs = another color, etc.)

I would hate to be made to wear all white again! Don't these people know that there are some times of the mont that a woman just shouldn't wear white pants?

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I am just REALLY curious. So far I haven't come up with an answer from the internet, only discussion posts about what shoes are best. Is there a history to this, or a purpose to make nurses wear white shoes? I saw some on sale last week and was thinking maybe I should start stocking up, ha ha! :D

Think it goes along with the idea of wearing all white in the past. When white shoes are clean they look crisp and you can TELL when they are dirty and they are easy to polish.

When they stopped requiring us to wear them i went to many other colors :)

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Specializes in LTC, MDS Cordnator, Mental Health.

When I am on a Dead run all day the only shoe I want to wear is my tennis shoes.(i prefer New Balance). we only require that they be a shoe, not sandals or clogs. and Clean.

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I am just REALLY curious. So far I haven't come up with an answer from the internet, only discussion posts about what shoes are best. Is there a history to this, or a purpose to make nurses wear white shoes? I saw some on sale last week and was thinking maybe I should start stocking up, ha ha! :D

Short and simle answer; white shoes matched the white uniforms and stockings worn as part of the dress code of most if not all American hospitals. Student nurses wore either black shoes (with black stockings), or white shoes (with white stockings). This kept with the rather hierarchical nature of the profession (at least back in the day), when students were differentiated from graduate (trained, professional) RNs by a maddingly complex system of caps and uniforms.

http://www.uihealthcare.com/depts/medmuseum/galleryexhibits/centuryofcaring/collegeofnursing/03historyofcollege.html

White is seen as a "clean" and sanitary colour, again fitting in with the image of a professional nurse. In Flo's time a lady's shoes and hose weren't that much of an interest (other than fashion), because her skirts would have covered much of her legs and feet.

Certain colours of ladies shoes, hose and undergarments have had strong associations with women of "loose" morals, thus many hospitals (and many other employers of women as well), had dress codes that included not only outer garments, but undergarments as well. Just so you youngsters know, yes, there was someone who checked those sort of things.;)

An uniform is just that, a way to put individuals into one group of the same, and this often includes footware. Nurses regulation shoes were required from uniforms ranging from waitresses, to branches of the US military.

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Always love your insight, DoGoodThenGo!!!

I actually prefer the all white shoes. They put the reminder in my head to clean them when they are dirty. Also, I really like the all white scrubs. It looks clean and professional. (Although I'm sure if I had to wear them myself I'd be singing a different tune!)

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