Uniform Question -don't hate me!

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Can someone tell me about the belt with the clasp that was/is worn with the nursing uniforms? Does it serve a purpose? Is it tradition & if so, what is the story behind it?

Reason for asking, is that I always thought they were sharp looking. And also, I am throwing a HUGE HP party (2nd annual) this June for the movie & have made a Madame Pomfrey costume. I noticed she wore one.

Again, I hope this doesn't offend anyone, me asking.

best regards- justjenn

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Specializes in med/surge.

Hi,

I can't help too much on the history, but I have to say that I've lived in Britain (US citizen) for more than 10 years, and I've never seen that belt thing except in old Carry-On films.

I have seen photos of the new "modern matrons" for the NHS - -supposedly a cross between senior nurse and hospital business manager/housekeeper?-- and some of them were wearing that belt thing. It that case it was red?

good luck with the party!

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Belts used to denote the grade of the Nurse

Brown = Nursing Auxillary

Green = Enrolled nurse

Pale Blue = Staff Nurse

Dark Blue = Sister

However to confuse things different hospital had different colours

The Buckle could only be worn by qualified Nurses

Bronze for 2nd level nurses (State Enrolled Nurse)

Silver for 1st level Nurses (State Registered Nurses)

Traditionally it was bought by the parents on qualification.

Hope this helps

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Addition to previous post

Not worn now as nurse tend to wear tops and tunics and were considered to be both a infection risk and the could harm a patient when handling them.

A male perpective - they added shape to the uniform

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Specializes in midwifery, ophthalmics, general practice.

hey I still wear the old belt!! my belt is navy with a silver buckle which was my mums!! the buckle is older than I am!!

Buckles often represented the hospital you trained in... moorfields eye hospital had a brilliant one which was presented to the best nurse in the training group! my friend has the charing cross hospital buckle.

karen

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Specializes in med/surge.

So the old-style buckle was a combination of the modern day college/uni pin and the epeletes (can't spell that word) that a lot of the tunics & dresses have??

Thanks for the info.

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Specializes in Stroke Rehab, Elderly, Rehab. Ortho.

I have a silver buckle on my navy belt - only wear it in the summer when I feel it is too hot for my trousers & Tunic!! My Hubby bought it for me for my birthday about 13 years ago now...they are a very nice addition to the uniform, but not very practical...

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Wow. Great info!!! Now, I need to find out how to get one.

best all - jenn

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Specializes in LTC/Peds/ICU/PACU/CDI.

i'd like to see what one looks like! any links with pics out there?

cheers!

moe

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Ebay.co.uk has 15 for sale at present!

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Specializes in LTC/Peds/ICU/PACU/CDI.

but have you a link? if not...what on earth do ya call these belts so that i may do a search on ebay.co.uk?!!!

cheers!

moe

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