So, this is a random topic, but I have fallen in love with the vintage WWII capes that nurses used to wear. I know they were probably very annoying to wear and not super practical, but they are GORGEOUS to me and I was thinking about purchasing one eventually. I like vintage things and they are so pretty!
Can anyone tell me if all nurses used to have to wear capes during that time? Or were the capes specifically for military nurses? The reason I ask is because I would like to know if it would be disrespectful to wear one occasionally. If they were only for military nurses, I may purchase one but not ever wear it as I would not deserve to, plus it's not like I inherited it from a family member. I know some of you may be thinking I'm a weirdo for wanting to wear one, but to each their own.
Thanks for any information! There actually doesn't seem to be a whole lot online about capes specifically. Caps, yes plenty :)
Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.
A hospital system I used to work in had a nursing honor guard. When older nurses pass away, these ladies dress in all-whites and make a small ceremony at the viewing or funeral honoring the nursing career of the departed. I think it's so wonderful. I would want that when it's my time.
I love that!!!! How cool!
I think it's awesome that you are interested in and want to wear the cape. I don't know if I would do it without the full regalia though; cap, white dress...
Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.
The one and only disciplinary action I ever faced at my former clinical job was for wearing a Peyton Manning jersey to work the night of the SuperBowl. Got written up.
PS: The job was at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital. And this was the last SB in which Peyton and the Broncos won.
PSS: TOTALLY worth it!
What a dumb reason to get wrote up. I mean, I can see getting asked to change perhaps, but written up?
What a dumb reason to get wrote up. I mean, I can see getting asked to change perhaps, but written up?
The really awesome part was that all the hospital bigwigs were at a media event/ viewing party IN THE HOSPITAL in jeans and jerseys- in direct violation of the dress code.
No, not to work :) Just owning one and maybe wearing it in other situations. I wouldn't have any reason to wear one to work to get dirty or lost and i'd just be taking it off when I got there, anyway!
Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
First of all- it is very considerate and thoughtful of you to ask about the military use of capes. I also love vintage nursing clothing. In fact, I've wanted to develop a one-woman show about nursing back-in-the-day. Patterns are out there.
A hospital system I used to work in had a nursing honor guard. When older nurses pass away, these ladies dress in all-whites and make a small ceremony at the viewing or funeral honoring the nursing career of the departed. I think it's so wonderful. I would want that when it's my time.
That would be cool! Back when I was a student (in a diploma program) I participated in some sort of program marking the anniversary of either the hospital or the program. They had several of us volunteer to dress in student uniforms over the years. I still have the newspaper article with the picture of myself and several others dressed in various garb. Mine was almost down to the floor with a long white apron. It was fun, but I wouldn't have wanted to wear that thing plus the big cap our school had in the summer--talk about hot!
Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
What a dumb reason to get wrote up. I mean, I can see getting asked to change perhaps, but written up?
The really awesome part was that all the hospital bigwigs were at a media event/ viewing party IN THE HOSPITAL in jeans and jerseys- in direct violation of the dress code.
One set of rules for them, one for the plebs.
Some day I'll have to tell you about the time I got disciplined for getting a care package from the Phillies for an Amish kid I was taking care of who was in the hospital for weeks of IV abx. This was before HIPAA, in case anyone is ready to jump on me with all four feet for violating the kid's confidentiality. That was the time I learned that you never do something that could potentially steal the thunder of a middle manager, e.g. "Public Relations."
NurseCard, ADN
2,850 Posts
I love that!!!! How cool!
I think it's awesome that you are interested in and want to wear the cape. I don't know if I would do it without the full regalia though; cap, white dress...