Why do nurses wear white uniforms?

Answer 1

It is generally believed that the reason a nurses uniform is white, is because it represents cleanliness and purity. Most places today have done away with white uniforms and use scrubs in different colors.

Answer 2

In the infancy of nursing, nurses wore kerchiefs to cover their hair to protect themselves as well as the patients. The kerchiefs eventually evolved into nursing caps. The caps were usually starched and white, but can indicate the nurse as a professional, what school she attended, what rank she held, and what hospital or religious affiliation she held. Although today's nurses rarely wear nursing caps, many nurses and patients miss the sentimentality and pride they often invoked.

Answer 3

A nurse's cap was part of the early uniform for nurses it was derived from the nun's habit. It's purpose was to keep the hair out of the face and in place while being modest. Some schools will perform a capping ceremony for graduates but typically caps aren't used in a clinical setting because of the risk of infection to patients.

Answer 4

Nurses don't wear hats much anymore, at least in the U.S. (unless they work in surgery or some other sterile environment). That is a relic from a more patriarchal time.