Preview
Contributor
Tate Archives & Special Collections
Contributor Institution
Illinois Wesleyan University
Creation Date
1971
Document Type
Artifact
Description
Nursing caps, originating in the late 19th century, symbolized professionalism and modesty. They were worn to indicate a nurse's rank and institution of graduation, with designs or colors signifying training levels. While once iconic, caps became less popular by the late 20th century as uniforms became more practical. Today, they are mostly worn for ceremonial occasions, honoring the profession's tradition.
Primary Source Analysis
Nursing caps have a long history, symbolizing the nursing profession, discipline, and commitment to patient care. The cap’s design varied depending on the nursing school or hospital, but it generally consisted of a white or light-colored fabric with a structured design. In the early days of nursing, caps were a practical part of a nurse's uniform, primarily worn to keep hair neatly in place and to meet hygiene standards. The caps also helped to distinguish nurses from other hospital staff and represented a nurse's rank or level of training. For example, newly graduated nurses often wore a simple white cap, while senior nurses or those with more experience might wear more elaborate designs.
Over time, as nursing became more professionalized, the cap evolved into a symbol of status and respect within the healthcare community. By the mid-20th century, however, nurses began to challenge the tradition of wearing caps. Several factors contributed to this shift. Advances in healthcare technology, hygiene practices, and the development of more practical and comfortable uniforms led to the gradual decline of the cap. Caps could be uncomfortable, difficult to maintain, and often impractical for the demanding nature of modern nursing.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the feminist movement and shifts in healthcare culture also played a role in moving away from the cap, as many nurses began to feel that the cap was an outdated and unnecessary symbol. The increased emphasis on practicality and comfort in uniforms, particularly with the rise of scrubs, led to the widespread abandonment of the nursing cap in favor of more functional attire.
Today, nursing caps are mostly a thing of the past, with nurses opting for more modern uniforms that prioritize comfort and practicality over tradition. Some nurses and doctors do use a more modern version of the cap usually in the form of a scrub cap to keep all their hair back during surgery. These caps help to maintain a sterile environment and prevent contamination. We can see how caps have shifted from something that used to be traditional to something that’s more hygienic, practical and functional. The cap has largely disappeared from everyday nursing attire, though it still holds a place in certain ceremonial or graduation settings as a reminder of the profession's rich history. Some nurses also will wear the caps to this day as a commemoration to their nursing career.
Rights
For rights information, contact Tate Archives & Special Collections at archives@iwu.edu.
Source
18-7/3/2 School of Nursing Caps & Badges
Keywords
nursing cap, uniform