School of Nursing: Connections

Uniforms no longer the key to nurse identity

Three nursing students from the 1960’s model uniforms from Harborview, Swedish and the University of Washington.

From 1931 to 1958, women nurses were required to wear specific uniforms that identified their program affiliation.

Harborview Hospital division (left)

Apricot dress with separate white collar and white hoover apron. Worn with white stockings and shoes and plain white cap with one study - right wing over left wing.
Plain white dress with purple shield on left breast pocket. Cap, shoes and stockings as in the photo.
Green dress with white pinafore. Cap, shoes and stockings as in the photo.

Swedish Hospital division (center)

Blue and white striped dress
Separate bib and apron
Separate collar and cuffs
Worn with white stockings and shoes and large plain white cap with two studs in back

University of Washington School of Nursing (right)

Purple and white checked dress with white pinafore. Worn with neutral hose and white shoes. Cap with double band, two studs in back. Could also be worn with cap with UW initials.
Peacock and white tunic with white pants or skirt. Worn with neutral hose and white shoes. Cap as in the photo.

(Photo and text from UW Special Collections)

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