Jefferson Hospital School of Nursing - Yearbook (Roanoke, VA)

Page 53 text:

Page 52 text:

Meaning. of 3 Nurses Cap The lineage of the cap goes back to medieval and even to those earlier times when womanls humility and obedience were signified by her assumption of a bridal veil. The nurses cap was the symbol of her service to humanity. It tried with varying success to fulfill also another purpose de- manded of it by an age awakening to consciousness of germs. The cap was worn to cover the hair and keep the appearance modest and neat. When the styles of hair dressing changed the size of the cap became smaller and was moved further back on the head. RUBY BOLT Why Nurses Wear Uniforms The present-day nurse,s uniform is a direct descendant of. the religious orders of medieval times- for during that time all nursing was done by nuns or deaconesses. The stiff white cap of the deacon- ess, the close-fitting white linen cap of the nun, the fluted ruffles or bows under the chin-eall these were forerunners of the present uniform and cap. l The cap, especially, has received much attention. It is said to be a modification of the bridal veil of the middle ages. Its symbolism has been that of forsaking all others, humility, obedience, and service. As the custom grew these veils became part of the prescribed habit within the walls of the church. Thus it has descended to the nurses cap, Which is yet associated With humility and the rendering of service to mankind. The modern nursels uniform also inherited the motives of these religious habitSehumility, pro- tection, cleanliness and uniformity. DREAMA SCOTT 1421

Page 54 text:

53$; as : xagwia i :yxgy V r 2-51 116m: 1; ! the fmlwtwow ' mg Inlhf? rammed ,L,e ., w i hue dco Surgical Department : 9:5 I501