Professional image: enhanced or inhibited by attire?

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Professional Development
• Healthcare Attire Standards

Background:

• Nursing faculty report concerns regarding student and staff dress in clinical settings.
• Professional appearance is crucial for nursing, impacting patient perception and professional identity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare faculty and student perceptions of professional attire in baccalaureate nursing programs.
• To analyze the influence of demographic variables and curriculum level on attire preferences.
• To assess faculty influence on students' perceptions of professional image and attire.

Main Methods:

• A Likert-type questionnaire was administered to nursing faculty and students across 50 accredited baccalaureate programs.
• Data were analyzed to compare perceptions of professional attire, including various clothing items, hairstyles, and accessories.
• Demographic variables (age, gender, curriculum level) and their correlation with attire preferences were examined.

Main Results:

• Significant correlations were found between faculty age/teaching level and attire preferences; older faculty and those in upper divisions preferred more traditional attire.
• Similar correlations were observed in older students and those in upper-level courses.
• Students reported positive faculty influence on their perceptions of professional image and attire in both classroom and clinical settings.

Conclusions:

• Attire preferences in nursing education are influenced by age and academic progression.
• Faculty play a significant role in shaping students' understanding and adoption of professional dress standards.
• Addressing attire norms requires consideration of generational and educational level differences within nursing programs.