Signs of the nurse’s clothing at graduation^a

Abstract

Objective

to analyze the uniforms used in the graduation ceremony of nurses and their meanings for professional identity.

Method

A nursing school in Minas Gerais was studied from the period of 1947 to 1964. Qualitative, social-historical research, through which written, photographic and oral documents were analyzed, considering the conceptual bases of professional identity, by the sociologist Claude Dubar, and of clothing and its symbolic meanings, by Roland Barthes.

Results

The nurses' uniform used at graduation had institutional and professional identity signs. It consisted of the classic white dress, with a cap and other accessories.

Conclusions and implications for practice

The nurse's graduation uniform corresponded to the advances in fashion and scientificity, becoming a mark in the construction of the role and a consolidation of professional identity, contributing to the identification of a professional category in training.

Keywords:
Nurse; Nursing Schools; History of Nursing; Professional Role; Clothing; Social Identity