The Professional Appearance of Registered Nurses

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of research examining the impact of standardized uniform style and color for registered nurses (RNs). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to appraise published peer-refereed studies on the effect of a standardized uniform style and color for RNs. METHODS: Seven peer-refereed studies exploring standardized uniforms for RNs were identified. Using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine evidence hierarchy, each study was assigned a level of evidence and overall rating. RESULTS: Data suggest that patients felt that RNs appeared professional and were easily identified by a standardized uniform style and color. No strong evidence supports a patient's preference for a specific style and color of uniform. CONCLUSIONS: Findings are inconsistent but demonstrate that a standardized uniform style and color increased the perception of professionalism and recognition of RNs among patients.