Initially the nursing students wore some sort of striped uniform with a starched white apron over it, then after graduation were "allowed" to wear the stiff white uniform, and had a blue cape with a red lining, which they wore, with the red flap over one shoulder as a sign of distinction.

The cap was worn at all times, even as a Nursing student. The doctors, as many have indicated have always worn (at least in the past) a white usually knee length lab coat with (in the old days) a suit underneath as ,again, a sign of distinction.

In the "old days" when a doctor entered the room the nurse(s) had to stand up, and surrender their seat to the physician(s), who were highly regarded, and I do believe seldom questioned.

As time went by things began to "ease up" a bit, and now we are able to wear the "sinfully" (as one of my elder OB/GYN bosses once giggled as she donned her first pair due to the heat - she even still wore the stockings and the garters) comfortable scrubs...

OF NOTE: Those of you out there who have, as I (no, I'm not THAT OLD ) been in the profession for awhile - have you ever heard the elderly complain that you cannot tell the nurses from the housekeepers because "they're all dressed alike"? The elderly take comfort in seeing the white uniform - as a symbol of professionalism, not realizing that we're still smart, we're just comfortable ..

NOTE TO WHITE'S WEARERS: To get Betadine out of those whites (this is REALLY COOL): Get some Vitamin C from the pharmacy - have to do this while the betadine is still wet - crush it and add a little water to forma paste, then rub it on the Betadine and it will disappear just like ivisible ink!!!! It's really cool------------