Abstract
Background: Appearance plays a central role in nonverbal communication, and a nurse’s uniform serves as a visual symbol of professionalism and identity. However, the ideal nursing attire remains debated, as it may influence patients’ perceptions and the nurse–patient relationship.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 420 adult patients in the waiting areas of the Children Hospital and Lahore General Hospital, Lahore. A validated questionnaire was administered, consisting of six questions on nurse attire preferences. Participants were also asked to select their preferred attire from images depicting various options: white uniform, solid-color uniform, casual uniform, scruffy clothing with uniform, and classic or trendy outfits. Additional appearance factors such as name tag visibility, hair length, jewelry, makeup, tattoos, piercings, and footwear were also evaluated.
Results: The results showed that 51.0% of patients identified nurses as professional healthcare providers, while 75.2% preferred standardized uniforms and 71.9% supported distinct attire for head nurses. Additionally, over 70% of respondents reported no difficulty recognizing nurses from other healthcare staff, indicating clarity in professional identity.
Conclusion: The statistical findings confirm that patients in Lahore strongly associate standardized, neat, and culturally appropriate attire with nursing professionalism and trustworthiness.