We have come a long way, baby, from the starched stiffness of a day gone by and the subservience that the traditional uniform connotes. The more modern attire is more functional to meet the demands of today's nurse.
Nurses appreciate the shared power in being able to have a voice in the choice style, color, etc.
However, I do think that registered nurses need to adopt a universal symbol to distinguish them from other hospital personnel. In this way, nurses may retain their freedom of choice in work attire, yet maintain the pride and identity in their positions as registered nurses. Especially when working in hospital settings. I have heard many complaints from patients, visitors and other nurses about the lack of professional dress of many nurses in the workplace today. The laxity in dress codes for nurses in many agencies today is unacceptable.