It's always interesting to see how people live different lives, in different parts of the world. In this video, a critical care nurse in the U.S. shares a day in her life.

Is this anything like you do? Do you share in this nurse's views and ideas? Any similarities or differences you've noticed in your own job as a nurse?

In this video, Edwina tells us what it's like to be a nurse in midwifery. She gives us great insight on the difference that our nurses make in the lives of many women and children.

Have you ever worked in midwifery like Edwina? What do you like best about it?

Sharon shares her story about life as a nurse.

Can you identify with some of her experiences? What's your story like?

Saw this American TV Ad entitled "Imagine a World Without Nurses. Sharp and to the point.

What do you think?

This video presentation was shown at the 2009 NSWNA Annual Conference.

Since 2004, nursing staff at Sydney Children's Hospital have been given the choice to wear suitable professional attire or uniform. Choice of professional attire is based on guidelines developed by management and staff.

The choice of uniform or professional dress was given to the nurses based on research on nurses caring for children and their families and is consistent with many other childrens’ hospitals both nationally and internationally. 

Research has shown that children react with greatest anxiety towards traditional nurses uniforms which is the reason why paediatric nurses internationally often wear colorful uniforms. This research is supported anecdotal feedback in 2004 when nurses were surveyed following the transition into professional dress, one nurse reported that there is "No 'blue shirt syndrome'. Children don't instantly freak out as often'" (The Lamp, 2004) 

Based on this research and many more reasons I think that maintaining a choice for paediatric nurses is important, What do you think? 

The picture I used for this post was taken from a film I made for the inaugural NSWNA Nurses Short Film Festival 2009.  The video is at the top of this post.

Do you have any comments about why we should or should not wear uniform? Does anyone work anywhere else that has been given the choice?

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Watch Scott's Story. Video brought to you by NSW Nurses' Association.

This NSWNA advertisement shows the high level of education, skill and professionalism demonstrated by the modern nurse.