From Midi to Malay-Muslim-Friendly: Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia's Journey in Malaysianising Its Nursing Uniform
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Abstract
Nursing uniforms have undergone various metamorphoses since Malaysia gained independence. This article presents the process of transforming the nursing uniform at the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) between 1983 and 2017. In this historical case study, content analysis was conducted on the data obtained through library research and face-to-face interviews. The HUSM nursing uniform evolution can be categorised into three phases: the inauguration of the unique HUSM image and the negotiation for Malay-Muslim-friendly nursing uniforms (from 1983 to the mid-1990s); the officiation of the Malay-Muslimfriendly nursing uniform (from the mid-1990s to 2011); and the enhancement of the HUSM image (from 2011 to 2017). With the evolution of the Malay-Muslim dressing norms during the specific time frame, various obstacles arose, but the HUSM continuously improved its nursing uniform in terms of practicality, professional image and Malay-Muslim features. The process of advocating for a Malay-Muslim friendly uniform in the post-colonial period was challenging, although Malay-Muslims account for the majority of the population and Islam is the official religion of Malaysia. HUSM has demonstrated practicality in blending the local dressing norms within the professional dress codes while maintaining good standards of practice in healthcare.
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