Many nursing students deal with biohazardous substances, including blood, urine and feces. These substances may contain viruses and bacteria, which are potential carriers of disease. Wearing a nursing uniform prevents the spread of these substances because wearing it is only restricted to nursing lessons. Moreover, the uniforms are easy to clean.
A nursing uniform makes the student act like a qualified nurse. This boosts his urge to learn and solidifies his identity as a nurse. Uniforms lend nursing students some professional credibility. A nursing student's advice is taken seriously when he is uniform compared to when he is in a casual outfit. A nursing uniform also makes it easier for the student to work comfortably without worrying about what would happen if he had a casual outfit, say if some medicine spilled on it.
Dressing helps an individual define himself. Wearing nursing uniforms in schools interferes with the student's individuality and self-expression. The nursing uniform may cause a student to rebel against school rules to get the individuality not allowed while in a nursing uniform. Rebellion may result in disciplinary action that could hinder the student from proceeding with his education.
Making nursing students wear nursing uniforms may thwart their religious practices. For instance, there are some religions in which a set code of dressing is expected for females. The nursing uniform may fail to meet the religion's dressing criteria, making the student feel depressed. As a consequence, the student may shift from nursing to a field of study that respects her religious beliefs.