Résumé
In France, nurses are easily recognisable by their emblematic white coats. However, this outfit is not compulsory. In some cases, they are no longer worn, and nurses wear their civilian clothes. Without this white coat, it is legitimate to ask whether the nurse’s professionalism posture, emotions and professional boundaries remain unchanged. The aim of study was to explore how the nurse’s uniform could influence the nurse’s emotions and the maintenance of professional boundaries. The present study was a qualitative analysis using content analysis, where the data collection method included four semi-structured interviews in a professional environment, with a psychiatric nurse, a somatic nurse and two private practice nurses. The results showed that the emotions felt by nurses remained difficult to explore. The notion of professional boundaries and professional attitudes was complex and multidimensional. Finally, the place of care seemed essential: it was in fact the environment that indicated whether or not a uniform was necessary. Following this study, it would be interesting to explore how the nurse’s experience and the care environment could influence professional boundaries.