
It would have been nice to have a few clerically-collared shirts during CPE. Wandering around a hospital, it would be beneficial for my role and purpose (and authority to be present by security-minded staff) to be instantly recognized. Two of my colleagues wore clerical collars, and they were quite useful for that purpose.
In my parish town, I think that a clerical collar would be seen as pretentious, but in certain visitation situations, such as meeting those suffering from dementia, it could prove handy.
Andrew Thompson has a lively discussion going on the subject. Go there and comment.