| Uniforms signify dedication and discipline. Nursing | | | | conservative manner. Graduate nurses normally |
| uniforms help create the proper atmosphere in a | | | | wore white, and student nurses sometimes wore |
| hospital. If the uniform is in a color that is not at | | | | blue, pink or checked uniforms, so that the two |
| all soothing, like blood-red or fluorescent green, | | | | could be distinguished by color. Nurses wore capes |
| that could bother the person who is being treated. | | | | for outer wear, mostly navy blue with red lining, |
| Therefore, a nursing uniform is designed to | | | | embroidered with hospital initials. |
| consider the impact on the patient regarding his | | | | With the advent of the '70s, hospitals began to |
| well-being and fast recovery. | | | | relax the rules and uniforms were done away |
| However, in recent days there has been a lot of | | | | with. Now most nurses can choose their own |
| debate on the topic. The complexities of nursing | | | | clothing, which in most cases is a pantsuit or |
| uniforms were reviewed and analyzed in an article | | | | comfortable surgery "scrub suit." Hospital scrubs |
| in the year 2002. If we look back at the history | | | | are usually made from a 65/35 polyester/cotton |
| of the nursing uniforms, we might get some | | | | blend for durability, although some are made with |
| interesting facts: as early as the 1800s, the | | | | 100% cotton to ensure maximum comfort. |
| nursing uniform represented the 'state of the art' | | | | These run the risk of shrinking and fading after |
| protection for the 'visiting nurse'. It was popularly | | | | washing, however. One can find unisex medical |
| called the 'fever proof uniform' and it covered | | | | scrubs also that are meant for both men and |
| most of the body- but the nurse never wore any | | | | women. |
| gloves or mask. | | | | Different hospitals follow different attire policies. In |
| Nursing uniforms have witnessed a great evolution | | | | some hospitals, you are free to choose your own |
| during the last century or so. In the first two | | | | colors and styles. Some will provide you scrubs to |
| decades of the 20th century, a nurse's uniform | | | | be worn on the premises only (washed daily and |
| usually was an ankle-length dress with detachable | | | | reused). And some will purchase scrubs for you. |
| collar and neck. The front of the dress was | | | | The final decision usually rests with the authorities, |
| covered by a massive starched apron and a cap, | | | | though your views may not be ignored altogether. |
| resembling a mushroom, announced her | | | | Some hospitals insist on a blue-scrubs-only policy |
| professional identity. | | | | in the operating room, in order to prevent |
| In the course of the next few decades, the | | | | patients from getting infected. One should also |
| uniforms underwent a huge change: the starched | | | | remember that wearing a tee shirt underneath |
| aprons were given a farewell, and hems and | | | | one's scrub, if it extends beyond the scrub, can |
| sleeves were cut short. The styles often | | | | increase chances of infection. |
| reflected the mode of the time, albeit in a | | | | |