Top Changes in Nursing Uniforms in the Modern Era

Posted: Jan 13, 2011 |Comments: 0 |

Clothing styles are continually changing.  Hemlines go up and down, styling changes from fitted to boxy, the length of tops and shirts goes from cropped to tunic length and prevalent color schemes vary from year to year.  Clothing manufacturers need to periodically offer new stylings in order to keep the demand for new clothing high.  While driven by marketing needs, changes in clothing styles and colors is not altogether bad for the consumer.  If you don't look particularly good in the current styles or favor the au courant colors you can be sure that the fashion of the today will be yesterday's passé fad.

Nursing uniforms also follow these same nursing trends.  No longer are hospitals staffed with nurses in starched white nursing uniforms and caps. In the 1980's traditional nursing uniforms gave way to uniform scrubs.  Originally worn solely in the operating room in colors of green or blue, uniform scrubs found their way into all areas of hospital nursing and into doctor and dental offices.  Most healthcare workers now choose to wear uniform scrubs because of their comfort, easy of laundering and low price. 

As in regular clothing, one style will not suit everyone's taste or body requirements. In response to the large number of nurses choosing to wear medical scrubs, companies such as Cherokee Scrubs and Dickies Scrubs increased their uniform scrub lines to offer a variety of styles of scrub pants and scrub tops to better fit the many different types of the female figure.  The unisex, boxy scrub was joined by fitted pants in regular, petite and tall lengths.  The original drawstring waist was no longer the only option for pants.  Elastic waists, fly front fitted waistbands and low-rise waists are now options for the uniform scrubs wearer.

Scrub tops also are available in a variety of styles to flatter the female figure.  The boxy, loose fitting unisex top now has a slimmer fitting version.  Scrub tops now come in snap front, mock wrap and empire waist versions.  Nurses are now able to choose their nursing uniforms based on fashion, fit and comfort, making for more ease of wear during the work shift.  The need to bend, stretch and lift is not hampered by inappropriate or confining nursing uniforms.

Color! Color! Color!  Uniform scrubs have revolutionized the hospital environment, infusing color into the once sterile looking hospitals.  Patients reacted favorable to the change, feeling less intimidated and more relaxed during hospital stays.  Different hospital units took to wearing designated colors to differentiate their work space.  Nurses were pleased that uniform scrubs are easier to launder that the traditional white nursing dress, requiring little or no ironing if removed promptly from the drier.  And the problem of keeping white uniforms looking clean and white was no longer an issue, resulting in colored nursing scrubs having a longer life than white uniforms.

Scrub tops and warm-up jackets furthered the change in nursing uniforms by being offered in a wide variety of prints and patterns.  Different work areas in healthcare facilities benefit from this variety.  Child friendly pediatric prints make for a less frightening hospital atmosphere for young patients.  Dental assistants find that whimsical dental prints help to calm nervous children during examinations.  Veterinarians now sport animal print tops that bring a smile to pet owners and create a friendly work environment.

Shopping for nursing uniforms has also undergone beneficial changes.  It is no longer necessary to find a local uniform retailer. Uniform scrubs are easily available at a variety of online retailers.  Online nursing uniform retailers do not face the same limitations as local retailers. Because the market place does not have geographic limitations, sales expectations are higher. This translates into the ability to house greater inventory without the fear of getting stuck with old merchandise sitting on the shelves. Thus, the online shopper can expect to find a larger selection of styles, colors and sizes at an online retailer than at the local uniform store.

There are now many different medical scrubs that can be worn and they have come on a long way from the days of the boring, bulky, constrictive dress, apron and cap.  Fashion has invaded the nursing profession and is of benefit to nurse and patient alike.  Readily available from online websites, nursing uniforms have never been as comfortable or as fun.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/clothing-articles/top-changes-in-nursing-uniforms-in-the-modern-era-4033528.html

    Article Tags:

    uniform scrubs

    ,

    nursing uniforms

    ,

    medical scrubs

    ,

    nursing scrubs

    ,

    uniforms

    ,

    nursing

    Before settling down on a nursing job, it is best to know your options first in terms of compensation. Aiming for a high-paying job is only practical, especially in times of an unstable economy. Knowing the three highest paying jobs in the nursing field can help you reach a decision.

    By: Brent McNuttl Careersl Mar 05, 2009 lViews: 3,929

    Medical uniforms have been a professional requirement of health care workers starting as early as the middle of the 19th century. By 1880, Florence Nightingale had established a system to train nurses and used a hat and band system to identify nurses of different rank. Nurse hats originally were modeled after nun's coifs, which gave the nursing uniform an increased look of respectability.

    By: Sallyl Shopping> Fashionl Oct 10, 2010

    Our society, and indeed the whole world, admire and respect the medical profession. We look to our doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals to cure us of disease, give us comfort and hope during times of crisis, and support us in our search for good physical and mental health.

    By: Seomul Evansl Healthl Aug 13, 2008 lViews: 542

    And if you were to look at their jobs perspective, there is plenty of it for licensed practical, volunteer and registered medical professionals. And, of course, this is the major why medical uniforms are quite popular amongst these health care experts.

    By: Dwight Lundeenl Shopping> Clothingl Mar 14, 2011

    Many think that nursing is a stagnant career and that it offers only limited opportunities for growth and development. On the contrary, there are various exciting careers that registered nurses can venture to aside from the traditional job in the hospital.

    By: Brent McNuttl Careersl Mar 05, 2009 lViews: 3,260

    Nursing is a noble profession that demands to be recognized and respected. After all, they do most of the "care" in healthcare. A nursing job can be challenging and fulfilling, and a worthy career to consider.

    By: Brent McNuttl Careers> Resumesl Mar 05, 2009 lViews: 640

    Whether you are attending a formal or a casual event, stockings are a must have. Women have long been celebrating these wardrobe essentials and now we look at why they are so popular.

    By: Kathryn Pattisonl Shopping> Clothingl Jun 01, 2012

    If you are like me you will have hundreds of pairs of tights in your wardrobe. From printed designs to plain colours that are ideal for the office, there is a pair for every occasion.

    By: Kathryn Pattisonl Shopping> Clothingl Jun 01, 2012

    The urban trooper is not garbed in heavy armors, but in comfortable t-shirts. Fashion may have evolved, but nothing can match the style statement of well-made graphic design t-shirts. And this is what Le Ninja is all about.

    By: JohnAndersonl Shopping> Clothingl Jun 01, 2012

    Designer clothing continues to be a favorite among different groups of people in different corners of the world.. With an increasing number of online stores selling designer clothing and replicas as well, some of you may prefer investing in high quality designer pieces, while those with budget restrictions may prefer the replicas.

    By: Zoe Robinsonl Shopping> Clothingl May 29, 2012

    In playing golf, you need to wear the right clothes and accessories. Your clothes will give style and comfort when you are on the golf course.

    By: pinksandgreensl Shopping> Clothingl May 28, 2012

    Uniform scrubs are generally lower priced uniform options than traditional nursing uniforms. Some online nursing uniform retailers such as Lydias Uniforms goes even further by offering their own brand of discount uniform scrubs. Medical uniforms have never been so affordable.

    By: Sallyl Shopping> Clothingl Jan 13, 2011

    With the demand on nursing exceeding itself within the bounds of the local job market and military battle grounds, nursing has donned its uniform scrubs and put on its nursing shoes and begun to be a mobile occupation. The result is the creation of the Travel Nurse. Travel nursing jobs are located in all areas of the world and are usually procured through a travel nursing agency.

    By: Sallyl Careers> Career Managementl Jan 13, 2011

    The first written history of nursing is contained in the Bible. The Talmud and other writings also mention tending to the ill. In the 5th century BC the Hippocratic Oath was born delineating physician responsibilities and ethics. However, it was far later that nursing became a profession and professional teaching and standards were established.

    By: Sallyl Education> College and Universityl Jan 13, 2011

    Why do people travel? Perhaps plain wanderlust urges people see new places and have new experiences or the need to get away from everyday stress or pressures at home or work. Some may want to make a religious pilgrimage to a sacred site or a new career may beckon. Whatever the reason, travel allows you to make a connection in another country, meet different people and experience different cultures.

    By: Sallyl Careers> Career Managementl Jan 13, 2011

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast