Nursing Scrubs / Whites

The uniform of the medical profession has evolved a lot since the white starched dresses and caps of Florence Nightingale's wartime. Historically, nurses wore professional uniforms so they were easily identifiable to doctors and patients. The white uniform, usually a dress with an apron worn over it, and a rectangular white hat, gave the impression of cleanliness and professionalism. 

Doctors and surgeons had no such uniform. They would routinely arrive for surgery in their street clothes, sometimes performing lengthy surgical procedures in their suits and dress shoes. They would simply slip an apron, similar to a butcher's apron, over their clothing before operating. Before scientists understood how germs were spread, doctors gave little regard to the transference of bacteria from the outside world to their patients. 

In the late 1800s, Professor Joseph Lister began researching the correlation between bacteria and infection. His theory was not widely accepted until German bacteriologist Heinrich Koch demonstrated that germs had a direct influence on disease. Once Lister's antiseptic method was embraced, doctors began to remove their street clothing and operating room personnel began using a process of cleansing that involved vigorous scrubbing of the arms, hands, and fingers. Operating rooms became known as "scrubbed" environments and soon thereafter, the medical attire became known simply as "scrubs". Nursing scrubs became common once doctors began donning the typical cotton shirt and pants. 

Nursing scrubs have gone through a range of colors. They began with white which was thought to appear more sterile. However, the color had some problems associated with it. Blood made a bold statement splashed on white, and eye fatigue resulted from the glaring brightness. 

White was soon replaced with green, thought to be gentler on the eyes and provided less contrast. Shades of blue followed and now, nursing scrubs come in a myriad of colors and patterns although whites are still the "uniform" version of nursing scrubs.

Scrubs for nurses in the OR and other surgical areas tend to be more muted and pastel, calming hues for anxious patients. In obstetrics, scrubs for nurses tend to be in the pink and blue pastel colors associated with babies. Pediatric nursing scrubs feature popular characters like Mickey Mouse and Winnie The Pooh in order to engender trust and make the young patients feel more at ease. 

Scrubs have spread beyond the medical profession. Now, you'll find scrubs on dental hygienists, daycare providers, even hair stylists. The cool, comfortable nurse scrubs have even become popular for loungewear and sleepwear.

Nursing Scrubs / Whites