The Evolution of Nursing Uniforms by Josh Stone

Nursing uniforms have been a significant part of the nursing field for over a century. The most influential and memorable woman of the nursing profession would have to be Florence Nightingale. By fighting for the health and medical care of the poor and under privileged during the mid 1800's, Nightingale turned the nursing profession around from being something of a no-hope career to a respectable, prominent and important one.

The beginnings of the nursing uniform were during the first world war. The American Red Cross was also serving as some reserves for the US Army, and armed service nurses would wear the same Red Cross uniform which was a white outfit with the prominent Red Cross to see. A cape was also included with the uniform. In this way, the nursing uniforms have changed gradually.

Gradually, the changes in uniform needed to closely match with the form and function of the doctor. This drove significant changes to the nursing uniforms in the way of functionality or practicality. Additional colors were introduced to allow for more convenient identification. The evolution of nursing uniforms have been driven by many factors. Lately, these factors have been mainly due to functionality and the role of the nurse, professionalism and even a little bit of style.

Patients in hospitals often take comfort in knowing that someone of authority and who is able to give care is present. The nursing uniform has become synonymous with this and often goes a long way into comforting the patient as well. With the popularity in male nursing, far more designs and styles have been emerging.

Nurses have strict rules about their uniforms and any nurse seen without their nursing uniforms often are reprimanded and are subject to review. Additionally, nurses will most likely have different uniforms for different tasks.

For example, they will most likely wear 'scrubs' to the operating room. Lately, these scrubs have been seeing an increased rate of popularity in the US and Europe. Scrubs are shirts or tunic-style tops and trouser combinations. Originating from the term "scrubbing for surgery" , the scrubs are also what doctors wear in the operating room. The scrubs camp remains slightly divided, however, with some nurses enjoying the comfort of the garments while others are concerned about the image they project to patients by wearing scrubs.

Overall, nursing uniforms exist for a purpose. They offer easy identification, distinction in function, protection from cross contamination and comfort on the job.