The Evolution of Nursing Uniforms
About the author: John Smith works for NursingUniforms.net, the largest online selection of nursing scrubs, lab coats and medical uniforms.
Uniforms are the most essential part for any profession, may it be a lawyer, doctor, police or even the nurses. It is through these uniforms that people are recognized for their professions. This was the main motive behind the creation of nursing uniforms. The first nursing uniform was worn by renowned Florence Nightingale who also went on to become one of the most influential nurses in the entire profession. In the 1800’s Nightingale took up nursing as a profession and treated the underprivileged and poor people along with the wounded soldiers in the wars. Her work and achievements gave the profession a completely new elevation and also made it count amongst the highly respected professions.
The advancements made by the profession slowly brought in several changes that crept in the nursing uniforms which were previously designed similar to the dresses worn by the nuns in the missionaries. Nuns in the earlier times served the wounded and other people suffering from several diseases. As a result of this the first nurse uniform designed was the identical to the uniform of the nuns. Later on, somewhere during the First World War, the nursing uniform changed slightly. The nurses working in the wars wore an additional arm band from the Red Cross on their left arm. An additional cloak was also included in the uniform apart from its previous full length gown.
With the passing time, the nursing uniforms evolved further giving way to several other patterns. The newer uniforms were more practical and designed according to the varied functions performed by the nurses in the hospitals. The uniforms were also made available in different colors which were used as a major source of identification for the nurses belonging to the different departments and ranks. Nurses of different ranks were assigned a different colored uniform which thus became an easy way for the patients to recognize the nurses. These nurse uniforms also had a little touch of style in them which thus gave the nurses a smart and stylish look. Uniforms with pockets were also introduced which became a very feasible addition to the nurse uniforms. The pockets allowed the nurses to carry their essential things such as pens, reports, etc. However, new styles were also introduced in the later phase of the nurse uniform history.
Nurses wearing their newly designed nursing uniforms based on the requirements of the profession look highly authoritative. This look impressed the patients and gave them great comfort and mental satisfaction. Also, new designs have been designed especially with the growing popularity of the profession amongst the male nurses. Different colored nursing scrubs are assigned to the nurses performing different tasks in the hospitals. The scrubs are usually the shirts, trousers, tunic tops, etc. which are worn in combination by the nurses in the hospitals. The scrubs are also worn by the doctors in the operating theaters and are extremely comfortable to wear.







