Are your choice of scrubs childish?

Published

I recently read an article that nurses that wear scrubs that are brightly colored with cartons or vibrant colors such as green are not taken seriously and are not considered competent. The study was a poll by patients and they were shown 8 different scrub options. The nurses that wore all white scrubs were (according to patients) seemed more competent and were taken more seriously because it resembled the closest to the traditional nurse uniforms back in the 40s and 50s.

What are your thoughts?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

I work pediatrics. I will not wear white scrubs unless I want to be covered in stains by end of shift. I wear navy or black bottoms with a coordinating print top. Sometimes cartoon (as it suits my patient population), holiday or simple floral or geometric. I've not had any issue with another healthcare professional or patient/family treating me with less than professional respect because of my uniform scrubs. But my scrubs are appropriate for my patient population....

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Specializes in Public Health.

For years I wore muted solid colored scrubs because I look like a teenager, lately I have been wearing more lively colors and even a printed colorful top one day. I got compliments from staff and pts alike on how lovely they were.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

Pretty much what the PP said. I haven't worked anywhere that had a mandated uniform so since I usual work peds I wear what is acceptable for the job. I think regardless of what nursing I do I couldn't wear white. I hated it in nursing school & keeping it clean is a pain.

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We wore all white scrubs for a while, and they did not look professional with all the stains I accumulated...

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We are only allowed to wear ACU print scrubs in the service. It's pretty incredible the difference in how people treat me when they realize I'm an Army nurse. I wish all of nursing commanded that kind of respect.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Yep. I love Snoopy.

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I love wearing bright colors and I've never had a problem, I usually get a lot of compliments

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

Wonder what they would think if all black... That's what we were in every area including peds, OR etc. We look like a bunch of Dementors from Harry Potter!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Well I work in peds, so I wear solid color cargo scrub pants and a t-shirt. Rarely do I wear scrub tops. I try to find fun shirts with cartoons on them.

When I worked in the adult world I wore solid darker scrub pants and coordinated printed tops

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Since white was no longer required. I wear navy scrubs. I have multiple scrub jackets that I wear for holidays and fun.

I have never been thought of as unprofessional.

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I am a pedi home nurse and my little patient like my hello kitty and cookie monster ot teddy bears. However I am also a neuro nurse every other weekend and we wear wine color or navy scrubs, but on the 1st or 15th. On those days I like to wear pretty sophisticated looking prints or tops with trim. I think it depends on your patient population.

I have been known to ask my adult pt if they needed to "go potty" before I left the room though. /8

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