Are pattern/print scrubs unprofessional outside of pediatrics?

Nurses Uniform/Gear

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  1. Are print/pattern scrubs outside of pediatrics unprofessional

    • 59
      Yes
    • 158
      No

64 members have participated

This topic has bugged me for a while. I only wear solid scrubs (and would even in pediatrics). I don't have a problem with individuals wearing patterns/prints in pediatrics, but elsewhere it vexes me. I find it quite unprofessional. What do you believe?

Specializes in Critical care, Trauma.
This is a little off topic, but the bible doesn't say to celebrate Easter or Christ's birth....only Christ's death. The only "holiday" I attend is Jesus death memorial.

All other holidays, to me, are based in Paganism or falsehoods not rooted in bible principle. So seeing crosses (that the bible states are cursed) and Adorned trees (that the bible says we're to not erect like the Pagans), Easter eggs and bunnies ( originated with Pagan fertility festival) offends me. Its not just a shirt, its a belief system. I could go on but its off-topic.....

I guess the question is, why are you offended that they believe or celebrate differently than you? I'm an Atheist and I have no problem being told "Merry Christmas" or "Bless You" or other phrases grounded in religion, or seeing Santa on someone's scrubs. Can't we just take it at the value in which it's meant? The statements are pleasantries. They're not saying "You must celebrate Christmas or there's something wrong with you," it's a holiday-themed version of "have a nice day".

I'll admit, it is annoying when patients make statements suggesting that, because I'm a nice person, I must be Christian...but they aren't meaning to be offensive. Call it being naive to other lifestyles or cultural incompetence, but is it worth being offended over or attempting to correct? This person is attempting to compliment me, now I'm going to lecture them? I know that's not exactly what you were talking about, but I guess that is my example of how I've been affected. I've never been one for celebrating holidays (usually chose to work them in LTC so that did could be with their families and I could get the Holiday Pay) but I don't understand being offended by people that choose to participate in them or that are passionate about their faith and want to wear something that is related to it. As long as we can all be respectful of each other's beliefs (Don't try to convert me, I won't try to convert you), there's no problem.........Right?

And now that I've assisted in taking this thread even more off topic.....

I think that as long as scrubs are clean, wrinkle-free and they fit the person well, it's professional. I really enjoy wearing Cherokee Flexibles. They typically have a colorful pattern on them and they're one of the few types that don't make me feel like I'm wearing a tent. :)

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Specializes in Medical Oncology, Alzheimer/dementia.

I only wear print scrub tops. Flowers, shapes, cartoon characters, animals, holiday prints...etc. I really don't care what someone thinks of my attire. I'm always clean, pressed, and professional which is a lot more I can say about some of my co-workers who look like they slept in their scrubs. If someone can come to work with a green top, burgundy pants and a navy long sleeve shirt under the top... I think they should keep their opinions to themselves if they think my Snoopy top is childish.

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I wear print tops with solid pants (the few pair of printed scrub pants I've seen REALLY look like PJ's lol) - I don't think there is anything wrong with it, and most that I work with wear print top/solid pants

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Specializes in Pedi.
This is a little off topic, but the bible doesn't say to celebrate Easter or Christ's birth....only Christ's death. The only "holiday" I attend is Jesus death memorial.

All other holidays, to me, are based in Paganism or falsehoods not rooted in bible principle. So seeing crosses (that the bible states are cursed) and Adorned trees (that the bible says we're to not erect like the Pagans), Easter eggs and bunnies ( originated with Pagan fertility festival) offends me. Its not just a shirt, its a belief system. I could go on but its off-topic.....

I highly doubt that people's motivation in wearing holiday scrubs has anything to do with their belief system or that most people consult the bible when they choose their outfits today. I often wore holiday scrubs in December and I don't believe that Jesus Christ was divine. I am a pedi nurse and fail to see what kind of statement a t-shirt with a flying reindeer on it makes other than being an ice breaker with my 4 year old patient. Why should it offend you that not everyone shares your beliefs? Does it offend you to see a Menorah?

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I think it depends on the print and the workplace. I work in a SNF, and I wear floral print scrub tops all the time. I get compliments on them. But I wouldn't wear cartoon print scrubs, I feel that would be inappropriate with adults. Adult patients like holidays too, so I don't really have a problem with holiday prints.

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This debate comes up all the time. I think as long as you are clean and your scrubs tidy, and you act professional then it doesn't matter. I personally don't care for licensed characters (Betty Boop, Winnie the Pooh) and don't wear them, I know some fantastic nurses who do.

An old scrub top of mine (now too large to wear) was covered in little animals and I got compliments on it all the time from capable adults. Most of them added that they loved looking at all the different patterns.

Now, I wear mostly patterns without animals. Florals, and one Chinese-inspired top that are just gorgeous. And it's these type of prints that, in my opinion, are no different from a nice patterned blouse that might be worn by a female GP in her office. If the latter is professional dress, why is the former not simply for being a scrub top?

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I have to admit that patterned tops bothered me prior to working in a hospital. I would walk in and see nurses wearing Winnie the pooh while emptying my dads foley and thought it was a little weird. After working in a hospital however I have learned to LOVE patterned tops. It's not very often you can get away with wearing Scooby doo or santa! If it floats your boat, go for it :)

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I personally wear a lot of black scrubs, or black top and colored pants. Occasionally I'll wear a scrub top with a sports team or college logo....since it's usually the Yankees, the only people I offend are Red Sox fans, but they're not a protected class so no worries.

I don't mind prints, cartoons or holiday themes as long as they are good taste and appropriate for the enviroment. I saw a lab tech with a digital camo-print scrub top and thought that it was awesome.

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

I wear different prints & cartoon tops & solid color bottoms. I have not issue with anyone wearing different color/prints/cartoon tops as long as they are appropriate & clean. I think it is a great way to express yourself.

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Specializes in Pedi.
I personally wear a lot of black scrubs, or black top and colored pants. Occasionally I'll wear a scrub top with a sports team or college logo....since it's usually the Yankees, the only people I offend are Red Sox fans, but they're not a protected class so no worries.

I don't mind prints, cartoons or holiday themes as long as they are good taste and appropriate for the enviroment. I saw a lab tech with a digital camo-print scrub top and thought that it was awesome.

Whose team is in the AL Championship Series? Just sayin' ;)

Speaking of the Red Sox, at the Boston hospital I worked at, any logo shirts were prohibited, with the exception of Boston sports' teams logos. We do love our teams up here. :)

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I don't care about the print. I have printed tops but they are tactful. What bothers me is when people wear the same tops for years and they are worn thin and dingy. BUY SOME NEW TOPS! Seriously, if you can afford those cigarettes, you can afford new tops. Also, please stop showing me your butt crack.

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

Tasteful prints are nice, breaks up the monotony of solid head to toe, IMO. HOWEVER, I do think that tweety bird or Scooby doo on an adult not working with kids is tacky to the highest level

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