Difference between scrubs vs. uniform?

Nurses General Nursing

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I'm starting school next week, and was told at orientation that we were to wear a nursing uniform, not scrubs. Can anyone explain the difference? I went to a uniform store and they didn't know, only suggested the pants not be drawstring. I bought some pants, but still need tops. Any suggestions on comfortable brands? I haven't received a reply from school for clarification yet, this forum seems to be such a valuable resource! Thanks for any help!

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Specializes in ER/EHR Trainer.

Most schools have a set uniform...it may be golf shirts with white pants, or pillsbury dough boy look uniforms(way ugly)....whatever the school requires. It is used to set you apart from other hospital employees during clincals,and it usually has the school logo on it, and it is usually a requirement of attending clinicals. Make sure you check with your program.

Scrubs are wonderful outfits, all shapes, colors and sizes....anything you could want in comfort wear. However, even these may be dictated by your future employer.

Maisy:)

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My school has a set "uniform" that we all order at orientation and has the school name embroidered on them. I did notice on jascouniform.com they had all white tops and bottoms that looked a lot like our schools. Maybe you could check those out! Hope this helps and good luck in school!

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The school usually has a set vendor for you to buy the uniforms from. You usually get that info within the first few classes. Good girl reading ahead thou!! Good luck and welcome...I graduate May 2008...and I still have some brown hair left on my head amazingly enough!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Capacity/Bed Management.

Most nursing schools require their students to NOT where the traditional scrubs as to let the staff and patients know they are not staff members but students. The uniform set at my school is white pants, blue collar shirts with our emblem on the left upper corner, and a short lab coat with the school emblem on it as well

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Specializes in CVICU.

When I was starting, we were instructed just as vaguely to wear all-white uniforms, and not scrubs.

Turns out they just meant they wanted our scrub tops to be button-down.

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HEY!!! What are all u weirdos...I mean night owls doing up?:smilecoffeecup: I'm graveyard at my pre-RN career and its slow. I'm a travel agent from home 10p-630a. Makes for good study time but I feel like crap on clinical days by the time I leave the hospital at 4p. My kids think my DH is a single father during the school year:sniff:.

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Specializes in CVICU.

Me? I'm staying up all night 'cause I work tomorrow night. Somebody's got to take care of the patients after the day shift leaves!

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

I'm just a weirdo.

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

Oh, back to the original topic. Our uniform is a set of scrubs in a specific color with the program's logo embroidered on the top. I'm surprised your school has not provided you with more specific information.

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Back in the "old days" about 10 or so years ago, uniforms were bought in a size 4,8,12 whatever. Scrubs are sized X-small, small, medium, large or X-large.

Scrubs follow the same basic pattern of drawstring baggy-orificed pants with a medium length inseam, and a square cut top with a chest pocket and v-neck. The new scrubs blur the line between uniforms and scrubs. Uniforms were generally more tailored to fit the body.

Scubs were once worn exclusively in OR, L&D and certain specialty units. Uniforms were seen on general floors. Scrubs have taken over and are worn by everyone.

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