Professional in scrubs?

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Hello,

I just flipped through the April AJN and came across an interesting article r/t history of RN uniforms. An interesting point was made, that although new scrubs are cheaper, easier to take care of and maybe more comfortable there is a big problem with them: We all look alike, nurses, PCT/CNA, respiratory techs, housekeepers, etc. Patients have a difficult time distinguishing among healthcare professionals, and so do we.

Personally I do believe we should go back to nursing uniforms-it's a great tradition, maybe aside from the cap :chuckle We are professionals and our uniform is our singnature, after all if we respect it others may too. Now don't get me wrong, I do not wish to be looking like Florence, but a new, professional, clean cut design would do it for me. (Maybe that's why I'm going to the military? :rotfl: )

What do you think? :p

After crawling on the floor trying to read a Pleur-evac, climbing on beds to transfer patients...no white would not do for me. And dresses...I like the look, I really do, but no. That would require pantyhose with runs in them.

That *new* uniform in AJN didn't do much for me. You'd have to be in perfect shape for that.

I'm sure there's an answer out there somewhere.

Instead of color coded scrubs, why not color coded badges?

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Now *this* would work.

Or at the very least, have Housekeeping wear a certain

particular color that clearly identifies them as not part

of the medical staff.

Samantha

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On the surgical floor where I am on a rotation, 3 of the RN's only wear white. they look great and look very professional and YES! they stand out and ppl know they are RN's. I am concidering doing this after I grad...
Our graduating class has decided to don the traditional white uniform, with hats, for our ceremony. There is so much tradition in this outfit that it seems sacreligious to do less. The nurses that came before paved the way for all of us and they deserve our respect, even if this is the only time any of us ever wear it again. I agree that too many people in the hospitals wear scrubs and it does confuse the patients. Come on, it confuses the staff at times too!! The local hospitals here have encouraged the RN's to return to white. There is respect and status that comes with the old faithful white uniforms. And come on, we all paid a fortune to get to that white!!! Good Luck in your endeavours!!!!
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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

It's all about the money.

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I think you make a good point about uniforms. But I think what it really gets down to is looking professional and acting professional in what ever you have on. I work where every department is colored coated like disney. Which is fine. Except when they say you can't wear white. I think wearing white is a nurses right. It represents our profession. I think you can look professional in scrubs except when they are accompanied by elastic around the bottom of the legs and dirty sports shoes

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Specializes in Gynecology/Oncology.

I don't like white b/c it looks dingey (sp?) after a while. Also b/c I'm a woman, and white pants with that time of the month do NOT give me confidence, especially when I have to bend over! LOL The character scrubs may look like pajamas, but I think they're necessary for peds. Those children will be less intimidated by Sponge Bob clothes than the "stiff white" look. That's just my 2 cents.

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I don't like white b/c it looks dingey (sp?) after a while. Also b/c I'm a woman, and white pants with that time of the month do NOT give me confidence, especially when I have to bend over! LOL The character scrubs may look like pajamas, but I think they're necessary for peds. Those children will be less intimidated by Sponge Bob clothes than the "stiff white" look. That's just my 2 cents.
I totally agree with you about Peds, i mean those kids are scared enough as it is!! As for white and dingy (dont know if i spelled that any better lol) there are a couple great cleaners that work. Just dont use bleach!!! Bleach makes them yellow. My parents used to own a uniform shop so thats what we always told people. Either use color safe bleach, bleach alternative, or just a quality detergent, like Tide or Dreft. The cheep stuff isnt the best. I just feel a strong sence of community when wearing the old faithful white. And maybe a printed jacket? I have a hello kitty nurse one thats my favorite!! Best to you all!!!:p
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Our graduating class has decided to don the traditional white uniform, with hats, for our ceremony. There is so much tradition in this outfit that it seems sacreligious to do less. The nurses that came before paved the way for all of us and they deserve our respect, even if this is the only time any of us ever wear it again. I agree that too many people in the hospitals wear scrubs and it does confuse the patients. Come on, it confuses the staff at times too!! The local hospitals here have encouraged the RN's to return to white. There is respect and status that comes with the old faithful white uniforms. And come on, we all paid a fortune to get to that white!!! Good Luck in your endeavours!!!!
OBGirl....I know what you are feeling, I felt that way too while i was in school and right after I graduated in 1978. But trust me your infatuation with "white" will be short lived. It gets old and I have had more patients tellme then not that they like the bright colors of our uniforms. They say it brightens up a dreary/dull stay in the hospital. Every one has their own opinions about this, that is why they still make a few white uniforms...for the ones that havent been in nursing long. :) Good luck after graduation. Are you going to specialize in OB/GYN? I have done ortho/trauma and neurosurgery, but my true love is ICU. I hope you enjoy nursing as much as i have the past 26 years. We need more nurses to come in and stay in.
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Specializes in NICU.
I totally agree with you about Peds, i mean those kids are scared enough as it is!! As for white and dingy (dont know if i spelled that any better lol) there are a couple great cleaners that work. Just dont use bleach!!! Bleach makes them yellow. My parents used to own a uniform shop so thats what we always told people. Either use color safe bleach, bleach alternative, or just a quality detergent, like Tide or Dreft. The cheep stuff isnt the best. I just feel a strong sence of community when wearing the old faithful white. And maybe a printed jacket? I have a hello kitty nurse one thats my favorite!! Best to you all!!!:p

When I worked at a childrens hospital, we were told during orientation that we were not even allowed to wear white tops! White pants were okay if you really wanted, but they much preferred you to wear colors instead. This even applied to lab coats! The docs had theirs made in pastel colors, actually. Kids just start screaming when they see white...

As for the dingy white scrub problem, I hear ya. During nursing school, I saw some pictures of me with my clinical group. It looked like a TIDE commercial, LOL. My whole group looked all bright white, and I looked so dingy next to them. We had well water, you see. Finally found a solution - Iron Out powder mixed into loads of white. Just don't put any prints in there - I did once and the print faded so much it was unrecognizable!

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You can keep your white scrubs white by putting 2 TBS cream of tater in with the detergent.But please use some spray starch and iron the creases in the pants,and clean the shoes.Then do the best job possible.

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

I've used bluing to counteract the yellowing in the white pants for clinical, and for my socks. Bleach is harsh.

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
... the four P's - puke, poop, pee, and puss...

Gotta remember that in case it shows up on any quiz. Thanks!

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