Whites or Colored scrubs?

[UM Review RN]

What do you prefer to wear at work? Please elaborate if you have a strong opinion.

[bonjoduea]

;)I believe that white uniforms look more professional, however, in many circumstances it is difficult to keep looking clean and sharp. Colored are nice especiallly when working with children, as they associate white with pain many times. When wearing colored uniforms a name badge must always be worn so the patients know who is who, and can differenciate between the staff.

I am from the "old school" where white was the only choice, and I can remember polishing my shoes every night. (Sound familiar to anyone?)

I do however, wonder about the choices of footwear some of the nurses are wearing now. Open heels, etc. just don't seem correct in a nursing setting. I would like to know others opinion on foorwear. Thanks!

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

Here's a thread that discusses that very issue:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f8/clogs-while-nursing-197927.html

[hlfpnt, BSN, RN]

I prefer the colors & prints. I think it shows a little of everyone's character.

[maria1236]

I also tend to get everything spilled on white. My biggest concern is trying to find thin long-sleeved t-shirts to wear to cover my tats!

[MIA-RN1, RN]

I am soooo in the minority but I like the white scrubs.

Perhaps its because I've been forced to wear lavender for the past year, but whites to me are so symbolic of nursing and I feel better in them.

That might change of course after I am wearing them for a while. I expect to have to replace them more often but a stain on lavender shows as much as a stain on white will, so no big deal to me.

[Cmariehart]

I would love to wear colors!!!!!!! Needless to say, the LTC I work at makes us wear all white scrubs... Blah... it makes me wanna cry-- how much money I spend on bleach and new scrubs... However during the summer we can wear any color!!!

[nursekare]

i believe that the facilities that employ nurses shouldn't be so hung up on the color or kind of uniform a nurse wears as long as the uniform covers the appropriate areas of the body, the nurse performs their duties, comes to work on time, and performs their job according to facility policies.

[athomeintexas]

Over the years, I've had patients voice their opinions to me about this issue. Most patients enjoy the variety of colors of nursing scrubs these days. They say it livens up an otherwise harsh, clinical environment.

On the downside, they can't tell a nurse from a nurse's aide, since we're all dressed in different colors now.

On the "white" side, there is a local hospital here in PA that only allows whites for the nurses, and the patients like that too - can tell right away who the nurses are, and they think it looks more "professional".

On a different note: about 10 years ago, my co-workers & I decided to dress in all white and wear our nursing CAPS all on the same day! The patients (and staff) went NUTS! They LOVED it! Like it or not, this will forever be how people view us & miss the "good old days" when a nurse looked like nurse.

When it comes right down to it, I've never believed it's the uniform that makes the nurse...it's the skill!

Well presented!!

[RNPQT]

The only thing that I think should not be worn is denim. The hospital where I work has "Casual Fridays", where employees can wear blue jeans. I can't stand it--I think it looks really unprofessional in the hospital. Plus, there's always those who think they're hot and wear really tight or really low jeans...blyuck!!:lol2:Oh yeah, I also don't think employees should wear all black or cross 'n skullbones!!!

[nigelcns]

Being an Australian Nurse, we generally don't wear scrubs. Their is the exception to the rule. But personally I think they look unprofessional.

If you want to be treated like a professional, were appropriate clothes/ uniform. We generally wear corporate uniforms. Honestly, how can anyone take you seriously when you look like you have come to work in your pyjamas. That goes for doctors as well as nurses. If you look professional you will be treated as a professional. Scrubs are operating theatre apperal not ward apperal, leave them in the theatres.

[athomeintexas]

Being an Australian Nurse, we generally don't wear scrubs. Their is the exception to the rule. But personally I think they look unprofessional.

If you want to be treated like a professional, were appropriate clothes/ uniform. We generally wear corporate uniforms. Honestly, how can anyone take you seriously when you look like you have come to work in your pyjamas. That goes for doctors as well as nurses. If you look professional you will be treated as a professional. Scrubs are operating theatre apperal not ward apperal, leave them in the theatres.

I am quite sure that Australian nurses are simply wonderful. There are always things to learn from different environments.

I understand your point, but I believe what one one would consider to look professional is subject to oppinion. Oppinions tend to be colored by personal experiences. What one person was raised to see as professional is not the same as what another would see as professional. I don't see that the top priority of my job is to impress the Jones's with how professional I can dress, but to create an environment that is comforting for my patience. To offer them the best care and attitude that I can offer. If that means coming to work in my pajamas, dressed as a clown or in my boots, so be it. Scrubs offer mobility that a corporate uniform can not offer. If that lack of mobility slows me down, even slightly, then I am doing a disservice to my patient. It is not the clothes that make the man.....or the nurse. It is the strength of his/her character.

[ICURN2004]

to me White makes one look bigger.... no help needed with that.... also agree with the comment on white is such thin material and see through, always has been.