During the early 1990’s nursing scrubs began to replace the traditional white nurses dress with the white stockings and clunky nurses shoes.

Scrubs were originally worn in the surgical department and were a green to green/blue color. These scrubs were chosen because they are cheap, easily replaced and easily cleaned. The hospital owns and cleans surgical scrubs due to the high risk of contamination in the operating room.

Scrubs consist of a short-sleeved rather baggy shirt, and unisex pants with a drawstring waistband. Both are made from cotton. Some hospitals/clinics use the color of scrubs to differentiate between departments. As an example, pediatrics personnel often times wear pink. Scrubs also make identification of staff or visitor very easy. Scrubs really caught on during the late 1990’s and have continued to gain in popularity. You now see nursing scrubs worn in Dr.’s offices, dental offices and even veterinary offices.

Nurses prefer scrubs for a variety of reasons:

1. Medical scrubs are much more comfortable than the traditional white nurses dress. Nurses are on their feet and running 8 to 12 hours a         day. They bend, stretch across beds, bring pillows, warm blankets, food and medicine. They push beds and gurneys. They TAKE CARE OF US when we are very ill. I think they deserve to wear whatever makes the job a little easier.
2. Affordability – Scrubs can be purchased for as little as $4.00. This allows nurses to have several uniforms for work.
3.Individuality. Nursing scrubs now come in just about every color in the rainbow, and the shirts have an unlimited supply of patterns. They also come in solid colors. The patterned shirts are bright and cheery to perk up the patient a little bit – especially in the children’s ward.

Nurses have a difficult job. They are to be commended for their perseverance, tenacity and the ability to smile and be kind when faced with a difficult patient, or the horrors of tragedy that they see each and every day. Be assured that if you are in need of help a nurse will be there to do everything that can possibly be done. A nurse does not give up.