Originally, manufacturing companies chose simple designs for both sexes which were not only cheaper to make, but also were easier and quicker to manufacture. As time has passed, these companies are now recognizing the importance of providing a wide variety of styles to suit all medical staff regardless of their gender or role within the medical field. Thanks to the advances in medicine and the changes in medicine in terms of the amount of women who now work in the field, there has been a great need for the way in which the medical field appears to also change.

Medical personnel now sport a wide range of colors, patterns and designs, which not only allow each department to have its own identity, but also provides employees to have brighter, more appealing uniforms. As many of us may have seen from TV programs such as ER and Grey’s Anatomy, colors such as blue, green and red are typically used as a means to identify doctors from different departments. However, it is not just the colors which have arrived in terms of medical scrub trends, but also the styles in which they have been manufactured and the versatility which has been adopted on to the clothing. Scrubs are now manufactured in patterned materials, with elastic bands being added to the trousers and some tunics to allow for a better fit and provide security of your scrubs staying in place during those fast paced moments.

This turnaround in scrubs can be narrowed down to the changes in trends and the way in which modern medicine now works. However, it is as much about those who work within the medical field as it is about the patients who walk through the hospital doors every single day. It has been proven that brighter colors can help cheer up those who are ill in hospital, which is one of the reasons why color has been brought into hospitals in various ways from uniforms to bedside curtains. Research has been completed over the past few years to decipher those colors which are liked by patients and visitors, and those which can affect their mood to ensure that their stay in hospital is made more comfortable. Also, it makes the various departments within the hospital to identify by both patients and visitors and other members of the hospital staff. Different roles and specialties can be easily identified, helping reassure outsiders of whom they are conversing with. It also allows the wearer to have an identity as such which is related directly to the field in which they work.

Just as the medical profession has evolved in terms of science, the ways in which they now work has also evolved, meaning that there has been a need for change. With the use of modern and trendy scrubs, hospital workers now feel happier and more comfortable; with those happy faces, it’s sure to bring only warmth and reassurance to those who see them everyday within the hospital.

Today at work, I was working on the company website (blueskyscrubs.com) and I was trying to figure out how people get to our website when using a search engine like Google.  I typed in a few key words and phrases:  medical scrubs, nursing scrubs, nursing uniforms, hospital uniforms, etc.  All normal search results appeared, everything from Allheart to Lydia’s Uniforms.  But then, I typed  ‘nurse uniform’ into Google and BAM!  This is what I get:

Seriously?

No kidding, this is, like #1 in the search results for Google after typing in the term nurse uniform.  I pretty much laughed out loud, thinking how offended (insecure?  embarrassed?) I would be if I was an actual nurse looking for an actual nurse uniform

Then, my curious mind came to wonder how this ‘naughty nurse’ fantasy came about.  I’ve been in the hospital once or twice, and I’ll be honest:  my nurse did not look like the girl in the picture.  My sister is a beautiful girl (she is a nurse), but in her scrubs, she’s pretty darn plain.  And, I can guarantee that even IF Mary wore make-up to work and somehow made herself look shapely in her scrubs, she would never approach a patient inappropriately.  I’d love to hear the history of the naughty nurse fantasy, and why not a ‘naughty gas station attendant’ (or some other random profession.)

If you are an actual nurse searching for an actual nurse uniform, I would personally recommend either blueskyscrubs.com or a Google search for ‘nursing scrubs’ or ‘medical uniforms’ or something similar.  Avoid searching for ‘nurse uniform’ or any version of that – unless, of course, you are looking for a Halloween costume.

I wore them when we took the dog on her evening walk. They are like walking on pillows. Seriously. Fluffy pillows. The ground actually felt harder than normal when I took the shoes off after our walk. And, BONUS, I was actually slightly sore this morning when I woke up – which is a good sign, I’m not typically sore after taking Dallas for a 30 minute walk.

Let’s pretend for a minute that these shoes actually do make your muscles work, thus making them stronger, thus burning more calories, etc. Imagine all of the people out there who work on their feet all day – nurses, doctors, wait staff, flight attendants, retailers, etc. Seeing as though the shoes are SO comfortable, I’d be curious to know what others think after wearing them all day. I’m also curious to know how they’d look with a nursing uniform.

For the next week, I am going to wear the Shape-Ups by Skechers everywhere I go. I’ll post a report next week to see if my rear is firmer and if I’ve lost any weight. Certainly it can’t be as easy as changing my shoes….

My daughter was off for the normal summer sabbatical – June through late August. We had a nice family vacation, I took a little time off from the nursing uniforms business and enjoyed sleeping in and relaxing on the beach. Although this sounds great – time off from work, sleeping in, relaxing on the beach…it actually gets quite tiring! There is a point when you need a break from work and then there is that point during your break when you need a break from the break and you are ready to get back after it. Luckily, for work-a-holics like myself, modern technology has made it so that we are really never that far away from the office – like lots of Americans, my work is just a button and a password away!

As for the little ones, they get sick of summer break, too, and are ready to get back to routine, friends, fun, sports, etc. A lot of the schools in our area have opted for uniforms this year – supposedly it helps the kids focus…I guess the jury is still out on that one. My daughter’s school is not one of the ones in the district requiring uniforms. I’m not sure if I’d like it or not…it certainly cuts down on the time and energy, stress and laundry that ‘civilian’ clothes create. But, it takes away finding your own sense of style, your own look, and then fun of thinking you look “cute” that day. I think one day the uniform thing will become universal, but until then, it’s back-to-school shopping for us — wondering what everyone else is going to be wearing and which colors are the best for fall… funny how 7 year olds wonder about that stuff, too.

PS There are a lot of good deals going on right now, so shop shop shop! Texas tax free weekend is August 20-22. blue sky scrubs is having a 15% off special with coupon BTS152010.

I took Dallas the vet’s office at about 8am, and the veterinarian and his assistant scrubbed in, wearing scrubs and surgical hats just like a normal operating room, and then I was able to pick her up right around 3pm. She was wearing an e-collar and didn’t look too super happy. She was very woozy from the anesthesia. I requested pain medicine from the vet so that I could give it to her that evening and the following day. I think pet discomfort is somewhat disregarded. I suppose it’s pretty difficult to know if a dog or cat or ferret or guinea pig, etc. is in pain because they can’t speak. One of the only ways we really know is if they are hiding or protecting themselves when you, their ‘best friend,’ approaches them.

I was told that Dallas would only receive the pain medicine to take home because I had requested it. It’s not something that they are sent home with automatically. I’m wondering if I had taken Dallas to the SPCA to have her surgery, would they even have the option of pain meds?

They say that the dog doesn’t feel too much discomfort after being spayed. I do realize that they give IV pain meds during the surgery, so when they wake up, they aren’t in pain. However, one would think that after having a uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes removed — not to mention having the stomach cut open — there would be a good amount of pain afterward. I’m wondering if I am way off base here?

Dallas is at home recovering. She has to wear the e-collar (poor baby) for two weeks so that she doesn’t remove her own stitches (and she would, given the chance.) I don’t believe she is in pain now, I think 3 days and then just a fair amount of (bearable) discomfort after that.

Here are some pictures from the OR and vet’s office….

Thanks to the introduction of popular medical-based shows such as Scrubs, Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice, which made the medical field appear more glamorous, medical workers have expanded their horizons and ventured into a brand new world of medical scrubs.

Scrubs are worn by almost every individual in the medical profession. One of the main reasons why they are so widely used is that they are easy to clean, as well as easy to change – perfect for the fast-paced field of medicine. However, as years have passed more and more, people have found their old uniform scrubs to be unflattering and dull. The recent introduction of high quality scrubs has opened up a whole new world for the medical professionals, allowing them to adapt fully to their chosen field and feel comfortable and stylish in their job role.

Scrubs were first introduced shortly after advances in science became aware of the dangers of bacteria and germs. They were seen as the perfect uniform for the job as they were easy to clean, providing fewer places for dirt to hide. However, when it came to offering a sense of style in which the staff felt proud about their work appearance, the more traditional styles of scrubs fell short. Thanks to the introduction of popular medical based shows such as Scrubs, Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice, the medical field have appeared more glamorous, and medical workers have expanded their horizons and ventured into a brand new world of hospital scrubs.

Within the current health profession, there is now a wider variety of uniform choices, thanks to the greater range of online catalogs that provide a wealth of colors, styles and patterns – giving a medical professional the opportunity to adapt better to their field. For example, Pediatric doctors now have the opportunity to choose scrubs that will be pleasing for the children they treat, such as a Disney themed hat or uniform. These types of uniforms can often be soothing and reassuring, especially for young children.

In the past, only surgeons and those in the O.R. wore medical scrubs, but the uniform has since expanded throughout hospitals. Everyone from interns to midwives can be seen wearing scrubs, which is much to their advantage. Scrubs are perfect for the medical environment because they allow them to become immediately recognized by members of the public as well as fellow colleagues. Scrubs can also send out an environment of professionalism within hospital environments. The current trend in hospitals is to acknowledge different departments through color-coded scrubs in order to help both staff members and the public distinguish between departments. For example, the triage nurses in the emergency room may wear surgical green scrubs whereas the phlebotomy team may be sporting burgundy.

When working within a fast-paced industry such as the medical field, it is essential to stay cool and feel comfortable. Scrubs are loose and airy and made with comfortable materials. Additionally, scrubs are also seen as sanitary by patients, which is important in easing minds by being presented as clean and safe, especially after recent medical scares such as MRSA and Swine Flu (H1N1.) Patients must feel safe at all times, and scrubs can often give them the reassurance they need to relax within a hospital environment.

Scrubs are popular for a wide variety of reasons and are becoming more commonplace every day. There are a wide range of different styles and colors available to suit every medical professional’s personal style while still maintaining their professionalism.

About the Author

Andrea Mueller represents the nursing scrubs company blue sky scrubs in Austin, TX.

White has long been the accepted standard for medical outfitting.  Why?  Because white is clean.  Uniforms bleached to perfection on doctors, nurses, and other medical staff and practitioners offer a picture of sterility that every patient would like to believe exists within a medical facility (even though we know good and well that there are other sick people in every corner of the building).  Any spot will show up on a bone-white surface, so scrubs that are pure as the driven snow present an undeniable cleanliness that puts patients at ease.  Either that or it reminds us how close we are to the pearly gates.  Although white has long been the classic standard for medical professionals, the iconic scrubs that can be described in detail by any American who’s ever been to medical facility have gotten a much-needed makeover in recent years.

Gone are the days of one color and one size fits all.  Forget the boxy, scratchy scrubs of old, the orthopedic shoes, and the winter-white hosiery to match.  Modern doctors, nurses, orderlies, and even veterinarians are turning to a new kind of uniform that allows them to find the comfort and style they would get out of everyday clothing.  Of course, you can still go for the v-neck tee and drawstring pajama-pants look that is comfy and loose.  But now there are also figure-flattering cuts for the ladies, with faux-wrap tops that nip in at the waist and harbor hip-pockets for pens, prescription pads, and lollipops.  Even better, standard fabrics are now comfortable enough to be worn for hours and are generally stain-resistant and easy to clean.  And even beyond the new variety of styles to be found in the world of modern scrubs, there is an absolute plethora of designs.

The traditional whites, which have long existed in a sum total of one color, have now become available in a rainbow of colors and designs.  Medical professionals of any gender, race, or other qualification can purchase their work-wear in whatever style suits their fancy (so to speak).  There are solid colors galore to brighten up even the most sterile of work environments, and the assortment of patterns is mind-blowing.  You can go with fashion fallbacks from stripes to polka-dots to floral to paisley, or you can opt instead for a design indicative or your interests, your field, or the time of year.  Pediatricians can wear scrubs with candy-patterned cloth while vets may opt for ones that depict animals, bones, or biscuits.  If you’re into martial arts or kung-fu theater, you can get scrubs covered in Kanji, while people who love the islands can select Hawaiian prints with palm trees, surf boards, and beach scenes.  And of course, there are holiday and seasonal scrubs for every conceivable celebratory time period.

It may seem strange to picture your doctor or nurse checking your temperature and taking your pulse while hula girls sway on their hips or classic cars race across their backs.  But in an environment that has long espoused a sentiment of repressed identity, it seems that individuals have finally fought their way to the forefront.  And while this revolution in uniforms may be nothing more than a marketing ploy by scrub manufacturers to make more money, it could preface an industry-wide trend towards making medical interactions a little more personal for both doctors and patients.

Kyle Simpson writes for Medical Coding where you can find information on a career in medical billing and coding industry.

We put on our scrubs, stood side by side and smiled politely for the young reporter from the Rochester Beacon. Our smiling faces and crisp green scrubs were the only thing uniform about this particular line-up. Otherwise, we were the very picture of variety with our different heights, shapes, colours, cultures, religions and personalities. We were the perfect team.

The reporter held a camera to his face. “Nurse Mitchell, I need you to step forward from your colleagues for this photo”. I did as I was told and took a small step forward. After coaxing me to take another step towards him, the reporter clicked a few shots and checked his work on the small screen on his camera.

“Perfect!” He beamed. “Nurse Mitchell, if you could please stay here. I want to ask you some questions for the story we’re doing about your departure. The rest of you, thanks for your time. You don’t have to hang around.”

Despite this dismissal, my colleagues did hang round, joking and laughing while the reporter reached for his notebook. I wasn’t nearly as relaxed. I hated all this attention.

“Nurse Mitchell, all of Rochester is sad to see you go. But how does it feel for you? You know, to be leaving Rochester Hospital after 25 years?”

“It’s sad, of course.” I replied as I looked at my work buddies. “I work with this wonderful team and I’ll miss them all. But I’ve been given a golden opportunity to do something different.”

The reporter may have been versatile but he didn’t know shorthand. He wrote my reply in longhand into his notebook. While I waited for him to finish, I contemplated what lay ahead. It was certainly going to be different.

Having finished writing down my first answer, the reporter continued. “So you’re changing careers at your age? That’s some story!”

“Oh heavens no. I’m not hanging up the scrubs” I chuckled. “Nursing is in my blood. I’m just going to do it somewhere else.”

The young man felt he was onto something and fixed me with his most serious, interrogative stare. “I see. You’re going to be part of a surgical team somewhere in the third world? Right…. You’re going to go from this small, safe town to a war-torn province where the hospital is nothing more than one dusty room with cracked walls. This is exactly the sort of story our readers love! Someone giving it all up to tough it out in the most terrible of conditions!”

There was an audible snigger from one or two of my colleagues who continued to eavesdrop. I found it hard not to laugh myself as I replied.

“Actually…”

Before I could continue, the reporter butted in. So, in what less fortunate part of the world are you going to make a difference? Africa? The Middle East? Central America?”

My fellow nurses could no longer contain themselves. Their sniggers turned to laughter and the poor reporter looked awfully confused. It was time to put him out of his misery.

“Actually, the less fortunate part of the world I’m going to make a difference in is the Golden Sands resort in the Bahamas. More money, less hours, and as the senior resort nurse, I have access to the same facilities as the guests.”

The reporter looked a little deflated. His big story was not quite what he had expected.

“Don’t get me wrong,” I continued. “As I said before, I’m not hanging up my scrubs. I still love nursing…but after 25 years, I think I owe it to myself to take it just a little bit easier.”

The young man continued to write out my answer while I removed my scrubs at Rochester hospital for the very last time and began to contemplate ‘toughing it out’ in the Bahamas.

¬¬¬¬

The Mitchells are now retired in the Bahamas after selling the home they acquired through a Rent To Buy option.

Times have certainly changed for the better! New fall lines of nursing scrubs being shown are colorful and stylish, with a wide range of choices in how they fit. There are now medical scrubs, and lab coats, in almost every color you could possibly want, plus colorful, patterned scrub hats that will not make you look like the lunch lady at your local cafeteria.
Scrub hats come in several different varieties. There is the patented Pony scrub hat® which is an extremely popular accessory for doctors, nurses and all other professionals in the medical industry. The Pony scrub hat® was invented by Shelby Marquardt, who was an anesthesiology resident in Houston at the time. Because she hated to wear the ‘bouffant’ traditional scrub hat, she created a more stylish alternative in the form of sleeker scrub hats that can tame the wildest pony tail.
A few other scrub hats were created a little later. The Poppy scrub hat™ is also a creation of Blue Sky Scrubs and comes in lots of cool cotton colors and patterns. This one is the traditional style bouffant hat, for those who like them, but with an updated twist of color and style.

The Poppy scrub hat™ is the newest addition to our line of scrub hats. Think of it as the traditional bouffant, with a blue sky twist. Now, those that love the look and fit of the bouffant can enjoy their favorite style in Blue Sky’s glamorous collection of fine fabrics.

Blue Sky’s Pixie scrub hat® was designed for those with short hair, and has a similar sleek style as the Pony scrub hat®, with no need for room at the back for the pony tail.

No matter what your style preference, you will find scrub hats to mix and match with stylish and younger looking scrubs, plus stylish lab coats that are wrinkle-resistant and Teflon-coated for easy care and durability. In a slimming style with lots of pockets, medical professionals will appreciate all the convenient storage space for prescription pads and medical equipment. These are professional and polished-looking lab coats. Try one and you will buy another!

Guest post by Denise Gabbard for discountvouchers.org, where you will find discounts on medical professional-friendly shoes at LookAtMyCrazyShoes.

One of the most significant changes within the healthcare service is the increasing role that women have within the profession, and it is a change that hasn’t gone unnoticed. The increase in women providing clinical care has caused clothing companies and uniform suppliers to take note and amend their uniforms. Previously, medical scrubs were manufactured in basic unisex styles and sizes in order to be worn by both men and women. However, due to the obvious differences between male and female bodies, these scrubs would often fit male workers better than female workers. This ‘unisex’ arrangement was simpler for companies, who deemed it unnecessary for there to be a separate design for women. However, thanks to the change in proportion of female medical professionals, uniform trends have begun to change completely, allowing for men and women to have their own tailor made scrubs which are designed to fit their bodies perfectly.

When it comes to working within a fast paced field such as the medical profession, it is essential that clothes have durability. However, traditional style scrubs were found to be insufficient in providing the durability which was required from those working within the medical field on a day to day basis. The use of poor fabrics made the uniforms uncomfortable to wear, and after a few washes, the color would often begin to fade leaving the material looking unkempt and tatty. Along with this, traditional materials provided workers with very little ventilation, leaving them feeling hot and sticky throughout their shift-something which unfortunately was apparent to the patients who would see them throughout their hospital stays. Now, high-tech fibers and treatments have made medical scrubs perfectly suited for day to day use. These types of high-end designer scrubs and lab coats are virtually stain resistant and using new technology also provides all wearers with the needed ventilation they need to feel fresh and comfortable all day.

As these changes have evolved, color and patterns have also come been introduced, providing hospital staff more opportunity for originality and organization. The wider range of colors now available allows hospitals to color-coordinate separate departments, giving hospitals a professional and organized air as soon as you enter the door. Along with this change in scrubs, specialized departments now have the option to choose a variety of different patterned materials in order to suit the nature of their job role; for example, children’s doctors in particular now have the chance to choose an appropriate uniform in order to reassure frightened children. Scrubs with cartoon characters, or even a simple bright and relaxing set of scrubs can work wonders for a child’s mindset, making life a little easier for both patients and professionals.

With such a refreshing new take on medical scrubs, it’s not surprising that more and more people turn to the medical career path each year. The work is fulfilling, and the scrubs are comfortable and effective, allowing medical professionals to do their jobs effectively and look competent and sanitary while doing so.