All About Medical Scrubs

Medical Scrubs: Past to Present

The sterile, pristine white nursing uniform of yesteryear is in starch contrast to today’s bright and trendy medical scrubs. Though the commitment of nurses to tend to and help heal the sick has remained steadfast, the look of a nurse’s uniform has had a shake up.

The history of nursing goes back over a century and all started with Florence Nightingale – the mother of the nursing profession. The first nursing uniforms have their origins in nuns, who were some of the first nurses. That led to the nursing uniform resembling a nun’s habit. The long dress was complete with a cap and hat that were similar to nun’s clothing. This style became the icon of nursing in the early 1900’s.

During World War I the American Red Cross served as a nursing reserve for the U.S. Army and Navy. That led to the next phase of nursing uniforms that were white with the internationally recognized Red Cross and featured a cape and hate. That style continued, with some modifications, through the 1960’s.

Throughout history nursing uniforms have changed with the needs of nurses. As nursing became more of an interactive affair with doctors, nurses needed garments that provided more function. So in the 1970’s nursing uniforms became more colorful and styled to fit those changes.

Since the 1970’s nursing uniforms have evolved into today’s nursing scrubs; a garment that functions with the operations of nurses. Color and prints not only offer a unique look, but also add comfort to patients.

One of the remarkable aspects of the medical profession is the respect for the uniform. The white attire, from nursing uniforms to doctor’s lab coats, has been associated as a symbol of purity. Though scrubs like the Cherokee Workwear Medical Scrubs have evolved to allow for functionality and a little bit of fashion sense, the message remains the same – caring for the ailing.

The bright attire of today’s nurses radiate warmth, friendliness, hope and happiness. They help to lift the spirits of those hospitalized and play an important role in removing the stiff barrier between healthcare provider and patient to make them more approachable.

Nurses working in more medically serious patient wards can wear more serious styled medical scrubs while those working in children’s wards can adopt lighter, more fun attire. Nurses handling other patient needs can choose solid colors like light blue or ocean green which have a calming effect.

The world of scrubs continues to transform, and are now easily available in a variety of colors, designs and styles. Made of special materials, they are not only loose fitting and comfortable, they also help maintain hygiene using material that can minimize or reduce the chances of infection, which is key in medical atmospheres.

Whether white and sterile or bright and fun, medical uniforms as we know them are a recognizable symbol of a healthcare provider. When in need, you know you can turn to the person in medical scrubs!

Check out our huge selection of all the latest Cherokee medical scrubs in fashionable styles, colors and prints.