subject: History And Use Of Nursing Uniforms [print this page] There are occupations that require uniforms for proper identification. Companies find it easier to know who are working for them as well as their specific position and function in the industry. Just like any other jobs, nurses also have their nursing uniforms which are not only used for identification but also to promote proper hygiene in the work place. Maybe you are wondering how these uniforms came into the scene. Were there nursing uniforms before? How did they come up with the design and the style?
History of Nursing Uniforms
It was in the middle of the 19th century that a nurse student at Miss Nightingale's School of Nursing first designed the uniform. It was patterned from the nun's habit because before nuns took care of people who have serious medical conditions and acted like nurses. As times go by, changes in the nursing uniform were made. Instead of the traditional uniform that consists of the white dress and the cap, today hospitals have more freedom to release their own nursing uniform designs and styles. A large number of hospitals nowadays require their student nurses to wear a nursing pin for proper identification.
Types of Nursing Uniforms
Since nursing requires a lot of work that involve interaction with patients in order to provide them all their medical needs, it is important that nurses wear a comfortable uniform that will not interfere and get in the way of their work. There are two types of nursing uniforms that are commonly used now.
Standard Nursing Uniform
As mentioned earlier, the standard nursing uniform includes the white dress or an apron that could either be pinafore or cobbler and a nurse cap. There are still hospitals that make use of these traditional uniforms because it is more formal and appropriate.
Alternative Nursing Uniform
There are several alternative designs of uniform that are wide used in different countries in the world. Modern uniform styles include the following:
Matching trousers and tunic top
This alternative design is used in order to avoid cross infection. The colors may vary depending on the permanent status or residency of the nurse.
A nursing dress in a different color
White tunic top with epaulettes
Normally, this uniform is worn by male nurses and the colors of the *epaulettes* also signifies their residency and level in the institution.
Scrub dress
This is a more popular type of uniform that is commonly worn by nurses today. Most of the time nurses in the operating rooms wear scrub dresses. However, there are also scrubs that come with colorful tunic and trousers that can be customized based on the user's personality and character.
At the present time, more and more nurses opt to use scrub dresses for their uniform rather than the traditional white dress because it allows them to move more freely and be able to perform specific tasks that are needed in order to facilitate patient related duties. Apart from this, scrubs are easier to clean and maintain than the old uniforms. While nursing uniforms are important, it is also true that whatever the nursing uniform is, it is important that they are able to perform well and achieve their mission of improving the quality of life.
