Nursing uniforms have been in existence since the 1980s when Florence Nightingale first gave her nurses medical clothing supplies consisting of layers of grey tweed dresses, grey-waisted jackets, plain white caps, and short woolen cloaks. The uniforms helped to differentiate them from other workers and protected their bodies from bodily fluids. These infections arise from coming in contact with those fluids. 

This attire was far from practical, and over the years, the nursing uniforms had undergone lots of changes. Considering the work nurses had to do, stiff pinafores and ankle-length dresses were more decorative than functional. It did not also consider male nurses.

 

The nursing profession is more advanced today, and so has the uniform and customized scrubs. Medical clothing supplies in hospitals have evolved to scrubs for nurses, which are more functional and comfortable. This article will look at the benefits of a comfortable nursing uniform and its effect on the nurses and patients.

 

Comfort and ease of movement

Nurses have to move around a lot - they make rounds in hospital wards to care for patients, stand for long hours during surgeries, and run to assist in times of emergencies. They also tend to constantly bend, stand, lift patients, or help out in one way or another, making their jobs a very physically demanding one. The clothes they wear directly affect the way they carry out these duties. 

 

Their duties are also sensitive and time-bound. They don't have the time to tug at sleeves or adjust different areas of their uniform. Uniforms that are heavy, too loose, or too tight will hinder a nurse's progress, making them sluggish and quickly tired. 

 

Customized medical scrubs tailored to fit each nurse comes in different sizes and shapes. It allows them to move around and attend to patients with ease. Comfortable uniforms also include shoes. Shoes that pinch the toes or shoes with heels will tire out a nurse quickly. Shoes should be flexible enough for quick, nimble, and intelligent movements. 

 

Unisex inclusion

Predominantly a female field, the nursing profession has grown to let in and cater to both male and female nurses. Previous nurse uniforms consisted of white gowns, hairpins, and low heel shoes, suited only females. This has been removed in favor of medical clothing supplies like customized scrubs. 

 

Rather than create separate uniforms for males and females, today’s medical scrubs are worn by male and female nurses. These uniforms are unisex, acceptable, and comfortable for all genders. 

 

Both genders having the same look promotes professionalism, increases patients' confidence in their nurses, and minimizes discrimination.

 

 

Boost confidence of the team

There is always a sense of uniformity, team spirit, oneness, and confidence when wearing a uniform. Wearing a good uniform can boost the confidence of nurses in their job, hospital, and profession. A sense of pride and responsibility in a uniform improves morale, efficiency, and inter-employee relationships.

 

Nurses know that they do not just represent themselves, but other fellow nurses and the medical institution, and they strive to protect the image of the uniform they represent.

 

The sharp, crisp look of nurses in their uniform exudes an ambiance of professionalism. It is a unified effort to present a specific image in the minds of patients. When they look and act this way, it creates a visual impact and rubs off positively on the patients, who in turn trust the judgment of their nurses.

 

The different styles and colors of customized scrubs can also be used to used show hierarchy amongst nurses. It will help patients easily identify the various nurses and who they might need for specific purposes.

 

Protection and prevention of infections

Dealing with bodily fluids and blood is a routine for nurses. Hand gloves are not enough to protect them when handling the fluids, they come in contact with. The customized scrubs they wear perform the dual role of sanitary protection as well as uniform. 

 

Scrubs are made of thick fabrics, a sturdy mix of polyester and cotton. They are designed for environments where the wearer frequently comes in contact with infectious agents and bacteria. They are simple, with little room for contaminants to hide, easy to wash, and easily replaceable. 

 

The nature of the fabrics prevents bodily fluids from seeping through the material to the body. Mitigating the transfer of fluids that could cause infections protects the nurses and prevents cross-contamination to other patients. 

 

The washing of nurse uniforms and scrubs is done by a laundry team and performed on industrial washing machines. Any contaminants and fluids on them are thoroughly destroyed and cleaned up. The confidence in the pristineness of the uniform ensures that staff will consistently be prepared to start a new day with a flawless uniform, ready for work.

 

 

For carrying extra accessories

Nurses have to carry a bunch of necessary items around while they make their rounds. Bandages, pens, notebooks, scissors, and penlights are some of the items they need while on duty. 

 

A nurse's uniform comes with simple pockets, making it easier for them to move around with the items they need without going back and forth. These pockets come in different sizes and positions, depending on the style of the scrub.

 

Clean Appearance

A nurse's uniform needs to look clean at all times. Spots and stains portray carelessness and dirtiness, which have no place in a hospital where cleanliness is of the utmost importance. Yet, these are unavoidable due to the nature of duties nurses carry out. Spots and residues on uniforms make patients uncomfortable and depict the nurse as being sloppy.

The different styles and colors customized scrubs come in, and the nature of the fabrics make it easy to spot but not highlight stains, fluids, bloodstains, or residues, allowing the nurse to maintain a professional and clean appearance.               

Scrubs are also easy to change out of. If one scrub gets too messy, a nurse can easily change to clean one, leaving the other one in the laundry.       

Conclusion

A nurse’s uniform is a mark of their professionalism and identity, yet it should be able to protect them from hazards within the hospital workspace. Customized scrubs provide the needed practicality and comfort that will help nurses perform their duties.