The uniforms of nurses emerged in the 1800s, and since then, they have undergone several changes. Basically, nuns were the primary caregiver, and they offered medical treatment to the sick and injured people. They used to wear long grey or blue attire that was in the form of skirts. Also, their outfit included head covering, belts, high collars, full-length sleeves, fitted aprons, and a cross mark on the dress. The aim of the uniform was to offer them protection from contamination.
History of nursing uniforms
In the 1800s, during Crimean War, Florence Nightingale helped nursing to be recognised as a profession. She opened a training school in 1860, and from there, the evolution of nursing uniform set off.
When did nurse uniforms change?
In the 1940s, different medical uniforms were introduced, and they were set according to the different levels of nurses, and the dresses were white. At that time, outfits for nurses had cloaks and short-sleeve. Further, in the 1960s, hospital dresses were changed as males nurses were introduced to the profession. They wore white jackets with high necks. In the 1970s, stripes on the hat were introduced in the medical uniform, and the rest of the dress remained unchanged.
When did nurses start wearing scrubs?
The medical uniforms were white, and this colour was used to represent cleanliness. But white coloured medical outfit put a strain on the eyes in the operating room, and then the complaints were raised regarding eye fatigue. Also, by the 1980s, the hospital dresses had become less formal, and typical features in the medical outfit slowly began to disappear. That was the time colourful dresses came into existence, and nurses began wearing scrubs.
Evolution of nursing uniform
From white to coloured, nursing uniforms have evolved much, and we can clearly understand how it was changed over time. Undoubtedly, old nurse uniforms changed much, but the latest medical dresses have made the healthcare personnel appear more professional. There were different types of nurses uniform, and the clothing has come a long way. But change was needed for a myriad of reasons which are discussed in the below section.
Nursing uniforms today
Now nursing uniforms are more comfortable, functional, and versatile. They offer a more refined as well as professional look to the wearers. Medical dresses like scrubs and lab coats have large pockets. Nurses and doctors can carry oximeter, thermometer, gloves, pen, etc., in the large pockets of their medical attire. This prevents the hassles of carrying things at hand or making multiple to and fro for getting these essentials.
Also, there are different colour scrubs today. One can get scrubs in a series of colour such as blue, black, burgundy, green, lavender, etc.
Final words
Now you know how nursing uniforms changed from time to time. The foundation remained the same, which was to offer comfort and provide protection to the wearer.
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