Nursing uniforms have not always been as they are today. They have gone through many changes over time to reflect the evolution of this profession and the evolution of society itself. Here are the changes in nursing uniforms over the last 5 decades.
The Flawless White Uniform
Long before 5 decades ago, the nursing uniform found its official beginnings during the First World War although unofficial nursing uniforms existed before this time. The nurses at this time wore the same uniform as members of the Red Cross. This is the origin of the flawless white uniform that most people picture when they think of classic nursing uniforms. This white outfit was accompanied by a cape and a white hat with a Red Cross on it. This was the first standardized version of the uniform although throughout history the uniform incorporated such things as ankle length dresses and various versions of pillbox hats.
The Nurse’s Hat
In fact, the hat was used for a time before the war to indicate the level of training and experience possessed by the nurse wearing it. It showed this level with a colored band that adorned the hat. A hat signified a nurse’s qualifications and could just as easily be taken away as a punishment for improper behavior. Eventually the hat became a paper one and eventually was left out of the official nursing uniform altogether.
More Details And Practical Touches
As nursing uniforms evolved they became more tailored to the female form and often came to include details like pockets and pointed collars that buttoned down. Bibs and aprons were used as well. Part of their function was to help people tell a difference between servants and nurses. The aprons were left behind as they started getting in the way and the long sleeves that were a part of the uniform got rolled up or abandoned for the same reason.
The Introduction Of Scrubs
Nurses these days wear the professional and practical uniforms known as scrubs. These scrubs come in a rainbow of colors and, depending on where they work, nurses may sport any color you can think of. This updated nursing uniform is the most practical version yet as it allows for comfort and freedom of movement.
The different colors can also help with the differentiation of nurses from different departments. Those in pediatrics may have especially colorful scrubs ranging from pastels to patterns to those with popular cartoon characters. These scrubs are meant to keep pediatric sections of medical facilities bright and cheerful.
Overall, these scrubs serve the same purposes that many of the nursing uniforms have served over time. They help patients to be able to identify nurses and they set nurses apart as authority figures in medical settings.
Nursing uniforms have changed a lot over the last five decades. By going even farther back you can see the complete evolution from presentation and decorum to comfort and practicality. Over the last 5 decades the nursing uniform has gone from a flawless white to a more colorful and more comfortable, but just as flawless, new version. Just like the nursing profession itself.
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