What Are the Different Nurses Uniforms Available?

Uniforms not only ensure that medical professionals appear tidy and presentable during their shift, but they also indicate a nurse’s role to their colleagues, patients, and visitors, which can improve efficiency and trust.

In most cases, a uniform will reflect a nursing position, such as a registered nurse or sister, as the color and style will be determined by an employer’s dress code policy. Read on to learn more about the different nursing uniforms available.

Medical scrubs

Medical scrubs have become increasingly popular with nurses in the UK since 2002. They make it easier for other medical professionals, patients, or their loved ones to identify a nurse in a healthcare facility, such as a hospital or doctor’s surgery. 

While sets are available, nurses can also choose to buy matching tunics and trousers, if they prefer. In addition to serving as a symbol of trust and professionalism, a medical scrub will support infection prevention and control at a medical facility, as they must be sterilized.

A nursing dress

Nurses also have the option to wear a nursing dress, if they prefer, which will be durable, comfortable, and professional. There are also different dress styles to choose from, such as zip front, striped, and mandarin collars.

However, healthcare regulations often state that a nursing dress must pass the knee and should be worn with either tights or plain stockings, unless working in high temperatures. Medical centers and hospitals should only buy nurses uniforms for sale that are industry approved.

Maternity clothing

As many nurses will often work during their second or third trimester, nurses will need to wear comfortable maternity clothing during a shift. It is important for pregnant nurses to wear trousers with an adjustable waistband and a soft front panel, which will prevent discomfort when tending to patients.

Practical footwear

Nurses will often spend a large majority of the working day on their feet. To prevent tired, throbbing feet, they must wear comfortable yet practical shoes, which can help them to survive a shift and maintain a professional appearance. 

It is also essential to find durable shoes, as they will need to cope with long shifts and physical activity. Most medical facilities also often require nurses of all levels to wear low-heel, black shoes with quiet soles, which is why clogs, trainers, and boots are popular options.

Different nursing colors

Different nurses might need to wear different nursing colors, which can indicate their titles to others. For example, a hospital could request that a matron wears a black scrub with red piping, while a sister might wear a dark blue uniform with white piping. It is an effective tactic for identifying the appropriate medical professional in an emergency, and it could provide patients with greater confidence in a nurse’s ability.

Healthcare facilities will have different clothing requirements for different nurses, from matrons to support workers. It is, therefore, vital to familiarize yourself with a hospital or medical center’s dress code policy before you buy any nurse uniforms.

This is a guest blog entry.