Nursing Uniforms. What's In A Name And Why Are They Called Scrubs?

Largely with the help of television medical dramas, the term "scrubs" has become synonymous with the image of doctors, nurses and other medical professionals hard at work in the ER, OR and other medical environments. In reality, nursing and medical uniforms have undergone major transformations over the decades, but it is the modern medical scrub that is cemented in the popular imagination as the de facto uniform of choice for medical professionals. But where did the term come from, and how do scrubs fit in the evolution of the medical uniform as a whole?

Rewind a bit to the early 1970's -- a time when most doctors and surgeons donned basic v-necked shirts in a short sleeves and typically green fabric color. The shirts were typically constructed of a cotton and polyester blend and were worn in tandem with complimentary pants with a drawstring around the waist. The nursing uniform as a whole was typically referred to as "medical greens" -- a term which was later supplanted by the now ubiquitous term "medical scrubs".

But what is the origin of the term itself? Beginning in the 1940's, doctors and others in the medical profession began to realize the extreme importance of cleanliness in the OR and corresponding operating procedures. Today, cleanliness in the ER and OR is a universally accepted truth, but just a few short decades ago, this was not always the case, especially in developing countries and countries with less advanced medical practices. Over time and to this day, cleanliness is considered one of the most important considerations. And over time, the ER and the OR became known as "scrubbed" environments with strict procedures for ensuring the cleanliness now known to prevent the spread of infections and disease.

As a result, the term "medical scrubs" became a natural extension of the environment in which they are used. The term was first used in the early 1970's and over the last decades have become the de facto term in describing the attire of the surgeon and nurse in the ER and OR. Likewise, they are now used to describe the nursing scrubs used in medical offices and other medical environments outside of the strict "scrubbed" requirements of the operating room.

The medical industry is one of the fastest growing fields in the world -- largely due to an aging population that is putting more and more demands on the medical industry. In recent years, the growing need for medical professionals has contributed to an equally growing need for different types and styles of medical and nursing scrubs. blue sky scrubs™ is one company meeting the demand. The company pioneered the market for scrubs, scrubs hats and scrub accessories that are not only highly functional but stylish as well.

blue sky scrubs™, the industry leader in this movement is the company medical professionals turn for the latest stylish and urbane options in nursing scrubs. And for many good reasons. The company's lines give a very sleek and stylish European flair to the uniform. Going beyond mere color options and print patterns, the company's designs feature a slimming fit and sophisticated profile complete with touches like designer stitching around the pockets in the original scrub products. And the company offers the same chic look in simple scrubs that are simply classy, without the designer stitching around the pockets. Many other offerings include stylish scrubs for men, great-looking medical jackets with European styling and medical accessories that complete the blue sky scrubs™ look.