MyNursingUniforms is pleased to present this brief article on the history of nursing uniforms and the emergence of the nursing scrub. This particular article focuses on the 19th century onward.

Nurses uniforms have experienced dramatic alterations since their widespread emergence in the 19th century. From starched dresses to comfortable unisex scrubs, the design of nurses uniforms changed based on time period, functionality, and country of origin. Prior to the 1800s, nursing was a casual profession left to the monks, nuns, and women with low morals who set up make-shift hospitals, usually in churches. Nursing did not become a respected profession until the emergence of Military Nursing during the Crimean War.

Read the rest of this entry »

The Healthy Hospital Movement, or Practice Greenhealth movememnt, are emerging as the healthcare industries way to reduce emissions. The movements are being led by cutting edge designers and healthcare practitioners who seek to minimize the impact of hospitals on the environment.

As a recently new phenomenon, this movement reflects the current trend in the developed world to reduce the degradation of the earth, and to maintain and the environment rather than plunder it for human recreation and consumption. The current discourse on environmentalism and sustainable development has reached the ears of architects and designers looking to implement green initiatives in hospitals. The emphasis on energy efficiency, green cleaning, and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is resulting in a healthier atmosphere for patients, and a better future for our world.

Read the rest of this entry »

In the 2009 post-credit crunch economy everyone is concerned about their financial future. This means more and more people are paying close attention to their spending habits. Spending on novelty entertainment items, home improvements, investments, vacations and other money-dependent past times and items has been shelved. In the past when someone wanted to expand their horizons and shake up their work and career, they would simply find a new job or quit, take a little time off, and then find new work. These days the news reports that a lot of industries are laying off workers. As a result, people are hanging on to what jobs they have, while worrying that the job they have may not last.

Fortunately, in many areas health care workers are still in demand. According to the 2008-2009 Edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook, from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses make up the largest group of health care workers, with at least 2.5 million jobs. At least 50% of these jobs are in hospitals. Between 2006 and 2016, there are expected to be approximately 587,000 new jobs for registered nurses, an increase of 23%.

Read the rest of this entry »

Women have made great strides in the last 50 years towards occupational equality. They are involved in every sector of the economy, from construction to healthcare professions. Women are no longer perceived as intellectually inferior, and many have the same opportunities as men for advancement and elite positions. Despite this progress, women remain at a disadvantage in the workplace. Men are paid higher salaries for the same position. Pay equity is an international issue, and nurses in the United States are not immune to this trend.

Occupational Segregation

Read the rest of this entry »

Crocs. Is there anything more attractive than a vibrantly colored rubberized clog, complete with air vents and a nifty strap on the back for the utmost in support and comfort? Heck, you can even personalize these space-age monsters with little gems and doodads! Possibly the most heinous of fashion crimes, Crocs have accomplished making black socks and sandals an attractive alternative.

To those who wear them they are the epitome of comfort and style. To those who don't, they resemble the fashion downfall of society. Although the hideous appearance of Crocs goes uncontested, I came to understand the versatile nature of this unique footwear when a friend wore them for a 6-week trip to Ethiopia and the Middle East. Up hills, down ravines, climbing mountain paths, and walking through museums, they may have been out of place, but they were still up for the task.

Unfortunately for those who would happily see the destruction of every unsightly resin-produced croc, they became quite popular within the nursing community. The shoe provides comfort and easy cleaning, both attractive qualities for health care practitioners in hospitals.

Hospitals internationally have voiced concerns over their employee's choice of crocs as footwear. The holes in the most popular style of croc could potentially harbour infection. They are large enough to allow blood or bodily fluids to pass through the shoe, as well as sharp objects such as surgical tools or even syringes. Crocs are also thought capable of generating electrical charges that could potentially disrupt or damage medical equipment. The open heel designs in crocs are also thought to be safety issues.

Read the rest of this entry »

The news continues to grow – the second wave of H1N1 is here. The news is reporting that there has been an increase in the number of cases over the last month. In fact, as of October 11, 2009 the World Health Organization has reported that there have been more than 399232 lab confirmed cases of the pandemic flu and over 4735 reported deaths. If you think the flu only kills the weak and elderly, think again. The CDC has confirmed that 90% of the deaths from the H1N1 flu have been in people under the age of 65! Read the rest of this entry »

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of September 27, 2009 there have been more than 340,000 laboratory confirmed cases of the pandemic H1N1 influenza and more than 4100 deaths. It is still hard to confirm the number of actual cases as many countries have stopped counting the mild cases. This may mean that the actual number of H1N1 cases is significantly higher. The flu continues to spread, and in North America, as of September 27, the increase in respiratory diseases has been higher than normal in the last two weeks.

In response to the need to protect the public, health-care workers, doctors, nurses, and those working in hospitals and clinics have, in many areas, been asked to get the new H1N1 vaccine. While the plan is to protect people, many of these individuals are protesting, saying that they should not be forced to get the vaccine as a condition of keeping their employment. In a recent article in the USA Today news, Sue Field, a registered nurse who works in a maternity ward and organizer of a rally to protest the mandatory vaccination of medical professionals, said "There's no proof this vaccine will protect us from swine flu or protect us from spreading it to other." Still, Dr. Richard Daines, the New York state health commissioner, says that the H1N1 vaccine is safe and the best way to prevent the spread of the flu. He also says that while there is a flu outbreak every year that results in about 2,000 deaths in New York and 36,000 deaths in the country, the H1N1 pandemic will most likely result in three outbreaks. Read the rest of this entry »