MyNursingUniforms Blog

Any nurse, or someone who works in the medical profession, who has worked in a hospital or clinic for even one single day has most likely seen numerous bouquets of flowers being sent to patients to brighten their room, or sent to the staff as a token of gratitude for their outstanding care. While flowers are simple, natural and beautiful just as they are, did you know there is actually a meaning behind those flowers? After you read this article you may never look at flowers the same.

Who Decided What Each Flower Meant?

It is really hard to define exactly where the definitions and meanings of flowers come from. Unfortunately, no one really knows. Many say that the meanings evolved from simple local folklore. For example, the Thistle flower is the national flower of Scotland. During the reign of Malcom I, a Danish army tried to invade Scotland in the middle of the night. As the army approached the Scottish camp, one of soldiers stepped on a Thistle with his bare foot. He screamed and the Scottish army woke up and ran the Danish army off. The Thistle became a symbol of independence and retaliation that day. Today some Scottish brides choose to have a Thistle in their bouquets as a symbol of national pride.

The meaning of flowers has been followed for centuries. Meanings evolve and some flowers may have more than one meaning depending on the country they are grown in. Still, discovering the hidden messages is fascinating.

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The scene is not uncommon in hospitals. A friend or family member is very ill and the loved ones gather around the bed, in the hallway, in the hospital chapel, to pray. Words of hope are sent off into the heavens with requests for healing or, at the very least, and end to suffering. While some day that the prayers really are only for those who are doing the praying so they might feel some sense of control over an otherwise sad and hopeless situation, there are those that believe that these heartfelt words have the power to heal.

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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.

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