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The Changing Face Of Nursing
Author : Adam Rush
Submitted : 2011-12-06 Word Count : 471 Popularity: Not Rated
Tags: nursings uniforms, uniforms
Over the last century, the entire profession of nursing and the attire worn by nurses today has evolved. Today’s nurses are leaders, technology gurus, and patient care managers, thanks to advanced educational programs that prepare them for professional success; and with advancements in education, technology and bacterial awareness has come the change in nursing uniforms.
Think back to the early 20th century when technology was primitive, rules and regulations were less prevalent and getting a degree was not a requirement. At that time, nurses received their education from hospitals instead of colleges and universities, and when it came to nursing uniforms, there was no protocol as to what scrub top or scrub pants a nurse could wear. Whatever you were wearing on a given day—that was your uniform. The problem with this is obvious: bacteria festering and the spread of diseases from non-sanitary measures.
But, over time our society has grown, changed and matured. Today, nurses go through extensive teachings at colleges and university. These teachings, coupled with practice in the medical field, have helped us become a more progressive and aware society when it comes to the medical profession.
Even within the past decade, the nursing professional has changed due to improvements in technology and emphasis on critical thinking. Karen Daley, RN, Ph.D., assistant professor of nursing at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU, Danbury, CT), can attest to this. “My graduates are assertive, innovative, and have the ability to make science-based independent care decisions.” In fact, by teaching medical surgical nursing, nursing practicums, as well as leadership and management over the past few years, Daley has noticed a significant change in curriculum. “We moved away from teaching a medical model [memorizing diseases and treatments]. Now, we emphasize conceptual nursing so students can problem-solve and think critically in any situation,” she says. “We encourage independent thinking, assertive communication, and professionalism.”
Improvements in education, responsibility and awareness have not only had an impact on the performance of medical professionals but also have influenced the uniforms worn by nurses and doctors. Today, medical professionals have strict guidelines as to the type of nursing uniforms they can wear to work—all in an effort to help keep a sterile environment at the workplace.
As our society continues to change and technologies rapidly advance, it will be interesting to what the nursing profession and uniforms will be like in twenty years.
For a great selection of nursing uniforms, please visit www.UniformAdvantage.com.
Uniform Advantage is a leading retailer of scrubs and medical uniforms. Founded in 1985, the company operates out of Plantation, Florida and ships from their distribution center near Atlanta, Georgia. It has grown to include 27 scrubs stores located in key cities across the US and Canada, a catalog division and an entity dedicated to the online market.
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For more information, please visit http://www.UniformAdvantage.com, your one-stop shop for all of your nursing uniform needs.