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TeresahRN
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Scrubs styles from around the world
Do nurses from other countries dress the same way as you do? Do their hospitals have dress codes or can nurses choose what to wear? Are scrubs the norm everywhere or are other types of apparel seen as equally functional?
The answer to all of these questions is “It depends.” Nursing uniforms and scrubs styles vary widely around the globe. Even within one country, the style of nursing clothing often differs from one region—even one hospital—to the next. While many nurses do wear the same scrubs styles we see in North America, there are also lots of countries where styles we might consider old-fashioned or impractical are still the norm. There’s also a big difference between the kind of uniform a nurse might don for a formal portrait versus what she might wear daily in a healthcare setting. With that in mind, here are some of the styles you might see if you traveled the world getting to know nurses from other lands.
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TeresahRN
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Latin America
In both Central and South America, modern scrubs are ubiquitous—especially in urban settings. However, scrubs can be mixed and matched with local dress styles in some situations. For example, a nurse from Guatemala might wear a scrubs top and a brightly colored, beautifully patterned skirt made of locally woven fabrics.
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TeresahRN
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Asia
White button-down, lab-coat-style scrubs are common in China, while white dresses with puffed sleeves and a small collar are seen in Japan. In both countries, many nurses wear a bonnet-style cap at work as well. For special occasions, uniforms and bonnets may be much fancier and more brightly colored. But they are still identical for all of the nurses on staff. It’s kind of like having “dress blues” in the military or law enforcement. Say what you will about strict dress codes, but they do make it easier to decide what to wear to work!
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TeresahRN
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Polynesia
As you might expect, dress codes in the lovely Polynesian islands are relaxed and easy on the eyes. For example, nurses in Samoa might wear soft pink scrubs printed with plumeria flowers common in the region. On a special occasion, they might add a pop of color to a traditional white nursing dress with a lei of real blossoms
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TeresahRN
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India
In some areas of India, traditional garb is modified only slightly for the nursing profession. For example, a white cotton sari and choli (blouse) might be worn rather than the more colorful silk varieties. In other areas of the country, a calf-length white dress and white tights are the order of the day. We’re betting these nurses have some wonderful laundering secrets for keeping their uniforms bright and white. Perhaps they could share some tips with the rest of us!
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TeresahRN
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Egypt
In this predominantly Muslim country, female nurses generally wear a head scarf in public. A few choose to don a niqab—a full-face veil—when they are at work (although this is not required by religious laws in that country). This is the topic of some controversy within the Egyptian community. However, since nurses in any hospital might wear a cap and face mask for infection control reasons, is it likely that a face veil is an impediment to getting the job done?
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TeresahRN
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Cambodia
White loose-fitting scrubs are the typical dress code in Cambodian hospitals. But there is one very stark difference when you look below the hemline of the scrubs pants. Nurses in this warm and humid region wear flip-flop sandals instead of the nursing shoes we’re used to seeing in the U.S. You’d have to be very careful about not spilling anything or dropping a needle if you wore sandals to work!
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TeresahRN
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Africa
Throughout the continent of Africa, nurse headgear abounds. The styles are as varied as the countries and cultures represented. Female nurses in Somalia make the hijab (head scarf) part of their uniform. Some hospitals have dress codes that dictate the color and style of the scarf. Others allow nurses plenty of leeway to make their hijab a fashion accessory. Small caps that perch atop the head, kerchiefs, bonnets and other hats are the norm in other countries such as Kenya.
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TeresahRN
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Great Britain
Blue is the order of the day for nursing uniforms in this country. This includes the traditional belted blue dress that has been in style for decades as well as ceil blue button-down, tunic-length scrubs tops. Not all hospitals in the UK have a dress code—and this has created quite a fuss in locations where nurses are apparently showing too much leg, cleavage or even midriff. Nurses on this side of the pond who have seen coworkers sporting inappropriate apparel can relate!
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