Claire Dawson
In hospitals, the colour of scrubs can vary depending on the role of the wearer, the dress code of the hospital, or simply the preference of the wearer. Green scrubs are commonly worn by surgeons and surgical nurses due to their ability to reduce eye strain under bright operating room lights, hide stains, and promote a sense of calm. In the fast-paced environment of the ER, green scrubs are also worn by emergency physicians, nurses, and support staff. Additionally, green scrubs are worn by surgical support staff, such as surgical technologists and operating room assistants, and by specialized technicians in fields like radiology, pathology, and diagnostic imaging.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who wears green scrubs | Surgeons, surgical assistants, surgical support staff, surgical nurses, emergency physicians, nurses, ICU staff, and specialized technicians in fields such as radiology, pathology, and diagnostic imaging |
| Why they wear green scrubs | To reduce eye strain, hide stains, promote calm, and for their association with sterility and visual comfort during surgery |
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What You'll Learn
Surgeons and surgical nurses
Green scrubs are also favoured for their ability to hide stains and promote a sense of calm. They are associated with nature, tranquillity, and healing, reducing anxiety in both patients and staff. The colour is also said to convey competence and medical expertise. In some medical institutions, dark green scrubs are reserved for surgeons, while surgical nurses and support staff wear lighter shades of green. However, in facilities without specific colour guidelines, staff may be free to choose their own scrub colours.
Beyond the surgical suite, green scrubs are also worn by emergency physicians, nurses, and support staff in the ER, as well as by specialised technicians in fields such as radiology, pathology, and diagnostic imaging. In the ICU, where patients require constant monitoring and specialised care, green scrubs are often chosen for their calming influence in this high-stress environment.
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ER doctors and nurses
In the emergency room, it is common for doctors, nurses, and support staff to wear green scrubs. The fast-paced and unpredictable nature of the ER means long and stressful shifts for staff, and the colour green is thought to have a calming influence on both staff and patients. Green scrubs are also practical as they can hide stains and are easy to colour-coordinate and pair with other items of clothing and footwear.
The choice of scrubs colour is often left to the individual, but hospitals may assign certain colours to specific types of staff. For example, surgeons and their support staff commonly wear green scrubs, originally to reduce eye strain during prolonged surgical procedures. In some hospitals, nurses in surgery also wear green scrubs, with some facilities using different shades of green to distinguish between roles.
While scrubs are now commonplace, doctors in emergency rooms used to typically wear a shirt, tie, and white coat. However, ties have fallen out of fashion due to hygiene concerns, and white coats are also becoming less common. In the UK, the NHS has a 'bare below the elbow' policy for anyone in direct patient care, meaning no watches, jewellery, nail polish, or long nails, and no ties or lanyards.
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ICU doctors and nurses
In hospitals, the colour green is associated with surgeons and their support staff. Green scrubs were initially introduced to reduce eye strain during long surgical procedures. However, green is now favoured for its ability to hide stains and evoke a sense of calm, balance, and focus. In surgical settings, nurses don green scrubs as well, sometimes wearing identical scrubs to surgeons, while other facilities use different shades of green to distinguish roles.
In the ICU, the dress code may vary depending on the hospital and the role of the medical professional. Some hospitals have implemented policies requiring ICU nurses and doctors to change into a fresh set of clothes or scrubs each day, unless they have not been exposed to contaminated environments. This practice is intended to reduce the risk of infection. In some cases, ICU nurses and doctors may be required to remove their white coats before entering the ICU for the same reason.
ICU nurses often purchase and launder their scrubs independently, and there may be no specific colour requirements. In some hospitals, ICU nurses and doctors may follow a uniform policy mandated for all nursing staff, which could include wearing scrubs.
ICU doctors may wear a variety of attire, including professional clothing, scrubs, or a combination of both. They may also be required to wear a white coat over their attire, especially during rounds.
Overall, while there is no definitive answer regarding the specific colour of scrubs worn by ICU doctors and nurses, green scrubs are commonly associated with surgical settings and are chosen for their practical and aesthetic benefits.
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Radiology, pathology, and diagnostic imaging technicians
The colour of scrubs worn by healthcare professionals holds significance beyond aesthetics. Green scrubs are commonly worn by surgeons and their support staff, as they reduce eye strain during prolonged surgical procedures and help promote a sense of calm. Green scrubs are also favoured for their ability to hide stains.
Outside the surgical suite, green scrubs are often worn by specialised technicians in fields such as radiology, pathology, and diagnostic imaging. Radiology professionals, for instance, are required to wear scrubs while operating machinery. While some radiologists wear jeans and t-shirts, others don surgical scrubs or dress shirts and slacks. In some cases, radiologists may wear lab coats over their regular clothing, especially when performing ultrasounds or working in office spaces with computers and no patients.
Similarly, pathology and diagnostic imaging technicians may wear green scrubs as standard attire or opt for other colours depending on their hospital's dress code. Some hospitals assign specific colours to different types of staff, while others leave the choice to the individual. For instance, blue scrubs are often worn by healthcare professionals in constant motion as they hide stains well, and white scrubs, though less common now, are traditionally worn by lab scientists and nurses to symbolise cleanliness and purity.
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Trainee nurses and newly qualified healthcare professionals
The colour of scrubs you wear in a hospital setting can vary depending on your role and the type of work you do. For example, surgeons typically wear green or teal scrubs because these colours help to reduce eye strain under bright operating room lights. Green scrubs are also commonly worn by surgical support staff, such as surgical technologists and operating room assistants.
In the fast-paced environment of the ER, you're likely to see doctors, nurses, and support staff wearing dark-coloured scrubs, such as navy or black, to hide sweat patches. In the ICU, where patients require specialised care, green scrubs are often chosen for their calming influence.
The specific colour of scrubs that trainee nurses and newly qualified healthcare professionals wear may vary depending on the hospital and its dress code policies. Some hospitals use colour-coded scrubs to differentiate roles, while others leave the choice up to the individual. If you're a trainee nurse or a newly qualified healthcare professional, it's a good idea to check with your hospital before purchasing your scrubs.
That being said, it is common for trainee nurses and newly qualified healthcare professionals to wear lighter-coloured scrubs, such as pale blue or green. These colours are often chosen because they are calming and can help create a positive atmosphere. In some cases, more senior nurses will wear darker-coloured scrubs to make them easily identifiable in an emergency.
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Frequently asked questions
Surgeons and their support staff, including surgical nurses, often wear green scrubs.
Green scrubs were initially introduced to reduce eye strain during long surgical procedures. Now, the colour is also favoured for its ability to hide stains and promote calm.
Yes, nurses typically wear scrubs in a range of colours, including green. More senior nurses tend to wear darker scrubs, while trainee nurses and newly qualified healthcare professionals often wear lighter shades.
Surgeons typically wear solid colours such as teal or dark blue.
