Scrubs are an essential part of the medical profession. They provide a practical and hygienic uniform that allows healthcare professionals to perform their duties with ease. However, did you know that the color of scrubs can affect the wearer's mood and mindset? In this blog post, we will explore the psychology behind the colors of scrubs.
It is already past the time for all the nurses to wear the same color in all healthcare facilities. Today, hospitals and clinics are more flexible in choosing the colors for nurses’ uniforms because they recognize the importance of color in enhancing their brand image.
Color is expressive and emotional; every color evokes a different feeling or mood in people. The color of uniforms will affect not only the nurses’ feelings but also those of the patients. While the perception of color is subjective, some effects of colors have universal meanings and effects.
Understanding the psychological meaning of every color will help you choose a suitable color that can create the right mood, aligning with your hospital’s brand image. This post will guide you through how each color can influence the appearance and feel of your scrubs.
White Scrubs White is the traditional color of scrubs worn by medical professionals. It is associated with cleanliness, purity, and a professional demeanor. White scrubs are often worn in surgical settings as they provide a sterile and clinical appearance. However, white can also be a difficult color to maintain, as it shows stains quickly.
White: Scrubs used to be white. White has been designated as the ‘healthcare color’ because it has been considered the best choice for doctors and nurses for so long. White has been the most optimal and safest choice because white is a sign of sterility and hygiene.
White - the color of cleanliness. Meanwhile, the white color evokes a neutral and calm tone for both the patients and nurses.
However, in practical use, white fabric is subjected to stains and dirt. The white uniform also requires high maintenance to keep its pristine white color.
Blue Scrubs Blue is a calming color that is often associated with trust, confidence, and loyalty. Blue scrubs are popular among medical professionals as they provide a sense of calm and stability in high-pressure environments. Blue scrubs are also believed to promote healing and relaxation, making them a popular choice for pediatricians and mental health professionals.
In addition, blue uniforms are easy to maintain. Stains and dirt are not too visible in blue colors. For an overall brand image, blue uniforms blend well with the various interior design styles of hospitals and clinics.
Green is a color associated with nature, growth, and harmony. Green scrubs are often worn by surgical staff as they provide a contrast to the red blood and reduce eye fatigue during lengthy procedures. Green is also believed to have a calming effect, making it a popular choice for healthcare professionals who work in stressful environments.
The green color also evokes the feeling of refreshment and equilibrium. The green scrub creates a friendly and calming atmosphere for patients.
Another essential reason surgeons choose green for their scrubs is that it creates a more significant impact on their performance. Green is considered to help doctors see better in the operation theatre. On the color wheel, we can see that green is the complementary color to red.
Looking at green or blue colors will help doctors refresh their vision of red things, which include the bloody internal organs of patients. Additionally, a deep focus on red can lead to distracting green illusions on white surfaces because the white color encompasses all colors of the wheel, including red and green. Therefore, if the scrub color is green, the green illusion can be minimized. There has been extensive research on the effects of green color on the performance of surgeons in operating theatres.
Purple & Pink; warm colors like purple has been picked for nurses because the warm colors evoke feelings of warmth and sincere care. Purple, the royal color, also creates a sense of truthfulness and high quality. The purple scrubs make the nurses look friendlier and more stylish.
Pink is also one of the favorite colors for nurse scrubs due to its lovely, friendly tone. Pink creates a tone of warmth and nurturing. It is also a sign of love. Pink is often chosen for nurse scrubs in the pediatric department, where nurses need to gain the trust and acceptance of young patients.
Red Scrubs Red is a bold and attention-grabbing color that is associated with passion, energy, and excitement. Emergency medical professionals often wear red scrubs, as they provide a sense of urgency and authority. However, red can also be an overpowering color and may cause anxiety in some patients.
Black Scrubs Black is a sleek and sophisticated color that is associated with power, elegance, and professionalism. Black scrubs are a popular choice for medical professionals seeking to maintain a stylish appearance while on the job. However, black can also be a depressing color, so it may not be the best choice for healthcare professionals who work in mental health settings.
Black; minimalistic colors like white and black are timeless. Although black is not as popular as white when it comes to healthcare uniforms, many hospitals still choose it due to its symbolic meaning and practicality. Black is often associated with security, emotional safety, and efficiency. Additionally, black is a stylish color that will always make you look chic and professional. For practical use, the black color is easy to wash and maintain.
Every color evokes a different mood and tone for the scrub you will wear. Before selecting a color for scrubs in your healthcare facility, consider the meaning behind each color and its impact on professionals’ performance. Another factor to consider when choosing color is your hospital brand image: the color of scrubs should blend well with your hospital’s interior design.
In conclusion, the color of scrubs can have a profound impact on the wearer's mood and mindset. White, blue, green, red, and black are all popular choices for medical professionals, each with its unique psychological associations. By understanding the psychology behind the colors of scrubs, healthcare professionals can make informed decisions when selecting their uniforms.