The color of scrubs is not chosen arbitrarily, but there is no national or universal standard dictating what each shade signifies. The meaning of scrub colors is determined by the specific policy of an individual hospital, clinic, or healthcare system. Healthcare facilities use color-coding as a visual shorthand for staff identification. These local policies are designed to reduce confusion for patients and increase operational efficiency.
The Lack of a Universal Color Standard
The absence of a single system means a scrub color worn by a nurse at one medical center might identify a surgical technician at a facility across town. Standardization is a decision made at the local level by hospital administration, not by a governing body. These administrative decisions are influenced by institutional branding, operational needs, and the desire for rapid visual recognition among a large staff. The result is a patchwork of color codes that differs significantly between healthcare systems and can even vary between units within the same hospital network.
Traditional Scrub Colors and Functional Use
The colors green and blue hold a unique, historically functional significance distinct from modern color-coding practices. These colors were adopted for surgical environments in the early 20th century to mitigate visual fatigue for the operating team. Previously, medical professionals wore white, which caused glare and eye strain by reflecting the bright operating room lights.
Green and blue are positioned opposite red on the color wheel, making them complementary colors to blood. Staring intently at red tissue for extended periods can desensitize the eyes’ cone cells, reducing a surgeon’s ability to perceive subtle differences in red shades. Looking at green or blue scrubs periodically helps refresh the surgeon’s vision and maintain sensitivity. Furthermore, shifting the gaze from red to a white surface creates a distracting green afterimage, but this visual illusion is neutralized when the background is green or blue.
Scrub Colors for Departmental Identification
Many large healthcare institutions use color to identify the specific department or unit where a staff member works, regardless of their professional title. This system provides a quick visual cue, especially in fast-paced or chaotic environments. A designated color for Emergency Room (ER) staff, such as royal blue or red, allows others to immediately identify a team member from that area in a crisis.
The system also extends to non-clinical personnel, such as Environmental Services staff, who might wear gray or burgundy. This focus on departmental identification streamlines internal communication and coordination. Rapid recognition is valuable for both colleagues and patients who need to engage with a specific area of the hospital.
Identifying Professional Roles Through Color
A more complex application of color-coding identifies a staff member’s professional role, rank, or certification. This approach aims to distinguish between different levels of care providers, such as Registered Nurses (RNs), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Physicians, and students. For example, a hospital may mandate that all RNs wear navy blue, while all CNAs wear hunter green.
Physicians frequently wear a distinct color, sometimes black or a specific shade of blue, to separate their role from other clinical staff. Students, management, and technical roles like radiology or lab technicians are also assigned unique colors. This system is designed to improve patient confidence and safety by making it easier for them to identify who is providing their care and what their level of expertise is.
The Practical and Psychological Impact of Scrub Color
Color choices are influenced by practical and psychological considerations that affect both staff and patients. Some facilities select colors like navy or charcoal gray because they are better at hiding stains and maintaining a professional appearance throughout a long shift. White, historically associated with cleanliness, has largely been phased out due to its impracticality in showing every stain.
The psychological effect of color on patients is also a factor in policy creation. Soft, cool colors like light blue and green are often chosen because they are associated with calmness, trust, and healing. This can help reduce patient anxiety in a stressful environment. Pediatric units might select brighter, friendlier colors such as pink or purple to create a more approachable atmosphere for children.
Non-Traditional and Personal Scrub Choices
While many hospitals enforce strict color-coding policies, variations exist, particularly in non-acute or smaller clinical settings. Patterned scrubs, often featuring child-friendly designs or holiday themes, are commonly seen in pediatric units to make staff appear less intimidating and more welcoming. These non-traditional choices are sometimes allowed for personal expression, helping to boost staff morale.
In some outpatient clinics or smaller practices, standardization is looser, allowing individuals to choose their own colors or styles, such as jogger or fitted scrubs. This is permitted as long as the attire maintains a professional standard. This trend toward greater individual choice works against the goal of a universal color-coded system.