The looks of nursing scrubs have changed over the years.  While they were once solid colors, now there are nursing scrubs that contain bright, colorful patterns. These colorful nursing scrubs may help reduce patient anxiety, especially for younger hospital patients.  In addition, the scrubs sold today are much more comfortable to wear than traditional nursing uniforms. 

But some scrubs are serving a much more important purpose.  Many hospitals are starting to treat their nursing scrubs with Permagard. Permagard is an antimicrobial substance that can reduce the growth of harmful bacteria.  Not only can it help protect against MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), a bacterium often found specifically in hospitals that has often proven resistant against penicillin, but it also helps provide effective control against other bacteria, fungi, algae, and yeast.  One Peragard treatment on the nursing scrubs can protect for up to 100 washings.

So next time you see someone in nursing scrubs, the uniform itself might just be protecting you from harmful bacteria.