I have discovered that in my next placement the staff wear scrubs, but 
do not let the students do so.

The reason given to me today is that they do not want students to be 
mistaken for qualified nurses.

Of the reasons given for wearing scrubs, infection control and comfort 
I would query at least infection control - I would not say that I am 
any better at laudering my uniform than anyone else, and my uniform is 
no more comfortable than theirs.

Another big issue I feel is that by being made to stand out I will not 
be integrated within the team, and will always be an outsider. Also the 
hospital coridor is full of diagrams of uniforms, would a patient's 
relative come to me first as the most identifiable nurse? As for being 
confused for qualified staff - what about the healthcare assistants 
wearing scrubs? What stops them from being mistaken for qualified 
nurses? Am am sure that they will know more than me in many areas, but 
the risk of drs asking them to do something they cannot will still 
apply.

But then I can think of an answer for anything sometimes! I think 
mainly the infection control angle is the most important, followed by a 
desire to fit in as part of the team.

Any advise and comments most welcome.