According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of September 27, 2009 there have been more than 340,000 laboratory confirmed cases of the pandemic H1N1 influenza and more than 4100 deaths. It is still hard to confirm the number of actual cases as many countries have stopped counting the mild cases. This may mean that the actual number of H1N1 cases is significantly higher. The flu continues to spread, and in North America, as of September 27, the increase in respiratory diseases has been higher than normal in the last two weeks.

In response to the need to protect the public, health-care workers, doctors, nurses, and those working in hospitals and clinics have, in many areas, been asked to get the new H1N1 vaccine. While the plan is to protect people, many of these individuals are protesting, saying that they should not be forced to get the vaccine as a condition of keeping their employment. In a recent article in the USA Today news, Sue Field, a registered nurse who works in a maternity ward and organizer of a rally to protest the mandatory vaccination of medical professionals, said "There's no proof this vaccine will protect us from swine flu or protect us from spreading it to other." Still, Dr. Richard Daines, the New York state health commissioner, says that the H1N1 vaccine is safe and the best way to prevent the spread of the flu. He also says that while there is a flu outbreak every year that results in about 2,000 deaths in New York and 36,000 deaths in the country, the H1N1 pandemic will most likely result in three outbreaks.

What do you know about the H1N1 vaccine?

There is a difference between the normal yearly flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine. According to Carol Baker, vaccine expert from the Baylor College of Medicine and member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the normal flu vaccine contains three different influenza viruses in it. Each of these viruses hang around through out the fall and winter. The H1N1 vaccine, on the other hand, contains only one single virus.

How many shots do you need and how long before it "kicks in"?

In the past it was assumed that people would need more than one shot of the vaccine, but in September findings released from a clinical trial showed that you only need one shot. Once you are vaccinated, it takes 10-14 days for the novel H1N1 vaccine to provide protection.

You may have heard that the flu shot is important for the elderly and those with chronic diseases and weakened systems, but the H1N1 flu is different. This flu is hitting younger people, which is why the ACIP is recommending that anyone working with people, elderly, kids, pregnant women and/or infants younger than 6 months of age get vaccinated. This also includes vaccination for health care workers, people ages 6months to 24 years of age and those people age 25 to 64 with immune system deficiencies and chronic illnesses.

Sure, but is the H1N1 shot really safe?

This is a new vaccine. Of course people are worried. According to Carol Baker, there have never been any problems with the flu vaccines other than some minor side effects like fever, aches, pains and a little soreness where the needle was given.

In Hong Kong, almost half of 2255 health care workers polled said they would refuse the H1N1 flue vaccine. Why? Because they are concerned about the side effects and they were doubtful about whether or not it would really protect them. The results were surprising, considering Hong Kong was so severely hit with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) back in 2003.

Is refusing the H1N1 vaccine ethical?

Even though the World Health Organization recommends that each country vaccinates its healthcare workers, it is not an easy issue to tackle. According to an article in the American Journal of Nursing, less than 40% of health care workers have been vaccinated for the flu and in a Nursing Times survey from the UK, 30% of nurses said they would refuse the H1N1 vaccine. 37% said they would take have the shot. Those who refuse the shot say that nurses have the same rights as patients and should be able to refuse treatment.

Still, the question remains – do nurses have a professional obligation to protect themselves from the H1N1 virus and, as a result, protect the patients and coworkers around them? Exposure to the H1N1 virus in the hospital may be considered part of a healthcare workers' job – incurring a certain amount of personal risk in order to care for those who are in need of medical attention. From infections, injury on the job, toxins and more, risks are everywhere in the daily job of nurses. Does openly being at risk for H1N1 count in the same category as these other risks? The American Nurses Association (ANA) outlines the level of risk that nurses should be expected to allow in their care for patients.

Some people believe the normal seasonal flu shot will be enough to protect them against the H1N1 flu. This is wrong. According to the CDC, the seasonal flu vaccine will not protect anyone against the H1N1 flu.

What if you already had the flu in 2009?

Again, according to the CDC, if you had the flu this year but aren't sure if it was the H1N1 flu, and if your doctor thinks you should get it, then you need to get vaccinated. In other words, unless you know for sure you had the H1N1 flu as confirmed by tests, then you probably still need the shot.

So you DON'T want the shot…..

The controversy over whether or not nurses should have to get the H1N1 vaccination remains. In the mean time, the rules for preventing the spread of the virus remains:

• Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based cleanser
• Avoid touching surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• If you feel sick –STAY HOME – and avoid contact with others.
• Stay aware of the local news and reports of H1N1 outbreaks.
• Eat a healthy diet, get plenty of rest, and protect your immune system with good health.

Article © MyNursingUniforms.com / Young Lion Incorporated - Image Courtesy of ahjia

The H1N1 Shot – To Get it or Not to Get it? That is the Question! is a post from: MyNursingUniforms Blog

Technorati: flu, h1n1, swine flu, vaccine vaccination

That means you can buy anything you want and receive a discount using the code 'Save09'. It's that simple! Wednesday we'll have a new article to bring for you, and we'll keep you posted on the latest offerings from MNU. Just one way to show how committed we are to providing the best online nursing uniform experience online!

Big Release Day – New Design at MNU is a post from: MyNursingUniforms Blog

Technorati: nurse, nurses, nursing, scrub, scrubs, uniforms

Visiting Angels provides much needed living assistance services to senior citizens and others who require compassionate in-home help. Recently, Visiting Angels in Glendora, California was preparing for an Alzheimer's training for over 100 caregivers. They planned to give each participant a scrub top as a gift. We spoke with Kim Millwee, their Community Liaison, recently, about their experience looking for scrubs. She told us how they decided to go with Dickies Scrubs:

"We wanted our caregivers to have something with our logo, so they would look professional and get the Visiting Angels name noticed. So we ordered a few samples of scrub sets and jackets and decided to get a sample of the Dickies. We wanted something they could wear over their own clothes that would look stylish and updated. We all agreed the Dickie's scrub short sleeve jacket was the best choice and we had our Visiting Angels logo screened on the front."

After choosing Dickies, Visiting Angels placed an order through an online retailer that also had a store in their area. Unfortunately, the items they ordered three weeks in advance weren't available, and they were stuck, just days before the training with no scrub tops.

"The first company gave us the run around and a different story each time we called. It was a nightmare, everything was on backorder," Kim explained.

Finally, Visiting Angels decided to look elsewhere.

Visiting Angels found MyNursingUniforms.com after doing a search for Dickies Scrubs online. We were excited to have the opportunity to work with them, and concerned for their situation. They needed close to 100 scrub tops right away. After a quick look at current available styles, we found that the tops that they had originally wanted were not available, but we were able to find them a nearly identical style that was in stock. After a few phone calls, we at MyNursingUniforms.com found that we could provide all the tops that were required. On a Friday, we promised 95 Dickies Sandwashed Snapfront Scrub Tops to be delivered on Monday, and we were able to get them sent out immediately, and delivered on time. We were so thrilled that we were able to get the uniforms they needed within the tight timeframe.

"You were so prompt with getting us our product without any backorders and on time, we will be using you for all future orders and refer you to our colleagues in search of uniforms," Kim told us after receiving the order.

Visiting Angels is all about caring, compassionate, and timely service. They make it possible for individuals with advanced age and disabilities to stay in their homes, with the service, assistance, and joyful companionship that contributes so strongly to a positive quality of living for the recipients. As a result, it is our pleasure to be able to provide our brand of caring and high level service to a group of people who do so much for others.

- Sarah Gribauskas

MNU Helps Visiting Angels is a post from: MyNursingUniforms Blog

As a nurse in a pediatric setting, you want your patient to think you’re child friendly to enable a feeling of trust in your patient without appearing threatening. A study done by Donna Meyer entitled, "Children’s Responses to Nursing Attire" addressed the concern of children’s preference in nursing uniforms. Meyer showed one hundred children between the ages of three and five pictures of nurses in the same pose, only altered by their attire. The nurses were wearing a traditional white dress, street clothes, street clothes and a lab coat, or white pants with a colorful patterned smock top.

First, the children were asked, "Which nurse do you want to take care of you?" The children's responses clearly indicated a preference for the colored scrub top. Street clothes with a lab coat rated last among the kids.

Next the children were asked, "Is there a nurse you're afraid of?" The traditional white dress created the most fear in the children, with clothes and lab coat next. Fewer children cited being afraid of the nurse in the colored smock top than any other attire.

Aside from your basic uniform there are a number of items available that are sure to bring a smile to your small patients’ face. Animal stethoscope covers and name badges with cartoon figures are just a few items widely available that can help ease the relationship between a nurse and apprehensive child. Wearing print scrubs with animals, cartoon characters or even festive patterns may help children feel at ease or even help ease communication.

-Andrea Weissman

Meyer, D. (1992). “Children’s Responses to Nursing Attire.” Pediatric Nursing, 18 (2), 157-60.

(c) 2006-2009 MyNursingUniforms.com / Young Lion Incorporated. All Rights Reserved.

Scrubs and Uniforms to Wear When Working With Children is a post from: MyNursingUniforms Blog

Here's why: Dickies Medical Scrubs combine the attention to detail and quality that all Dickies clothing has become known for with a brand new idea in medical scrubs: Style! For years, nurses everywhere have had few options in their workwear. Nursing uniforms were shapeless garments, drawstring or elastic only, with few variations in colors and prints regardless of manufacturer. The V-Neck top and the loose fitting scrub pant seemed to be about as far as scrubs were going to go. Not anymore!

Dickies has introduced several exciting lines in fashion medical scrubs- many of which have become instant classics! For example, the revolutionary Hip Flip Collection. The Dickies Hip Flip Boot Cut Pant and Cargo Flare Pant come in fun colors that are great to mix and match. The unique “hip flip” waistband can be worn up, or flipped down for a pant that fits perfect lower on the hip. The flare leg and cargo pants are designed to actually fit your body so they are more comfortable and wear better than traditional scrubs, while still presenting a neat and professional appearance.

Medical scrubs are also known having limited and not particularly fashionable prints, but this is another area where Dickies Scrubs are so different! Here you can shop for over 40 currently available prints in Dickies Medical Scrubs. Each print is specifically designed with nurses in mind. These prints are made for today's nurses with fun graphics, beautiful colors, and the newest styles, including asian and hawaiian print tops. Dickies Nursing uniforms are designed to be mixed and matched, and each print top coordinates with lots of the great Dickies pant colors.

Dickies provides variety in colors and prints, as well as some great new fits that will flatter any figure, but what's more, Dickies Medical Scrubs are designed for quality and long wear. Medical scrubs have to be well constructed and comfortable for the long hours and strenuous work that nurses do. Dickies understands these needs and tailors all of their scrubs to be up to the challenge. Each garment has double bar tacks at all pressure points, reinforced seams, and a special long wearing cotton/poplin blend in most garments to make sure that your scrubs work as hard as you do.

For all your Dickies Medical Scrub needs, check out our homepage. Just because you need a high quality stylish scrub doesn't mean that you should have to pay more. Dickies Medical Scrubs at MyNursingUniforms.com are always priced lower every day than your local uniform store and other stores on the internet, and the MyNursingUniforms.com selection can't be beat.

[tags]dickies, scrubs, dickies medical[/tags]

Dickies Medical Scrubs: Versatility, Style, Selection is a post from: MyNursingUniforms Blog

Technorati: dickies, dickies medical, scrubs

The Dickies Nautical Collection is a fashionable new line featuring some ocean-inspired scrubs, such as the Nautical V-Neck Print Top. The Dickies Lace Collection features a more feminine look, with lace trim that suggests a classically feminine style. We spoke with our friend Margot Diamond, Director of Product Development under Creative Director Nina Park at Dickies Medical, to learn more about both of these wonderful new lines.

MyNursingUniforms: So Margot, what do you think that nurses are looking for when it comes to their spring wardrobe?

Margot Diamond: Well, for any new season, nurses are always looking for newness, but for the Spring season especially, they are looking for more fun, bright colors and styles.

MNU: Right, and that would explain the vibrant new scrub styles you've come up with for the Dickies Nautical and Lace Collections. Where did the inspiration come from for these collections?

MD: The Nautical Collection is yet another example of taking a "ready to wear" fashion trend that has been inspired by fashion styles. Nautical Styling has been infused with ocean inspired colors for a fresh clean look. Dickies Lace Collection is a trend that we felt was important enough to be interpreted to the fashion uniform market.

We hope that nurses will fancy both new lines, as they each provide very different yet fashionable looks.

MNU: What do you feel is the most exciting aspect of the Dickies Nautical Collection?

MD: The Dickies Nautical Collection has several exciting aspects.

Nautical is yet another example of taking a fashion trend and applying it to medical uniforms, where functionality, comfort, and value have been added.

The Nautical Collection features both the classic nautical colors: Navy, White, and Red, as well as three brand new colors: Palm Green, Ocean Blue, and Sunlight.

These are great colors and we have also added them to some of our other popular lines of scrubs, such as the Dickies Hip Flip or Sandwashed scrubs. This grants the customer with so many new fashion options! Nurses can wear a matching Nautical top and bottom, or they can coordinate with a piece from any of our great collections featuring scrubs with Nautical Accents.

MNU: That's very exciting indeed! We already know that our nurses love to mix and match, and now they'll have some hot new scrub styles to choose from! Now, can you tell us all about the Dickies Lace Collection?

MD: The Dickies Lace Collection has taken the feminine influence from the fashion world and applied it to uniforms creating a look that while feminine, is neither fussy nor delicate. Our lace is stitched down to the garment resulting in a top that will stand up to washing. This way, we can provide nurses with a fashionable, feminine look and the durability that they have come to expect from Dickies Uniforms.

MNU: Does the Lace Collection feature any of those great new spring colors as well?

MD: Yes, they are available in our four new colors for Spring '07: Coral, Ocean Blue, Palm Green, and Sunlight. And Dickies Lace scrubs can also be worn with both Hip Flip and Sandwashed bottoms, as well as Dickies Whites bottoms. In fact, the model wearing the Mock Wrap Lace Trim Top is also wearing the Dickies White Scrub Skirt.

MNU: Both of these collections feature a lot of wonderful new prints. Which of these prints are you most excited about?

MD: The Dickies merchandising team is thrilled that every season our design team custom designs all our prints for a unique original style no other uniform company will have.

The Nautical Collection offers nautical-inspired prints such as Anchors Away and Life Saver, and conversationals such as Go Fish, Hello Sailor, and Love Boat. Star Board is a Geo-Star motif with distinct spacing and coloration.

The Lace Collection is more floral based in the prints, as it is a more feminine grouping. Each of the four prints is colored to one of the four new colors for Spring '07 (Color, Palm Green, Ocean Blue, and Sunlight). The prints are colorful and will also match back to our existing sandwashed colors (as well as all of the four new colors).

MNU: Well Margot, we are very excited to have not one, but two great new collections of nursing uniforms to offer to our nurses this spring! Both the Nautical and Lace Collections look very stylish and are sure to be a hit with nurses everywhere! Thank you very much for your time!

[tags]dickies, scrubs, nursing uniforms, nurses[/tags]

Dickies Nautical and Lace Collections: Interview is a post from: MyNursingUniforms Blog

Technorati: dickies, nurses, nursing uniforms, scrubs

The Dickies Whites collection is an absolutely innovative take on classical nursing wear. With pieces like Nursing Dresses, Nursing Skirts, and the new "Perfect Shirt" (a great companion to the recently introduced "Perfect Pant"), we think that the Dickies White Collection is poised to become an instant hit. We spoke with our friend Margot Diamond, Director of Product Development under Creative Director Nina Parks at Dickies Medical, to learn more about this terrific new line.

MyNursingUniforms: Margot, what inspired you to create the new Dickies Whites Collection?

Margot Diamond: We created Dickies Whites for several reasons. First, we have noticed a renewed interest in the color white in many parts of the country. White is becoming popular again! We at Dickies believe we have created a classic yet trendy look in our Whites Collection in a style that is uniquely Dickies. Also, a lot of thought has gone into selecting the fabric for this collection. By using Milliken's "Stain Smart" fabric for this collection, we can offer practicality and functionality to nurses who want to wear whites.

MNU: Why do you believe that Dickies Whites will be popular with nurses?

MD: We believe that nurses will recognize that there are great uses for this product, and that there has been a void in the market. Up until now, no one has made such a stylish, universally flattering, and practical collection.

MNU: Do you expect Dickies Whites to be a strictly summer look?

MD: No, not at all. While we felt it made sense to introduce these items as part of our Summer Collection, we see this as a year round product.

MNU: Can you tell us about some of the pieces included in this collection?

MD: Sure! The Dickies Whites Collection includes our new Dickies White Skirt, which offers several features worth noting. The waistband is our signature hip flip, giving you the option to wear the elastic up or flipped down, as well as featuring a classic cargo pocket design, and inverted front and back pleats for comfort and ease of movement. The length is flattering, modern, and yet professional.

The updated Johnny Collar top has a front yoke, oversized front pockets, and a comfortable, professional fit without being too baggy.

Our new Seamless Drawstring Cargo Pant has a flattering and smooth fit. The functional Cargo pockets look great, and the waist drawstring provides comfort and custom fit, while completing a stylish look.

The Women's Fashion Labcoat has several stylish ready to wear features worth pointing out. The Princess Seaming is a flattering and clean look, and the back shirring offers extra shape and style.

MNU: Stop right there Margot! What about the one piece everyone is so excited about??? Tell us about the Dickies White Dress!

MD: Of course! The Dickies White Dress is a clean, modern updated version of the classic White Nursing Dress. The length is flattering, while still being completely appropriate for the work environment. The dress features a fully functional button front, side elastic to provide a custom fit, and an elegant, simple back tie to give the dress a truly feminine look.

MNU: That sounds great. We get so many requests for Nursing Dresses. We love this design, and expect that our nurses will too! Now, what about this "Perfect Shirt"? Certainly we expect it to build on the success of the Perfect Pant, but what makes the Perfect Shirt so perfect?

MD: The Perfect Shirt has the clean look of a uniform shirt, but it offers several unique features in its styling. The pleated pockets provide classic Dickies styling, the darts on the front and back of the shirt provide a flattering, fitted look, and the length of the shirt has been developed to look great worn inside or out.

MNU: Terrific! And of course we know that all these looks are available in the Dickies White color, but do you have any plans to offer any of these items in prints?

MD: Yes! As a matter of fact we are already developing this concept and we plan to roll out several of the styles in other colors for Fall '06. The Perfect Shirt will come in several of our classic colors in our ever popular Every Day ring spun fabric. The Johnny Collar Top and the Seamless Pant will come in classic and fashion colors in our Sandwash fabric.

MNU: Well Nina and Margot, we're very excited to make this fantastic new collection of nursing uniforms available to our nurses! We think that these looks will be a terrific addition to the huge selection of Medical Wear that Dickies already offers. Thanks so much for your time!

The Dickies Whites Collection is premiering Summer of '06 and we will have these looks available in a wide range of sizes including extra smalls and larger sizes. Also, these looks go great with the tropical looks of the "Summer Safari" group of prints, also coming soon. We are proud and excited to offer you this and other innovative new Dickies styles at MyNursingUniforms.com!

[tags]scrubs, nursing, scrub, dickies, dickies scrubs, dickies white[/tags]

Dickies Whites: A Bright New Take on a Nursing Classic! is a post from: MyNursingUniforms Blog

Technorati: dickies, dickies scrubs, dickies white, nursing scrubs

My Nursing Uniforms is Celebrating Y-O-U This week! We are so thankful to be apart of honoring nurses like you. During the week of May 4 - May 12 accept our gift to you with our Largest Savings Yet. You get 10% off all orders $50 or more OR 15% off all orders $150 or more. Choose from Dickies, Urbane, Landau, Cherokee and Baby Phat Scrubs, Plus Free Shipping when you spend $100 or more!

National Nurse’s Week is a post from: MyNursingUniforms Blog

For 2 Days enjoy these store-wide savings in celebration of 100,000 satisfied My Nursing Uniforms customers! You get $10 off all your purchases on Dickies, Urbane, Landau, Cherokee and Baby Phat Scrubs, Plus Free Shipping when you spend $100 or more! Hurry, this sale only last 2 days and you don't want to miss it. Coupon code: "6figs".

For 2 Days Only, Save $10 on orders $100 or more! is a post from: MyNursingUniforms Blog

The real question is, can you even purchase cheap Dickies Scrubs? Dickies is a brand known for quality and detail- and getting a great high quality garment for less can be hard to do. Maybe you've tried your local uniform shop and found that they prices are really high- or maybe the selection is not what you're looking for. Well, look no further. MyNursingUniforms.com is THE source for Cheap Dickies Scrubs.

MyNursingUniforms.com works directly with Dickies in order to offer you the best prices on the internet. MyNursingUniforms.com also has a terrific selection of cheap Dickies scrubs. For example, you can find a nurse favorite, Dickies Hip Flip Mini Wrap Top, at the everyday low price of $17.99! This top can go for up to $25 on other sites. Also, your every day scrub basics are available for fantastic prices. The Dickies Unisex V-Neck Top- a staple in virtually every medical workplace- is available for only $8.99. At that price, you can afford them in all twenty three available colors!

Even the most popular and newest Dickies scrubs styles are available at cheap prices on MyNursingUniforms.com. The newest Dickies Scrubs collection, the Asia Collection, is now available, with tops starting at under twenty-five dollars! These tops are going for much more right now in uniform shops and all over the internet. Finally, perhaps the most expensive nursing item, nursing shoes, are available at fantastic prices! Check out a recent user quote:

"I found a pair of shoes for half the price, than our local uniform shop sells them for, on My Nursing Uniforms website. I had excellent service. I am so glad I went online to search for the best price."

If you are looking for high quality Dickies scrubs cheap, look no further! You'll always find the best price- and free shipping on all orders over $100- at MyNursingUniforms.com.

The Cheapest Dickies Scrubs From MNU! is a post from: MyNursingUniforms Blog