Gowns aren't meant to keep you warm.
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If you think working with the general public is challenging, imagine working with the general public when they're writhing in the worst pain of their lives, can't breathe, and vomiting more then a bunch of food-poisoned sailors. On top of that, you've got the spectators (or the patient's family) who like to add their criticisms, doctors who can sometimes act like a whole different breed of person, and management that is ensuring that medications are administered exactly as they're prescribed.
Then there's a whole other side to health care that is all too often overlooked, and that's making your patients feel comfortable and dignified regardless of age, condition, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or ethnicity. That's where modesty in the medical setting is
paramount -- hence the gown, which is purposely shapeless, color neutral, and easily replaced because the last thing you need to feel is powerless, naked, and covered in your own vomit while a stranger sticks you with a needle.
What's more is that we also live in an ever-diversifying globalizing world, where nurses must respect the cultures and religions of everyone if they want to provide the best care. For instance, followers of some religions may request female-only providers or that their husband be present during procedures, or they may resist de-robing or uncovering their hair. Or perhaps the patient is the survivor of sexual assault, rape, or is transgender, and doesn't feel comfortable with a gown that doesn't close all the way in the back. Sourcing scrub pants for the patient, using two gowns, and knocking every time you enter a room can all go a long way in providing a holistic, respectful healing experience. After all, too much modesty is always better than too little.
It's just all in a day's work for a nurse. And that coffee they're drinking? That might as well be good old number 2 diesel fuel because it's powering the steadfast, heavy-lifting, long-haul heroes of healthcare.
