My Story - It began with a simple idea — to bring a little creativity and joy into the nursing journey through shirts, stickers, and designs that spoke to the student experience. As a nursing student myself, balancing classes, clinical, and the financial strain that comes with it, I wanted to create merch that was fun, affordable, and customizable for those walking the same path. What started as playful merch through the Artful Nurse has now grown into ARDEA underscrubs — practical, meaningful apparel designed for students and healthcare heroes who carry resilience, dedication, and heart into everything they do.
ARDEA – A reflection of what it means to be a healthcare professional. Inspired by the heron (Latin: Ardea), a symbol of strength, balance, and perseverance, our brand embodies the values that guide us through every shift, every class, and every challenge.
ARDEA is a Canadian-based small home business that proudly supports other Canadian businesses, manufacturers, and printers to create our underscrubs. Every piece is made with care, locally, and with a commitment to quality that reflects our values.
ARDEA stands for:
Advocacy – Standing up for patients and ensuring the best care.
Resilience – The strength to adapt, recover, and keep going.
Dedication – Long hours, tough shifts, and unwavering commitment.
Empathy – Compassion at the heart of every interaction.
Awareness – Mindfulness of patient needs, mental health, and the bigger picture.
When you wear ARDEA, you’re wearing your values. #ardeaunderscrubs
Why It’s Important - At ARDEA, we believe your mental health is just as important as the care you give to others. As students, nurses, and service-based workers, we carry a lot — and it’s okay to admit when it feels heavy. That’s why $1 from every Under Scrub sold is donated to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) to support mental wellness programs across Canada.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to a friend, classmate, co-worker, or professional. You don’t have to carry it alone — we’re stronger together. And to every student pushing through long clinical hours, late-night studying, and endless exams: remember your why. You’ve got this.
Need Someone to Talk To?
For Students
Your school’s mental health services – Free counselling available at most Ontario colleges and universities
Good2Talk (ages 17–25) – Free, 24/7 mental health support for post-secondary students
📞 1-866-925-5454
📱 Text GOOD2TALKON to 686868
🌐 good2talk.ca
For Healthcare Workers & Everyone
Talk Suicide Canada – 24/7 crisis support
📞 988 | 📱 Text 988
🌐 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis HelplineHope for Wellness Helpline (Indigenous-specific support)
📞 1-855-242-3310
🌐 hopeforwellness.ca