My Story - It began with a simple idea — to bring a little creativity and joy in my nursing journey through shirts, stickers, and designs that spoke to the student experience. As a nursing student, 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 : https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-artful-nurse  has now grown into ARDEA underscrubs, practical, meaningful apparel designed for healthcare heroes who carry resilience, dedication, and heart into everything they do.

ARDEA Logo featuring a Heron with the word ARDEA across its wings.

ARDEA – A reflection of what it means to be in healthcare. 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 to create our underscrubs. Every piece is made with care and with a commitment to quality that reflects our values.

ARDEA stands for:

  • Advocacy – Standing up for patients and ourselves.

  • 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. 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 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 Helpline

  • Hope for Wellness Helpline (Indigenous-specific support)
    📞 1-855-242-3310
    🌐 hopeforwellness.ca