Do You Need New Nursing Uniforms?
New nurses, you're going to need to buy some uniforms. You might not think this is a big deal, but let me tell you, it really is.
Nurses are at the front lines of healthcare and their uniforms can show just how hard they are working for their patients.
It's as important for hospital gowns as it is for scrubs or any other outfit that nurses wear. So don't go blogging about something like "the top 37 things you need to know about nursing" and forget what really matters: your uniform.
One of the biggest mistakes that new nurses make is to assume that a uniform is just one item. You see, you need to think about your entire uniform package. So, for example, if your scrubs are too short, then moving between activities can be a bit of a problem.
If you have poor fit-supports (bra bands), then nursing in anything other than scrubs can be a struggle as you'd rather be comfortable and avoid pain.
My goal with this write-up is to provide you with tips for clothing related issues so that those first few weeks of nursing school don't leave you with huge regret when something goes wrong in an exam or shift.
Being comfortable enough to concentrate is important for any student, but it's particularly true if you're going to be studying nursing.
What makes the uniform package so important?
If you've ever seen medical dramas on TV, then you might think that scrubs are the most important part of a nurse's uniform. However, that's not correct. Instead, it's really the complete package of clothes and accessories that really gets the job done when a nurse is providing care for patients.
The other items in your nursing uniform package include:
• Shoes – You have to have something on your feet. So pick something that is comfortable and doesn't slow you down.
• Gloves – This part of the uniform is actually a legal requirement if you're working in most places. They should be latex-free and made to be a perfect fit for your hands so that they don't fall off or slow you down when you're working with patients.
If you've never worked in healthcare, then the idea of gloves might seem weird or even unnecessary. However, the extra layer of protection they provide both for staff and patients can be vital in controlling infections and preventing harm to both parties during care.
• Lab Coat – An important part of any nurse's uniform are their lab coats. They provide protection from bodily fluids and can be used to safely transport patients. They also do a great job of hiding any bumps and lumps that appear during your shift.
• Hairnets – This is another item you'll need to wear when you're providing care. Unlike a Band-Aid, these keep hair in place without causing any pain or discomfort.
• Sanitary Towels – You need clean hands so that you don't get bacteria on patients or yourself during care. Storing extra sanitary towels means you won't need to go back for a change of trousers or scrub top every few hours.
• Scrubs – The most basic of uniforms, scrubs are the least expensive part of a nurse's uniform. They are a good fit for many people and don't require much in the way of customization. So spend some time choosing the color that also matches your shoes as well as other accessories like hairnets, hats and other things.
• Staff Polo – A top-quality polo shirt is the best way to show off your nursing staff title at work. It's more comfortable than a lot of shirts sold in stores and provides an extra layer of protection against skin infections if you choose one that is made from 100% cotton.
If you want to look great and stay comfortable, make a point of investing in a staff polo that is professional, lightweight and stretchy.
• Leggings – Sometimes scrubs just don't fit well or they aren't a good color choice. So having some leggings is important. They fit well under other parts of your uniform so you can still look professional when you're providing care.
• Shoes – You need to be able to stand for the entire shift without falling over in pain or discomfort. So pick something that fits well and offers enough support for comfort and attractiveness during your shifts.
The Nonessential Items
These are the extras that you might not think about. You might even forget about them. But they can also be a valuable part of your staff uniform package:
• Pouches – These are great for holding scrubs, keys, hand wipes, etc while you're on duty. They allow you to store things out of view and avoid any theft or misuse of your belongings.
• Backpack – If you use one at work, then make sure it's comfortable and spacious enough to hold all of your equipment and supplies.
• Padding – These pads help you stay comfortable during shifts and keep your skin healthy and protected. You can find them in different sizes to fit your body type and comfort needs.
What you should avoid
Many of the items that are sold by nurses have a lot of wonderful features. But if you're making careful choices, then here are a few things that you should avoid:
• Jersey – A lot of nurse uniforms are made from jersey, which means it's prone to shrinking and losing its shape over time. It also doesn't breathe very well so you can expect it to get sweaty no matter how much ventilation the garment offers.
• Woven shirts – These are comfortable and don't cost too much. But they're also made from material that tends to get too small over time, so they end up fitting poorly on you and are uncomfortable.
• Sweaty tops – Again, these tend to loose their shape over time. They also feel quite itchy when you first put them on. So avoid them if you're concerned about comfort or appearance.
• Tights – These might be a good choice for many people. However, knitting does a poor job of protecting your legs from skin infections and makes it difficult to move around during care or work efficiently.
• Bum-bag Pads – There are many things that you can buy that are marketed as bum-bags. However, what most people want for their bum-bag is something that is close to their skin. If you're wearing a garment, this you can't achieve. If your garment is made from jersey, then it's likely to be too big and looser to offer any real protection.
• Tailored Shirts – These shirts always look sharp when they fit perfectly. But they're not very useful and only look good on the store shelf or in photographs. They also don't deliver on what they promise when it comes to comfort and style.
Conclusion
A good uniform is made to look great, feel comfortable and protect you during your shifts. So spend some time picking things that are both practical and attractive. But avoid anything that will rob you of your confidence or make you frustrated or angry at working in the medical field. You need to be happy to provide high quality care to all of your patients, not just the ones wearing designer labels.
You can find a lot more details about nurse uniforms, including a lot of information about different kinds of nursing uniforms as well as cost comparisons here at NationalNurseUniforms.com.