If you are like most CNAs, you spend your days in scrubs. You put them on in the morning and take them off when it’s time to head home at the end of your shift. But did you know that how you wear your scrubs can make a big difference? CNA Scrubs don’t have to be just functional! With some careful consideration about what style fits best with your body type, you can look great without spending any more money than needed. Here are 10 tips on how to look great in CNA scrubs:
1) Select the correct size according to the above body measurements
Even though scrubs are designed with extra room throughout, proper fit is important for looking nice and feeling comfortable. If you purchase a scrub top that is too tight, it will ride up as you move around. This can be very distracting and embarrassing. Instead of looking smooth and professional, your clothes may look baggy or unflattering in awkward areas such as between your legs or bust/chest area.
Also, those fitted nursing tops cause people (patients especially) to stare at you inappropriately because they can tell what you are wearing underneath. By selecting the correct size, not only will your clothes fit more comfortably but you will also feel better about how you look in your scrubs.
2) Select the right length
If scrubs are not hemmed correctly for length, they can actually cause more of an embarrassing problem than just being too tight. Pants that are too short expose areas that should not be seen by anyone other than yourself or your significant other. You may even experience problems putting on shoes since the pants cuff gets caught on your heel as you slide it on. Pant bottoms getting stuck under your heel is very distracting and time consuming (not to mention frustrating). Tops that are too short do not cover the waist area properly leaving bare skin exposed. It is important to remember that scrubs need to be hemmed for length so they do not ride up as you move around.
3) Select colors and prints
Instead of wearing the same dull colors every day, choose bright colors and fun prints. Nursing scrubs with bright colors and stylish prints can help boost your mood and confidence during those challenging work days. Scrubs also come in a variety of materials such as: high quality cotton blends, wool/acrylic mixes and soft flowing rayon/silk blends.
There are even scrubs made from bamboo fabric which has natural qualities that provide moisture wicking, anti-bacterial protection and UV protection (which can help prevent skin cancer). If you have allergies or sensitive skin, cotton or bamboo scrubs might be a good option for you. Ladies, feel free to mix and match tops with bottoms of different prints.
4) Select styles according to body type
Different styles are available that are made for different body types. There are loose fitting scrub tops that drape over the stomach/waist area or topstitched V-neck t-shirt style shirts. Loose fitting pants look best on someone who is very slender through the legs and thighs. If your figure tends toward being more curvy, fitted pants will help define your shape better instead of making it look frumpy. For women with larger busts, try wearing crewneck or mock wrap scrubs.
5) Find an appropriate balance of comfort and style
Of course, we all want to look great in our scrubs but it is also important that they are comfortable enough to wear for long hours. There are many options when choosing nursing scrub styles. The best option for you depends on your lifestyle needs, profession and personal preferences.
6) Use accessories
Accessories are the perfect way to add some style to your nursing scrubs. You can accessorize with different types of jewelry, watches, belts, footwear and other accessories . Choose items that are age appropriate for your profession, location and work environment.
7) Show off your personality
If you are having trouble finding ideas for outfits, visit websites like Pinterest or Polyvore to see what other people are wearing. Do not be afraid to try something new and different! Sometimes non-nursing friends take their fashion advice from what they see on TV (i.e. scrubs worn by doctors).
Nurses do not have to dress exactly like doctors in order to look professional. You can bring your own personality into your attire even if it means wearing scrubs in bright colors and fun prints. By integrating colorful scrubs into your wardrobe you can easily find clothes for family events, church functions and other occasions.
8) Use makeup to your advantage
When I started my nursing career, I never wore any makeup to work except maybe a bit of mascara, but after working in the ER for about 6 years I have learned that more is better when it comes to applying eye shadow, eyeliner, blush and lipstick. Makeup can be applied very lightly if necessary but this little bit of color will help brighten your face during long 12 hour shifts in the hospital. A lot of nurses wear false eyelashes to give their eyes more definition or pop (especially in pictures).
9) Wear the scrubs with the right attitude
The most important thing to remember when wearing scrubs is that you represent more than just yourself. You are representing your nursing department, your hospital/employer and the nursing profession in general. Your appearance should reflect your professionalism and commitment to patient care.
When patients see nurses who look clean, neat and professional, this will help inspire their confidence in the quality of care they will receive. It is also important for physicians/providers to be able to trust the competency of the nurse they are working with so dress professionally at all times while on duty whether you are assisting a doctor or if it is during report (or even lunch). You never know when you will be called upon to assist a doctor or pointing the way for an emergency procedure.
10) Don’t forget to wear your smile as well
Your CNA uniform is only one part of your attire. The other most important aspect of any nurse’s appearance is their smile. It tells the patients and physicians that you are approachable and will be there for them at all times.
Nursing is a wonderful profession that involves caring for others, helping people and making a difference in the lives of your patients. It is important to feel confident about yourself during your career as a nurse so you can take care of those who need help. I hope that these tips help give your wardrobe a little boost!
