They are more than just a uniform for a nurse, as nursing scrubs are a much-needed companion for them at their workplace. Whether you are an experienced nurse or new to the field, it plays an important and demanding role in any healthcare facility.
Due to the ever-growing need of healthcare professionals, nursing scrubs have developed a new look and feel too, using advanced technology in fabric, making it easy for any nurse to perform their daily tasks and look professionally dressed.
In this article, we will clarify the significance of wearing nursing scrubs, an overview of their functions, and the right way to pick the suitable nursing scrub for your medical environment.
The Importance of Nursing Scrubs
Nursing scrubs are supposed to be functional. They’re built for a high-desire environment: durable, protective, agile, loose-fitting, easy to wash and iron. One does not want to suffer in the name of fashion. Nurses need to be mobile, bent, lying down—they’re up and down all day, they walk and stand, they lift patients, and they fend off all types of microbial threats.
Protection and Hygiene
One of the key functions of a nursing scrub is to act as a barrier against exposure to possible infectious materials for the nurse. Working in a hospital or clinic, where exposure to bodily fluids and noxious substances is inevitable, scrubs protect the wearer from these elements. Good scrubs are manufactured from stain-resistant materials and are able to withstand high-temperature laundering, which helps to keep them hygienic and safe to be worn again.
Comfort and Mobility
Nurses work long shifts, so scrubs have to be comfortable to promote good performance and good health, and a relaxed fit provides full range of motion. The soft, breathable, moisture-wicking fabric mildly cools the body and keeps away sweat, thus keeping the nurse comfortably cool and dry throughout the shift. The right style of scrubs will dramatically minimise fatigue and discomfort, extending the amount of time a nurse can comfortably perform with high efficiency.
Professional Identity and Morale
Also, nurses feel as a sense of pride among co-workers. Moreover, the generic and professional look that scrubs project can foster a positive work environment by unifying the team and creating an atmosphere of comradery among the nurses.
Key Features to Look for in Nursing Scrubs
Yes, your nursing scrub selection should be informed by a careful consideration of fabric choices, cut, function and style. Consider these aspects of form to seal the deal:
Fabric
Next to the fit of the nursing unit scrubs, their fabrication is arguable the most important aspect of choosing the best nursing uniforms for your hospital unit. Scrubs fabrics are made of a variety of blends, but the best types are made of a combination of polyester and cotton. This combination offers a durable yet soft fabric that can be easily cleaned and cared for. Polyester is more strong and wrinkle-resistant than pure cotton, and cotton is soft, breathable and expands in places where the body deforms, making the scrubs more comfortable to wear. Some scrubs have a little percentage (eg 2%) of spandex for a better stretch, which increases the mobility and comfort of elastic clothing.
Fit and Sizing
It’s surprising how crucial the cut of your scrubs can be to your comfort level. If they’re too tight, you will feel restricted. If they’re too loose, they can look unprofessional and, especially if they’re long, could even pose a tripping hazard. Choose a scrub that’s relaxed but tailored, with design details such as drawstring waists, scrunch waists or elastic bands. Marsiani suggests women shop for other items that are roomy up top and fitted through the hip. Most brands offer petite, tall and plus-sizes, too.
Pockets and Functionality
Finally, scrubs need to be functional – because, in addition to changing patients, nurses need to tote tools of the trade (pens, pads, scissors, stethoscopes) and personal items (lip balm, mints) to and from each room. Over 10- or 12-hour shifts, multiple pockets – chest, hip and cargo – work best. Have reinforced seams and/or zippers or buttons to stand up to daily assaults.
Style and Aesthetics
Even though function and durability is probably a higher priority, as a nurse, you want to look good too! In fact, it’s partly because of style that nursing scrubs come in virtually every colour, pattern and design available today. This way, there’s a wide range of choices. Some facilities require nurses to dress in specific coolers or styles, so you’ll want to make sure your uniform choice will be acceptable. In fact, a growing number of brands offer scrubs with fashionable cuts and patterns that are modern and flattering.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Nursing Scrubs
Picking out the right nursing scrubs can make all the difference in your comfort and efficacy. Here are some suggestions for choosing the perfect uniform:
Consider Your Work Environment
In general, your working environment should be a factor of consideration when choosing your scrubs. Suppose you are working in a high-paced, high-stress environment, say in an emergency room, it is probable that you should opt for scrubs that are tough, well fitted and allow for ease of motion, and lots of pockets for essential instruments. Suppose alternatively you are working in a more relaxed environment, say a pediatric clinic, it is probable that your set of scrubbs might be of a more funky, colourful set that appeals to children.
Prioritize Comfort
It goes without saying that comfort should be a major criterion in the decision to wear nursing scrubs. Find yourself the most attractive scrubs that are light, breathable, evaporative and dry by nature, on top of the fact that they will allow your body to feel cooler in long shifts. Try them before buying them at first, then choose your size (small, medium or large) and style. Does your body type look perfect in this or that dress? Wear loose scrubs or tunic dresses and leggings if you care for a wider silhouette. Or conversely, engage in a personal fashion statement — there are plenty of scrubs available from manufactures and designers. However, you should know that nursing scrubs are not all the same: buy only those that will stretch as you move, bend, twist and lift.
Invest in Quality
When it comes to buying scrubs, you may be tempted to get the cheaper ones, but it would actually save you money over the long run if you buy quality Nursing scrubs top and pants. When subjected to frequent washings, cheap scrubs would quickly begin to look worn, fade in colour and lose their shape. Of course, higher quality scrubs do cost more, so they would cause a bigger expense at the start. However, they would be far more durable and worth the additional cost. You should buy scrubs from well-established and reliable brands that have a good reputation.
Keep Functionality in Mind
If your shift requires you to carry equipment, for example, take some time to figure out what tools and gear you need to haul with you, and find scrubs with enough pockets to hold the stuff. Pay attention to how deep and how large the pockets are, and look for additional features that improve their functionality, such as reinforced seams, for an added layer of protection or flip-out pockets (for equipment such as stethoscopes). Pay attention to adjusable waist bands.
Conclusion
Nursing scrubs are an essential part of the nurse’s uniform. They offer protection, comfort, and also help nurses establish a professional identity. Choosing the right pair of scrubs can be a bit complicated. There are at least four features that need to be considered: the material, how it fits, how it functions, and lastly, the style. Nurses can find the best scrubs for them by looking at all these features. Good scrubs that suit the rigors of the healthcare environment will help nurses feel well-protected and comfortable as they work. Overall, investing in a good pair of nursing scrubs will also help nurses feel good about their appearance and professional identity.
