Buying the appropriate scrubs is essential, especially for novices and veterans in the healthcare field. The right pair provides unmatched comfort during long shifts and looks professional. They’re your uniform and a reflection of your skills.
Scrubs also offer protection and convenience to accommodate a demanding environment. In the fast-paced environment of healthcare, your attire must keep up with your every move. Whether you’re a seasoned healthcare professional or a medical student, you’ll find guidance on selecting scrubs that suit your professional and personal needs.
1. Pick A Fabric
Unknown to many, the best nursing scrubs come in various fabrics. Each type has advantages and disadvantages, so it’s a must to review and, if possible, get a feel for them before buying one.
- Cotton: Cotton is popular for medical scrubs due to its softness and breathability. However, it can wrinkle and shrink.
- Polyester: Polyester is favored for its durability and wrinkle resistance, though it might not offer the breathability cotton does.
- Spandex: Spandex stretches to adhere to all the bending or moving you need to do if you’re after comfort. But it might not last as long as its counterparts.
Opting for stain-resistant fabrics can be a practical choice in a setting where exposure to fluids and germs is common. Whichever you decide, it’s essential to have it fit your body. Otherwise, you’ll be unable to move around fully, even if the cloth is stretchy or extra soft.
2. Choose The Right Fit
When it comes to scrubs, one size doesn’t fit all. Accurately measuring your body is the first step toward scrubs that fit you perfectly. A form-fitting outfit that grants you freedom of movement should be your aim. Scrubs should be loose enough to allow motion but not so loose that they are baggy. Also, consider the fabric. Certain textiles may sometimes feel constricting when worn.
Every body is unique, so recognizing your shape and size is important when buying scrubs, especially for the first time. Many brands provide detailed size charts to guide you to your perfect fit.
3. Consider The Style And Design
The design options for medical scrubs have expanded, offering a diverse array to cater to different tastes and requirements. Many come in a range of styles and fits, with some even featuring attractive prints. Traditional, tailored, unisex – there’s a plethora for you to choose from without sacrificing comfort and convenience.
Your choice of scrubs style can be influenced by your specific job role, personal style preferences, and your workplace’s dress code. The flexibility of options, ranging from separate pieces to sets, ensures that your scrubs are a uniform that reflects your professional identity.
4. Decide On A Color
Color psychology plays a subtle role in your attire. Your choice of color for your scrubs is a way to communicate with your patients and let them know you’re there to help.
Here’s a list of the usual hues you’ll find on scrubs and the meanings they evoke:
- White: Often associated with purity and cleanliness. While still a prevalent color in many hospitals and clinics, the starkness of white may cause headaches in patients by straining their eyes. Cleaning stains from white scrubs is also challenging.
- Blue: Instills trust and calmness. This relaxing color reduces blood pressure and anxiety, which is perfect for the emergency room. It also helps balance out the vividness of blood and makes it less evident on the fabric, making it the ideal color for scrubs.
- Green: Evokes feelings of healing and tranquility. Like blue, it promotes relaxation and lessens the intensity of blood’s hue. Green is a fantastic alternative to blue to make your patients feel safe.
- Yellow: A cheerful hue, though best in moderation. This color symbolizes happiness, optimism, and warmth. If you work in pediatrics or outpatient facilities, your patients may benefit from seeing your bright yellow scrubs.
- Brown: Grounded and understated. It’s a warm, earthy, non-threatening color, conveying reliability and security. While a rare sight in hospitals, you could consider wearing brown scrubs to work.
- Pink: Soft and comforting. The presence of this color can have a soothing effect, particularly on younger patients. Choose a pastel or muted pink since brighter shades could be dizzying for your patients and colleagues.
- Purple: Seen as creative and unique. Despite being an unusual color in a medical setting, research shows it doesn’t stress the eyes. It’s also a fun color ideal for those working with younger patients.
When choosing a color for your scrubs, follow your workplace’s dress code and the message you wish to convey to your patients through your clothing.
5. Prioritize Functionality And Practicality
Functionality matters in a job where you’re always on the go. That’s why fit matters. Your scrub bottoms’ hems shouldn’t drag across the floor, and your sleeves should allow your arms freedom to move.
Consider getting scrubs with pockets that can hold your tools and notes. Also, look for designs that provide easy access to what you need without unnecessary complications. Scrubs should combine practicality with comfort, irrespective of gender.
6. Think About Maintenance And Durability
As scrubs serve as a protective layer at work, regular maintenance is a must to protect against bacteria and viruses. Seek those with antimicrobial properties to keep them fresh longer. Choose sets that are unlikely to shrink after multiple washes. You may be moving around a lot, so pick scrubs with construction details, like reinforced seams, to add durability to your workwear.
7. Additional Tips For First-Time Buyers
Having a variety of scrubs is handy. Owning multiple sets also means a clean pair awaits you after a busy shift.
Choose scrubs that are easy to maintain. While some can be machine-washed, others may require more care. In medical situations where bodily fluids and dirt abound, you must wash your scrubs frequently.
Your budget is also a factor. While some scrubs can be expensive, there are ways to find quality medical workwear without breaking the bank. Look for sales online, explore second-hand options, or try group orders to save.
Conclusion
Selecting the right scrubs is not just about aesthetics; it encompasses comfort, functionality, and a portrayal of professionalism. With the tips provided, you can make a wise choice. So, step out and find that pair of scrubs tailored to your comfort and needs.