Fashion Blunders When it comes to Nursing Uniforms

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Nursing uniforms have come a long way since the days of white skirts and linen caps. Today’s nursing uniforms are more focused on comfort and functionality than traditional uniforms and have evolved into something entirely different than their predecessors. Although typical nursing uniforms aren’t considered stylish or fashion forward, there are ways to make the uniform look good.

Of course, that means there are also mistakes, which can be made to make them look bad as well. To avoid fashion blunders while sporting nursing uniforms, it is important to remember a few simple rules.

Color & Pattern Faux Pas

While nursing uniforms come in a wide variety of colors and styles, this doesn’t mean a nurse should try to incorporate every one in the same uniform. Loud colors, bold patterns, and mismatched color schemes are all bad ideas when it comes to dressing for work. Instead, try more low-key colors with matching schemes or slightly tamer overall patterns.

Nursing uniforms should inspire confidence in the patients who see them; it should show that the caregiver is sane and mature. A bright yellow nursing uniform with three hundred oranges, coconuts, and bananas scattered all over it only works in that capacity for children. The only time this type of uniform is okay is when the work environment is focused on children.

Too Baggy or Too Tight

Due to the nature of the job, nurses are asked to bend, kneel, lift, turn, and generally move in all kinds of directions. For that reason, it is never a good idea to wear uniforms that are too tight or loose. Tight, restrictive uniforms can limit movement and that can be detrimental to successfully completing job duties. Loose, baggy uniforms are dangerous in that they can get caught in equipment or get in the way of patient care. It is important to make sure a uniform fits properly in order to make sure it doesn’t get in the way of doing the job properly.

Tattoos

Visible tattoos on a nurse lack professionalism. When a patient is asked to trust a nurse with his or her life or health, it is important that the patient feel confident in the professionalism and abilities of his or her caregiver. For that reason, tattoos are a fashion blunder. It is best to cover them while at work, and leave the ink for after work.

Undergarment Mishaps

Wearing dark undergarments under light colored clothes is a fashion no-no. Again, it comes back to professionalism. Nurses need to inspire confidence and provide a reassuring presence. If all a patient can see is black or dark undergarments poorly worn, then confidence in their caregiver is the last thing on their mind.

Summary

Nurses are the face of healthcare. Patients have more interactions with nurses than most other healthcare professionals. Because of that constant interaction, it is important that nurses put forth the right image. Leave the inappropriate clothing or questionable fashion choices for after-hours activities. Instead, focus on providing the most calming, reassuring image possible when dealing with patients in life or death situations.