The specifics of your uniform will vary greatly depending on the institution which you choose to work, as some places will prefer to have all LPN uniforms look exactly the same, while others do not mind a bit of variation. It is therefore greatly important that you find out all the details before purchasing anything, as some of the medical equipment could be rather pricey, and you wouldn’t want to be burdened with negotiating returns.

Your duties will see you preparing and administering injections, dressing wounds, collecting samples, cleaning and monitoring medical equipment, feeding, dressing, and moving patients; so your uniform will have to make provision for this.

The Basics Of LPN Uniforms – Scrubs

Scrubs are the most likely option for most medical staff. Some hospitals prefer to color code their nursing staff, so as an LPN you may be required to wear just one specific color. The purpose for this would be to make you easily identifiable within your specific profession, by visitors, patients, and your fellow co-workers. If you are given a choice, you will find that you can choose between either patterned nursing uniforms, or simply solid colors.

If you choose solid colors it is best to match both your shirt and pants; you don’t want to wear clashing colors as you are expected to look neat and professional. However, if you do want to mix and match, just make sure that the colors you choose are of a similar hue, such as green and blue together. If you do prefer to brighten up your uniform with patterns, do so with a print shirt and pants that are a singular solid color. Choose a print that will match with a wide array of colors, so that you can co-ordinate it with quite a few different pants. You want to look professional and make it easy for yourself; remember that you are going to be working long shifts and won’t want to waste time with clothing hassles.

You could probably get away with buying three sets of scrubs to start with, just make sure that you do have enough, as it is absolutely essential that you wear a fresh clean uniform at all times. Not only must you appear professional, neat and tidy, you need to be physically clean in a hospital environment. So choose scrubs that are made of a durable fabric which will survive all the washes. There are designer scrubs out there which are made of stain-resistant materials, but these are more expensive.

To clean your uniform thoroughly:

• Rinse with cold water to remove any built up substances (these could range from body fluids to food to caustic chemicals).

• Wash in your washing machine on a hot water wash; the heat should kill most of the bacteria.

• Along with your regular laundry detergent, pour in half a cup of white vinegar; this acts as an added cleaning agent and will also aide in deodorizing your clothing.

• After washing, tumble dry and iron; these extra sources of heat will help eradicate any bacteria that may be left over.

Always read the label for washing instructions before washing your uniform; your schedule may become hectic and dealing with laundry malfunctions is not something that you should have to encounter or waste time worrying about.

Where To Buy The Uniform

As with most things today, you can either purchase your clothing online or in a retail store. If you are lucky your workplace may provide them, but do not rely on that possibility.

Some of the popular and well-known brands include, but are not limited to:

• Grey’s Anatomy
• Urbane
• Cherokee
• Dickies
• Tafford
• Iguana Med
• White Swan
• Landau
• Koi

It may seem tempting to simply buy the cheapest if your budget is not a large one, but remember that your everyday duties will take their toll on your uniform, so you need to look for quality as well. These online stores and catalogs often have sales, so if you keep a bit of money aside and keep your eye out for these sales, you can buy a larger quantity of LPN uniforms at discounted rates.

If you are planning on making your purchases online, be weary that due to the broad nature of the internet, it is very easy for con artists to create websites and con you out of your money. Where possible, talk to other LPNs to find out which site they used and how successful it was. If you are unsure, look out for the following factors:

• Is the site secure?

• Is there an option to pay via PayPal? PayPal is quickly becoming the preferred method of payment, and it is a very secure option. PayPal will act as a middleman between the buyer and the seller, and if you do not receive what you paid for, you can open a dispute on their site; this means that they will then hold on to the funds until the dispute is settled. So your risks are considerably lower.

• Do they have a return policy? Most reliable sites will offer some sort of a return policy in the event that you are given the incorrect merchandise or if there is something wrong with it.

• What are the shipping costs? This is an area where people are often swindled out of their money, as they do not take into account the extra shipping fees, which could cause you to break your budget.

• Can you talk to someone if you need help? No “Contact Us” page or information could raise cause for concern. It seems rather suspicious for a website not to have an actual person whom you could contact should you have any queries or concerns. It also indicates a willingness to help.

As with anything, practice caution.

What To Look For In A Uniform

• Comfort: The material should not be too hard and stiff that it causes discomfort, as you will obviously be spending a lot of time in this uniform. It will help to listen to the advice of others who are experienced, but don’t accept that as rule. Find what works for you and stick with it.

• Relatively loose-fitting: This does not mean that your pants should be baggy and your shirt two sizes too big. Just remember that your job will entail a lot of movement, so you need to be able to move freely in clothing that is not too tight.

• Durable: This is a must! Your uniform should be made of a durable fabric such as cotton; most medical uniforms will have a blend of about 55% cotton and 45% polyester. Since polyester is hydrophobic in nature, it does help in deterring any body fluids, which may easily be transferred to your uniform during your shift, from seeping through the fabric and onto your skin.

• Simple: There should be no buttons or zippers, as these could easily get caught on something such a bandage, or even a patient’s hair; there should be minimal room for dirt to hide.

• Easy to clean: Clothes that are easy to clean and don’t require ironing will spare you those precious extra minutes of sleep in the mornings or evenings.

Nursing Uniforms Are Not Complete Without The Right Shoes

Long shifts means that you will spend a lot of time on your feet, and you may be required to help patients walk or stand; so your feet will take a lot of strain and pressure. Average everyday shoes will not be able to the supply the comfort and support you need, so proper nursing shoes are a must.

Some popular nursing shoes brands are:

• Dansko
• Alegria
• Timberland
• Nurse Mates
• New Balance
• Easy Spirit

Your shoes should have closed tops so that nothing hazardous can make contact with the skin if any substances are dropped or spilled. They should also have nonskid soles; this is a very important factor as there will be instances where you could slip on fluid spilled on the floor. It may not seem like it, but this could be a particularly dangerous situation if you are carrying sharp medical tools or even helping a patient. Your nursing shoes should also have sufficient support for the arches of your feet, as this will in turn keep your back supported. Additional fit-in padding can also be used if need be.

Again, check with your hospital or institution as to what the nursing shoes requirements are for your as this could also vary. The color of the shoes may be specified, but if not, opt for a neutral color; nothing too bright or colorful as it will have to match your LPN uniforms.

It’s best not to buy your first pair of nursing shoes online; you should go into a store to feel what is comfortable for you. If you have narrow feet, for example, you may need to find a specific brand or manufacturer which will suit that. Loose shoes provide less comfort as well as less support. As with your scrubs, your shoes should be durable and made of strong materials. A thicker sole will help with the longevity of the shoes, as will it help in comfort and support.

Additional Accessories

Along with your nursing uniform, you will need to have a watch with a second hand so that you are able to time things, such as a patient’s pulse and heart rate, with absolute precision. Choose one which has a large enough face with a clean, simple design so that it is easy for you to tell the time and see the hands.

A small pair of scissors is also required, for everyday tasks such as cutting off bandages; this can also come in handy in an emergency situation. A penlight and stethoscope will also be required.

Personal Appearance And Hygiene

Apart from the obvious reasons for impeccable hygiene in a hospital, you should also keep yourself looking clean and neat as you will be dealing with people all day. Patients or their family members may be stressed or distraught, and your appearance should help put them at ease and feel that they can trust in you.

Hair

Men should keep their hair at a neat length, and women should keep their hair tied up so that it could not pose as a hazard.

Jewelry, Piercings, Tattoos

No jewelry other than a wedding ring and studs are allowed. If you have other visible piercings, you could use a natural colored plastic stopper. Tattoos should also be covered in order to maintain an air of professionalism. This is your job; remember that you are a representative of this institution and so there are standards to uphold. If you want to get a tattoo later in life while you are still working as a nurse, choose an area which can be easily concealable with clothing.

Nails

Nails should be kept neat and short, with no nail polish. Longer nails pose a threat and could hinder your performance.

Perfume

Perfume is not allowed as it is very possible that it could harm patients who could be allergic to certain chemicals used, so rather just avoid this possibility altogether.

Be Prepared And Ask For Help

If you are unsure of any of the requirements for your LPN uniform do not be afraid to ask. Before going out to purchase anything, double check everything with the institution to ensure that you look and act as you are expected to.

Also bear in mind that every single nurse had to start out as you did, and there are some amazing forums on the internet with members who can offer advice based on their personal experiences. The last thing that should hinder your performance and new career as an LPN is your uniform.

The post Important Facts About LPN Uniforms appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

What You Can Wear

Colors

The tradition for a nursing uniform is white. The reasoning behind this was, in the past, that a white uniform would set the nurses apart from the technicians and aides with whom they worked alongside. Some hospitals still cling to this tradition.

Pros of white uniforms:

• They tend to denote pride in the profession
• Older patients are more comfortable with nurses in white

Cons:

• They stain easily
• They tend to be see-through

Other hospitals require nurses to wear a certain color based on a number of different factors such as the floor they work on or the ward they work in.

Patterns

In a hospital with more relaxed dress codes RN uniforms may have patterns and designs on them. These make uniforms more attractive. A big complaint from nurses is that their uniforms are rather unattractive and this is a way to combat the problem. This has its benefits. For example in a children’s ward it may put the children at ease to see nurses in more colorful and relaxed clothing. It also allows a level of self-expression and has been shown to cheer up patients to a certain degree.

Hairstyles, Fingernails, Etc

Patients have certain expectations of nurses when it comes to how they dress. This also extends to their general appearance. Patients usually expect the following:

• Hair: patients expect nurses to wear their hair back and off their shoulders.

• Fingernails: Generally speaking patients expect nurses to have short fingernails

• Uniforms: patients do not seem to care what uniforms RNs wear, as long as they are easy enough to identify

This is related to cleanliness; patients associate neat hair and short nails with cleanliness which puts them at their ease in the nurse’s presence.

Footwear

Comfortable footwear is an essential part of being an RN as you will be on your feet all the time. The place you work at will usually have a code regarding what you need to wear on your feet when you are working. Usually white sneakers are acceptable. For your own comfort and safety it is better to have shoes that have good arch support and that include non-slip soles. Again the color and type of footwear will most likely be determined by the hospital or medical facility that you work for.

Support

Nurses will often wear something under their clothes and their uniforms to provide them with some support for their backs. This is especially necessary in cases where the RN in question in working with elderly patients that may require lifting. Although this is not strictly part of the RN uniform it is an important thing to think about if you are wondering what you should wear as an RN nurse. If heavy lifting is required in your job, as it frequently will be, then this s a great precautionary measure for you to take.

Accessories

Although most jewelry is out, watches and stethoscopes are usually required parts of RN uniforms. Apart from that most other accessories are out, although hospitals may have different policies on things such as earrings. Watches and stethoscopes can be interesting. A watch can be any design you like, as long as you are able to take a pulse with it. Stethoscopes tend to be more traditional, but they don’t have to be. If, for example, you are going to work with children you may want to get a stethoscope that has cartoons on it.

Different Types Of RN Uniforms

There are different types of uniforms, some of which have been discussed already, and some that we still need to consider.

Patterned Scrubs

In some cases you will be allowed to wear scrubs of any color that you prefer. You will basically have your own unique scrub design. Some hospitals require all nurses to wear the same color or patterned scrubs. This really will depend on where you work and what the policies at the institute are regarding clothing for nurses. Patterned scrubs are, however, becoming more and more popular as hospitals begin relaxing their dress codes.

Hospital Scrubs

If you are an RN that works in an operating room you will have to wear scrubs designated by the hospital. When you are required to be in the operating room you will simply choose a set of scrubs from the various options provided. Often there will not be one in the right size for you, but this is not what is important. The reason for this is that the scrubs need to be kept at a certain level of cleanliness for the operating room, so the hospital takes responsibility for laundering these particular scrubs.

White Uniforms

As mentioned previously, white uniforms are often traditionally worn in many hospitals. This is essentially so that patients will be able to easily identify the RN from among the many people that they deal with everyday. Other hospitals have solved this problem by:

• Having the RNs wear a badge stating their position
• Having the word “RN” sewn into the scrubs of the nurses regardless of the color

Although there are reasons to wear white RN uniforms, there are also ways to avoid them if that is what you would really prefer to do.

Casual Attire

There are some situations in which you may want to look friendly and approachable and so casual attire is more appropriate. Such places are:

• Drug rehabilitation clinics
• Mental health institutions
• Children’s wards and hospitals
• Retirement homes for the elderly

If you work in any of these settings you may be given the opportunity to wear whatever you like to work. This is not a guarantee, however. Often even in these settings the institute you work for will have a set RN uniform that you will have no choice but to wear.

Business Dress

As an RN you may work yourself up to the position of an administrator. Once you have left the arena of actual health care for a more managerial position then RN uniforms mostly fall away altogether. Usually it is appropriate for you to simply wear a business suit or dress as if you worked in any other office in any other job. This allows you to set yourself apart from the other nurses and denotes your role in the hospital setting clearly so that there is no confusion. It is also more practical for the nature of the work you will be doing.

Military Uniforms

If you are a nurse that is part of the armed forces then you will wear RN uniforms according to your branch of service in the armed forces. These uniforms can differ slightly from one another, but in a military setting things are more standard. There will be stricter rules about what you can and cannot wear if you are an army nurse. This is something that comes with belonging to the armed forces and it extends to all walks of life. The uniforms will also set you aside from other military personnel.

Things To Avoid

Generally it is better to avoid wearing jewelry as a nurse. The reasons are as follows:

• A necklace could present a choking hazard if an unstable patient grabs onto it.
• Jewelry can easily be lost or damaged in a nursing environment.
• You will not be seen in a professional light by mist patients if you are wearing jewelry.

Norms in this regard are changing and some hospitals allow nurses to wear jewelry while they work while others do not. Again, it depends on where you end up working.

Dirty Clothes

Make sure that yours scrubs are always clean. This may often not seem important, but it is. These are the clothes that come into contact with the patient most often. If you do not keep your clothes clean you may transmit more illnesses to your patients whose immune systems may already be low. In addition, it certainly is not professional to show up for any job in clothes that are not clean. It is understood that clothes get dirty in a nursing job, but as long as you wash them when you get home you will be fine.

Hopefully this article has successfully provided you with all of the main details you need to know about what RN uniforms are appropriate and when. As mentioned previously the type of uniform that you should wear will depend to a large degree on what RN job you hold as well as what facility you work at as an RN. These are very important considerations to take into account. Usually if you are unsure about the uniform you can ask your boss for more information on what you are not allowed to wear and what is considered appropriate for your position.

The post RN Uniforms Tips And Advice appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

As a qualified CNA, your uniform will play an integral role in your identification as both a caregiver and as an ambassador of the medical institution you are working for. It is important to note that most medical establishments will have their own uniform policies, and for some their requirement may be that you wear a uniform that has been designed specifically for their establishment.

General Guidelines

The most basic uniform of a CNA consists of a white collared V-Neck, button- up shirt with one chest pocket and two larger waist pockets. Shirts should be comfortable and made of a breathable fabric, such as cotton. As your shirt is likely to be the item most exposed to wear and tear, the fabric should be slightly thicker than a regular shirt to reduce the amount of wrinkling and it should be easy to wash.

Trousers are, as a rule of thumb, made up of a solid darker color (such as navy) and it is recommended that you choose as elasticated waistband to allow for optimal movement.
Your shoes should be closed, neutral in color and most importantly, comfortable enough for you to wear them on long shifts without discomfort. For this reason, many medical staff opt for orthopedic shoes as this reduces not only the discomfort on your feet, but they also aid with the correct foot support required for maintaining a healthy back.

When purchasing your uniform, the basic guideline is to get three shirts, two pairs of pants and if possible two pairs of shoes. Certain outlets sell these items in packs at a slight discounted rate, making it easier and more cost effective for you.

There are other kinds of CNA Uniforms you will encounter, such as scrubs or a military uniform. Again, this is dependent on the institution you are working for. Whilst Military Uniform policies are very straightforward, scrubs come in many designs and can be personalized to your preference if your institution will allow it.

Additional Items You Will Require

As a qualified CNA, you will have a few additional items that will essentially form part of your Uniform.

• A Watch – A watch with a second hand is necessary and many nurses are opting for small pocket watches which can be clipped to your uniform. These watches are incredibly practical considering that they essentially free up both your hands and are not subject to damage that one might experience when using a wrist watch. Should you decide that you would prefer a wrist watch, it is recommended that you select a watch with a comfortable strap and, of high importance, is ensuring that your watch is waterproof.

• Scissors – A small pair of pocket scissors is also an incredibly useful tool for a CNA. It may become the second most used tool along with your watch, and eliminates time spent searching for a pair of scissors on the ward, even when doing something as simple as cutting off a hospital bracelet or cutting gauze to size.

• An Organizer – A small organizer that will help you keep all your items like pens, thermometers and scissors together in your pocket is also incredibly helpful. Most hospitals do not worry about what these are made out of, so you will be able to express a little of yourself with color and design.

The Average Cost Of CNA Uniforms

The price of CNA Uniforms varies dependent on the style, design and brand-name you have chosen, however you can expect an average starting price of $5,00 per item (e.g. per shirt or per pair of pants)

• Should you decide you would like to order a pack of shirts, for example, the average starting price is $15, 00 for a bundle consisting of pants and a shirt, or packs of three shirts.

• The average costs for a full uniform, including one basic Shirt, one pair of pants and a pair of shoes, will come to approximately $50, 00.

• Pocket watches naturally vary in cost, according to the brand and material, but you can expect anything from $2 upwards.

• Pocket scissors range from $6, 00 upwards.

Where Can You Purchase Your Uniform

Many supermarket chains, such as Wal-Mart, do stock basic nursing uniforms and you can enquire about the stores in your area, or get a guideline from your institution. Some hospitals will have their own uniform on sale at their premises.

Excellent websites to consider are:

• www.nursemates.com – This website is an excellent source for all items in your uniform and is a global online store used by nurses around the world.

• www.tafford.com – Tafford stocks many styles of uniform and has some fun designs. Shoes are also available from this site.

• www.shoebuy.com – Shoe Buy is an excellent stockiest of nursing shoes with a wide affordable range.

• www.mynursinguniforms.com – My Nursing Uniform stocks many well- known brands in the industry.

• You can also source both new and second-hand uniforms on www.Ebay.com , as well as many different accessories.

As the list of requirements and accessories for CNA Uniforms can be quite extensive and therefore quite expensive, finding a store that offers discounts on uniforms can be immensely helpful, especially when you are a student.

An excellent resource for stores that have discounts and coupons is www.4cnas.com , where you will find discounts under the Uniform and Scrub Coupons tab.

Expectations Of Your Appearance

As a caregiver to the public and as a representative of your institution, attention to your overall appearance is of vital importance.

It is a job that requires people to put utmost trust into you, and therefore adhering to policies regarding appearance will aid in easing your patients anxiety and helps to establish standards in the profession.

• Hair: Your hair should be kept off your face at all times. It is a both a functional requirement, as well as an indicator of personal hygiene from the view of your patient. Loose hair poses a risk of getting caught in equipment, as well as being subject to being splashed with food or bodily fluids.

• Nails: Your hands will come into contact with many strains of bacteria and nails are the perfect breeding ground for them. Nails should be kept short to avoid spreading bacteria and to avoid accidentally scratching patients during lifting and bathing.

• Perfumes: As you will be in an environment where you are exposed to many people, it is best not to wear an overbearing perfume. Caution is especially recommended within a hospital environment, as there are many people who are allergic to perfume and sprays. A neutral anti-perspirant roll-on is the best way to keep fresh during your shift.

• Jewelry: Jewelry is best kept to a minimum as it poses a very high risk for you personally. Necklaces are not recommended as they can easily snag on a piece of equipment or a patient could grab hold of it, posing a choking threat to you. Keep all jewelry simple and take into account the wear and tear your accessories are exposed to on a daily basis in the nursing profession.

• Tattoos and piercings: These will most likely have to be covered up, dependent on your institution. The age range of your patients will vary greatly and some will consider them unprofessional. It is best to purchase a long-sleeved vest or cotton top in a neutral color (most opt for white), which can be worn under your official uniform. It is very important to confirm with your institution what is acceptable and what is not, however there is a general consensus that tattoos and piercings are to be covered at all times. Most institutions will allow small stud earrings, however if you have more than one ear piercing, you may be expected to remove the others or cover them with a beige plaster.

Always ensure your uniform is kept neat and clean. Shirts should not be wrinkled or missing buttons. Ensure that your pants are hemmed and are not dragging on the floor to avoid getting dirty or tripping. Shoes should be kept clean as far as possible. Part of the CNA profession involves coming into contact food, bodily fluids and other spills, and whilst it is understandable that there may be occasions where you may find yourself a little less tidy than when you started your day, the onus is on you to maintain your appearance as best you can. Most hospitals will stock Aprons to protect your uniform; however it is always helpful to keep a spare shirt handy.

Your career as a CNA can be incredibly rewarding and is certainly something you can be proud of. Your uniform is something that is reflective of a profession that serves the public and offers assistance to those in need, and your uniform is one of the forefront indicators of the work you do. Taking pride in your uniform and appearance is often reflective of the pride you take in the care of others.

The post Take Pride In Your CNA Uniforms appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

Medical assistant uniforms are important so that your colleagues and patients are able to identify you. You need to look professional, and should be able to conduct your work in an efficient and comfortable manner while looking well turned out at the same time. The beauty of modern medical uniforms is the ability to mix and match pants and tops in combinations that produce the precise look you want. Medical staff all dress differently, because it is important for junior nurses particularly to instantly recognize a doctor and be able to turn to them quickly in an emergency. There are excellent online stores for you to buy medical uniforms at competitive rates. These stores offer a massive range of quality uniforms geared towards meeting the expectations of every medical setting.

They keep updated with the latest trends in medical uniforms so that their customers can always have the exact uniform they need and in a range of styles and colors. Whether you are wanting one uniform or many uniforms these online stores cater to your every need. Not only can you select medical uniforms from top name brands, there are companies who will develop a line of medical apparel especially for your healthcare staff. You can order 3/4 sleeve medical tops, snap front tops, button front tops, zip front tops, tie back tops or v-necks, shoes, gloves and pants in every brand, color, size and style. Every uniform can also be customized with an employee’s name or a logo. You want your medical staff to look their absolute best, and there are companies who provide a linen service, washing, ironing and maintaining uniforms along with repairs all being taken care of. Canning the globe to bring you the best in medical scrubs, our experienced retail experts are dedicated to obtaining hard-to-find healthcare-related gear and medical uniforms.

Advantages Of Uniforms

It is important in the medical industry to wear a uniform as it is a form of identification. Medical assistant uniforms have been designed with comfort in mind, and loose-fitting scrubs are certainly more comfortable and tight-fitting regular clothes. Comfortable, loose-fitting uniforms ensure that employees are able to perform at their very best.

Protective Medical Uniforms

These medical assistant uniforms also play an important role in protecting the medical assistant from harmful germs, body fluids and infectious microbes that they come into contact with on a daily basis. It is for this reason that, whether you are a veterinary medical assistant or working with sick human beings, designers and manufacturers of medical uniforms are always researching fabrics and styles that provide a certain level of protection. If medical staff were to dress casually, patients would constantly be in doubt as to who is professional enough to treat them. In most medical clinics or hospitals, nurses dress differently to surgeons.

Long ago medical uniforms were very different from what they are today. Firstly, whether you were a surgeon or a nursing assistant, the uniforms were always white fabric and decorated with the red cross emblem on the chest or on the nursing cap, while today all kinds of fashionable styles and colors are worn.

Today, most hospitals and clinics have relaxed the rules for uniforms, and allow their nurses and medical assistants to wear colorful prints which also serve a dual purpose in that the brightness and variety of the uniforms lift the spirits of the patients. Your appearance can certainly have an effect on someone who needs it. No matter what medical role you fill, there will be a medical uniform to wear of quality and value.

Scrubs are the most common type of medical uniforms. The name comes from the attire used by medical staff prior to scrubbing up for surgery, and today they have become universal in their use in just about every kind of health care setting. The color and pattern of scrubs can conform to the dress code of a particular hospital or clinic.

Rent Medical Uniforms For The Utmost Convenience

Today everything is about convenience, and hospitals and clinics and private individuals don’t have to buy their uniforms; they can be rented. The beauty of this is that these rental companies will pick up the soiled uniforms and return them freshly laundered, and if they become worn and faded, they will also provide replacements. Their valuable services also extend to measuring medical staff for excellent fitting uniforms.

Antibacterial Medical Uniforms

Many hospitals and clinics buy medical scrubs in bulk and they offer their staff these quality outfits at much lower rates. These scrubs are antibacterial, anti-static and can also eliminate odor. Also, washing these uniforms does not undermine the effectiveness of the uniforms. The cotton scrub bottoms come with hip pockets inside and out for extra storage. Some medical facilities like their medical assistants to wear the traditional dark blue or green scrubs, perhaps for a more traditional and professional look, but there are some clinics and hospitals that like to select their own design and color uniforms. The main priority when choosing these uniforms is comfort and selecting wrinkle free fabrics. Cottons, brushed polyester and poly/rayon are some of the fabrics used.

Designers of these medical uniforms create outfits that look stylish on both male and female staff, and if you happen to be pregnant, there are functional and attractive maternity uniforms too. Designers of medical assistant uniforms take into account things like size, height and the particular job at hand and they include a number of useful size pockets to put things in. Today a variety of colors are used for the many different types of medical uniforms:

• Scrub jackets and gowns – with impermeable edges to block transfer of bacteria.

• Scrub tops with square necklines, scoop necks or v-necks, cross over tops.

• Scrub pants, drawstring pants, cargo pants – If you don’t want your staff wearing color coded scrubs for different medical ranks, you can rather opt to have color-coded drawstrings to designate rank within your staff. Sizes are available from extra small to XXXL.

• Nursing shoes.

• Scrub caps.

• Medical dresses and skirts.

• Men’s scrubs, women’s scrubs and unisex scrubs.

• Lab coats – also available in traditional white and a must for any medical student. Made from unshrinkable cotton and in a range of different sizes.

• Warm up jackets or cardigans.

In the medical world you can’t have fabrics which may conduct electricity and static, and these days you also get static-free disposable lab coats which will protect medical assistants, and patients, from hazards, offering a range of additional safety features. They are made from 100% polyester, which makes them lightweight and breathable. For ease of movement, they come with a four button closure down the front, and there is also a slit up the back for easy movement. Velcro cuffs and a fold up collars are just a couple of the helpful safety features in place.

Anti Stain Uniforms From Top Brands

Even in the medical world, designer brands are sought after, and when it comes to scrubs, styles and trends are as important as ever. Some of the well known brands for scrubs are Dickies, Grey’s Anatomy Scrubs, Cherokee, Koi scrubs, Landau and others. In fact, the Dickies and Cherokee uniforms feature a stain resistant technology, meaning the fabric is able to resist solid and liquid stains from permanently marking the uniform. Besides keeping harmful pathogens at bay, these soil release fabrics assist with ensuring the medical assistants always look fresh and hygienic throughout their working shift. These special types of fabrics eliminate the need to use harsh detergents and bleaches to remove stains.

Lightweight Medical Assistant Shoes

Lightweight Shoes are an important part of the uniform because of the high number of hours spent working on your feet. Feet have to put up with quite a bit of trauma on a shift in a hospital, and some medical assistants opt to make use of Dr Scholl’s gel inserts to make their shoes more comfortable. Wearing shoes that are highly comfortable as opposed to simply selecting a good brand name is critical. Of course there are some medical facilities that require their staff to wear white shoes. Nurse Mate shoes are a popular choice as part of medical assistant uniforms and other good names are Cherokee and Skechers for instance. These shoes can be slip ones or lace ups. Whether the medical assistant is required to wear a closed shoe, clogs or sandals, footwear is carefully researched and developed to prevent aching feet.

Reversible Scrub Tops And Pants

With the vast assortment of medical assistant uniforms out there, you are bound to find exactly what you’re looking for in health care apparel, and if you or your clinic orders online you can also have a scrubs catalog sent to you to help you make up your mind on the best quality and best looking uniforms. You will also see that cotton scrubs are reversible which means that if you do inadvertently get soiled and you need a clean uniform on the spur of the moment, you can simply turn the uniform inside out in an instant and carry on performing your duties.

The Conclusion

From medical scrubs, and other medical uniforms at discount prices, all your medical uniform requirements can be taken care of, and with so much variety, shopping for medical assistant uniforms can be fun and easy.

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Working as an Emergency Medical Technician can be both rewarding and thrilling, as each day promises to be completely different from the day before; unlike the usual 9 – 5 office bound jobs. An EMT is always involved in every kind of medical emergency, and they have to make many critical life and death decisions that will impact the lives of others forever. EMT uniforms, therefore, serve a double purpose of keeping the EMTs safe and clean, and acting as a symbol to the public. In traumatic circumstances, people will feel safe with you when they see your uniform, as it is comforting and reassuring to see a team of professional and well-groomed EMTs and paramedics performing their duties.

Today, more than ever, there are various jobs that require their workers to wear a uniform, and these include jobs in the military, the medical industry, fire fighters, pilots and waitrons. The great thing about the uniforms is that they can be mixed and matched to create different looks, while things like colors and logos remain standard. Female emergency medical technicians, for instance, can choose to wear pants and a shirt, which is often the more popular choice, or they can choose to wear a skirt and top for a more feminine look. Male EMTs can choose to wear long or short pants. These will vary according to the company. With EMT uniforms everyone looks the same, and this means workers can fully concentrate on the task before them. A uniform also builds up a sense of unity and belonging.

EMTs Need To Be Distinguishable

The Emergency Medical Technician has to assess the medical needs of the injured at the scene of an accident so that they can perform whatever medical treatment is needed. Amongst all the different people at the scene of an accident, you will want to distinguish your team swiftly, and one of the more important reasons why companies insist on work uniforms is because of that brand image. When it comes to the important work that EMT’s perform, people should be able to recognize them with their special colors and logos. This is especially necessary in the medical field where emergency medical technicians have to have direct interaction with those involved in trauma at a crime scene for instance. Without a recognizable uniform, they may have been turned away. The employees of an emergency medical facility can be easily identified when they wear a particular uniform.

A Uniform Evokes Calm And Reassurance

EMTs are trained to perform their duties in a calm and reassuring manner so as to bring some kind of order to a traumatic and chaotic scene. Even when looking at gruesome sights, they have to maintain their composure and work quietly and quickly as they prepare patients for transport to hospitals. During times of trauma you need to know that the people dealing with you, especially when you have important documentation, money or jewelery in your possession, are really the true rescuers, and the uniform tells you that it is okay for you to trust them and be attended to by them. In the same manner, these emergency medical technicians know the importance of what their uniforms represent.

Warm, Waterproof, Cool, Functional And Protective

EMTs work in all types of weather and their uniforms have been designed to be comfortable and not restrictive as they bend, crawl, run and do heavy lifting. EMT uniforms have to be light and functional in Summer, but warm and waterproof for cooler conditions. Their uniforms have specific features that are a necessity for them to be able to do their work efficiently. On top of that, the designers have come up with uniforms that are made from wrinkle free fabrics which are also stain resistant and impervious to blood and body fluid penetration. This is vital for protecting the EMT from exposure. Sometimes the EMT Department has different divisions and they may require that each division has its own uniform to distinguish the one division from the next.

Uniforms Tailored To Fit

There are quite a few suppliers of EMT uniforms and Siegel’s is one of these suppliers who stock the highest quality EMT clothing at competitive prices. They also offer a great service in that they have an in-house alteration department where uniforms can be tailored to fit perfectly and where logos can be embroidered on. It is most important to have an emergency uniform that comes with the right fit for you. You just cannot have a uniform that constricts your movements or which is too large and you have to be tugging and pulling at it the whole time.

• Siegel’s Tactical Men’s Responder Parka for instance has been specially designed with on-the-job hazards in mind and to this end they are waterproof and breathable and also provide protection from blood borne pathogens. The jacket is also detailed with ¾” reflective tape at the hem, chest, and sleeves and reflective tape along the front and back yoke and sleeves. The jacket has plenty of other amazing features.

• Dee’s Uniforms is another supplier who sports a full range of EMT boots for both men and women which are known for their comfort and performance. Their waterproof boots are lightweight with easy on and off side zippers. Other features include built-in shock absorbers, removable foot force comfort insoles, sure grip plus trail outsoles as well as many other features to enhance the performance of emergency medical technicians who find themselves in wet slippery conditions, fire, running over rocks and in roads where perhaps dangerous chemicals have spilled out.

Appropriate Clothing Enhances Performance

Beanies, socks and gloves are just some of the items that make up the uniform for emergency medical technicians. Items are always designed with protection and comfort in mind.

EMT Pants

• Specifically designed EMT pants are for both men and women. The heavy-duty pants usually have a number of large cargo pockets to carry tools and other gear like flashlight, gloves and scissors.

• The pants are usually in dark colors and made from poly-cotton, cotton canvas or lightweight RipStop fabric.

• Pleated pants give you more room for movement and you can opt for reinforced seat and knees.

• The pants also are designed to have resistance to high temperatures, chemicals and fire.

• Sometimes the EMT will wear high visibility fluorescent orange, yellow or lime green Luminator suits.

• These suits include drawstring pants and jacket with hood with reflective markings which are worn in wet and rainy conditions. Excellent protection from cold and wet outdoor conditions.

Leather Belts

Heavy duty leather belts or nylon webbing belts are designed in such a way that tools and gadgets can be hung from the belt. Black, brown or leather belts with nickel-plated buckles and visible stitching are made for durability and are available in sizes small to extra large.

EMT Shirts

• Long and short sleeved shirts as well as long and short sleeved tee shirts made from 100% pigment-dyed cotton. All EMT shirts are made to be extremely durable.

•  Some EMT departments like to have the star of life emblem printed on their shirts, providing a stamp of authentication for EMTs.

• Polos are also an important part of EMT uniforms, providing a more relaxed look while remaining professional looking with a logo. The Polos are designed to keep emergency medical technicians cool and comfortable on the job with breathable underarms for a cool and professional appearance.

• Fabrics have been designed to stand up to all the action that is synonymous with this job and to also repel liquids.

EMT Vests

The vests have a reflective tape on the top and bottom with an ID holder for identification purposes. The sleeveless vests are worn over shirts, and although they come in different colors, the blue and orange offer the most visibility.

Conclusion

EMT uniforms today have changed dramatically over the years and this is because they have so many more dangerous situations to contend with. These days the fires, chemicals and type of accidents are more horrific than they have ever been, and uniforms have to be functional and protective to protect the EMT from contaminated fluids that were unknown decades ago. In any emergency it is all about timing, and if the EMT has still got to worry about their own safety because of the wrong clothing, the lives of the injured could be jeopardized. Uniforms have been finely specialized to carry all kinds of emergency equipment and cope with all kinds of situations. With features specific to the emergency profession, boots, vests, pants, shirts and jackets come from well-known brands like Blauer, Redback, Xfire and 5.11 Tactical amongst others.

When you are wearing a prescribed uniform, you are identifiable to your colleagues as well as to the people you are attending to. In an emergency situation where chaos and destruction are all around, you need to be identified so that you are allowed to enter certain areas and so that your superiors can recognize you and assign tasks that are meant specifically for you.

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With a growing shortage in licensed and qualified pharmacists, the job creation for pharmacy technicians has been steadily on the rise in the past decade. To bridge this gap, a new career form was created. The pharmacy technician does not necessarily be able to give any advice on your medication or what you could take or what ointment could be best for a certain condition, but you will be a great help to the in-house pharmacist who will probably feel very short handed without you. The technician fills in for the pharmacist in the more administrative and intermediary services for which the pharmacist may not have any time for.

When you are a pharmacy technician then your job consists mainly of measuring out and dispensing medication under the supervision of a pharmacist, which means that you work directly with the medication that your patient will be ingesting. A large part of your job will be mainly administrative with the stock keeping and keeping track of medication as well as printing labels for the medication. You will be doing all of the jobs that can give the pharmacists time to give advice and gather information from their patients which can take quite some time which might annoy the other patients if they are standing in queue waiting for assistance for something that they do not need advice on.

Because you are working with something that you are going to give to someone to take mostly by mouth, you need to make sure that your pharmacy technician uniforms are immaculately clean and hygienic. The fabric used for the uniforms are mainly conducive to these needs. When you are working in a hospital pharmacy, you will undoubtedly have a different kind of uniform than when you are working in a private pharmacy.

The Difference Between A Pharmacist And A Pharmacy Technician

It may seem a bit over the top to distinguish between a pharmacist and a pharmacy technician, but although they may seem to fulfill similar roles, it takes a lot more skill for a pharmacist to do what he does than it does for a pharmacy technician.

A pharmacist can dispense medication that has been prescribed by a doctor and advise the patient on this medication as well. If there is a generic on the market that does the same as the original that was prescribed, then the pharmacist has the skill and knowledge to give the patient this advice and give them the option to choose between the brand name and the generic option that may be cheaper. The pharmacist can also prescribe medication to someone who has not been to a doctor but who may have a mild case of something that could be cured by an over the counter medication or ointment. A pharmacist will need to use their judgement, knowledge and skills to perform their duties on a daily basis and will also be in charge of and supervise the pharmacy technicians and other staff in the pharmacy whether it is a state facility, a hospital pharmacy or a private pharmacy.

A pharmacy technician, on the other hand, helps to measure out and mix up batches of medication according to specifics already lain out. They can also dispense medication that has been prescribed by doctors but cannot change the prescription in any way or advise the patient in any way. They will be able to tell the patient how to take the medication according to the dosages indicated on the packaging and they will also print out the labels for this medication. Every task that the pharmacy technician does is under the supervision of the pharmacist to ensure that the medication dispensed is 100% correct and safe.

Regulations About The Uniform

Although there are not many regulations that state what a pharmacy technician should wear, it is clearly stated that a pharmacy technician has to wear something that identifies them as a pharmacy technician so that they cannot be confused with a pharmacist. They also have to identify themselves as a pharmacy technician in any telephone conversation so that the consumer is not misled.

Your uniform will mostly depend on where you work:

• Hospital – a uniform from the hospital identifying you as a pharmacy technician
• Private pharmacy – a uniform from the pharmacy or a light jacket.

Whatever it is that they prescribe you wear, the standard across the board would be to wear the following as well:

• Really comfortable shoes because you will be on your feet all day long.

• Shoes that are closed in front to protect your toes from any hazard that may fall on your feet.

• Slacks that are either black, tan or whatever color your employer wants you to wear.

• A neat and ironed white blouse or shirt.

• Neat and tidy hair that is and looks clean.

Your main focus when you dress yourself should be on health and safety. Are your clean enough to work in a sterile environment? Your uniform and other clothing or accessories should be comfortable but they should also be professional at the same time. You are going to work, not to impress anyone so the use of too much hair products, perfume, cologne or makeup may just put your consumers off.

You may also want to look at acquiring clothing that is breathable, especially for summer, so that you are well ventilated and that you feel and smell fresh all day long. There are special microfiber materials available that are designed to draw moisture away from your body.

Where To Get The Uniform

There is quite a lot about being a pharmacy technician that is regulated by the health and safety laws in each state of the USA, but what to wear as pharmacy technician uniforms is not one of them. The choice of what you will wear is up to your employer. You need to look professional at all times and make sure that your uniform that you do have is crisp and clean, and that means it should be well ironed with no stains on it.

You should always have a name badge with your designation on it so that you will not be confused for a pharmacist.

The standard dress code for pharmacy technicians would be a clean white dress shirt with either black or tan slacks and clean closed shoes. You should not wear sandals or open toed shoes for hygiene reasons. Just remember that what you are working with will probably end up in someone’s mouth and germs and bacteria can be spread very quickly and very easily.

Your hair should be out of sight and neat and your nails should be trimmed, neat and clean as well, even if you will be working with latex gloves on all day.

Making Your Uniform Last Longer

When you are working in a hospital or a private pharmacy, the object of pharmacy technician uniforms are that they make you look professional and they identify you as someone working at the pharmacy. Wearing a uniform makes you easily identifiable and when you have a name badge that states you are certified as a pharmacy technician, then all the better.

How do you keep looking professional when you can only afford so many sets of this uniform? This is especially important when you are working in a hospital and your entire uniform is supplied from top to toe.

The following pointers will help to keep your uniform looking better for longer:

• Never use bleach on your clothing even when the label does not display the do not bleach icon.

• Do not scrub the garment too vigorously by hand.

• Stick to natural fabrics if you do have the option to buy your own clothing because it is easier to maintain and will save you money on dry-cleaning.

• Do not hang clothing that should be folded and do not fold clothes that should be hung as this will save you time and save your clothes from the damage that ironing them every day will cause.

• Wash your clothes in cold water because warm and hot water often damages the fibres and will make your clothes wear through a lot quicker.

• Wash your whites separately from the colored clothing because this will help you keep that crisp white color for longer.

• Watch how you hang your clothing on the line. You could be damaging your shirt by hanging it incorrectly and the last thing you want is to have a line across your chest from when you threw the shirt over the line.

• Make sure your washing line is clean before hanging white clothing. It may seem like a simple and small thing, but you will notice if there is a dirt line across your garments.

• Get magic stain removers. There are numerous products on the market that works like a bomb on stains that you may pick up during your busy day and these will help you to get the use of your clothing back after a nasty spill.

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