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.

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.