10 Tips On Cleanliness and Style for Nurses

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We all know that nurse's have not only hard, but demanding jobs; and don't always have the time they need to care about style. However, you don't want to show up at work looking like you just got out of bed, haven't showered, or worse. So here are 10 tips on cleanliness and style for every nurse.

1. Make Sure Your Scrubs Fit Properly... There is nothing worse than having your pants fall down during a procedure, or having your butt crack stick out while your bending over to grab something for a patient. Make sure that your scrubs are securely tied and that you have the proper size. If your scrubs are too tight then your underwear may show through especially if you are wearing white. A good way to fix this is to wear nude colored underwear under your scrub pants so that people don't see your polka dot underwear while you are walking through the ICU. Also make sure that scrub tops are not too tight, especially for women. Not every brand of scrubs works for every person, so make sure that you try on many brands to find what fits, and works best for you. 


2.  Cleanliness is Key... Make sure you are showered and ready for the day. If you aren't clean then patients aren't going to want  you to be working with them. Co-workers are going to ask questions. You don't want to show up with last nights makeup on, or messy hair. Soap and water go a very long way. Make sure that your scrubs aren't old and faded looking, and also check to make sure you don't have any rips or tears in them. If you do it's probably time to get a new pair. Always wear a clean pair of scrubs to work. Put your hair up. Brush your teeth. And check your shoes. Dirty shoes are as bad as dirty scrubs...


3. Using Perfume...or Not. You should just put it away. Use it for your date night, or on your day off. Not while you are working. This can cause all kinds of problems especially with people with a heightened sense of smell. Those that are going through chemo, or are pregnant are especially sensitive. If you just have to wear it, use only a squirt and make sure that it is not a strong scent. If someone can smell it on you from a foot away then you have worn too much. This is the same for men's cologne and after shave, save it for another day, not at work.


4. Hanging and Dangling... We're talking about jewelry. You should refrain from wearing any kind of dangling jewelry. Many hospitals even make this a policy. Try to make sure you wear single earrings, small ones that do not dangle. That is in part for YOUR safety, ever have a confused or angry patient grab at you…they can rip your ear lobe while ripping out an earring. This is the same with badges worn around the neck, they are supposed to be breakaway or attached directly to your top. Bracelets and necklaces that are long and dangling can catch a lot of bacteria, especially large bracelets. 


5. Shoes... When they’re too old, throw them out. Clogs are wonderful! They have great arch support, are comfortable, and  you can wear them all day with no foot/leg pain. Make sure they are not worn out, or are stained and look gross. Clogs usually will last you a long time, and are pretty easy to keep clean. There are many different brands to fit the foot needs of all types of people. If you aren't a clog person then get yourself some good fitting shoes, that are comfortable, and have proper support for your type of foot. Also try some compression socks to keep the blood flowing. This will help you to not have leg pain and swelling. Make sure that whatever type of shoes you wear look nice, are clean, and give you the support you need for that long shift.


6. Keeping Yourself Well Groomed Includes Your Hair... Keep your hair out of your face, and even try to give it some sort of style to make yourself look nice. Patients will feel more comfortable with you if you look nice, and you will feel better about yourself. If you have long hair make sure that you keep it pulled back, the last thing you want is your hair falling into something gross... Men keep your beards trimmed and kept nice.


7. Don't Wear Your Pants Too Long... The last thing you want is for your scrub pants to be too long and dragging all over the hospital floor to pick up germs and other nasty little microbials for you to take home to your family. This goes back to making sure that your scrubs fit properly, but we thought that dragging pants needed a whole little section of its own. Scrub pants that drag are unattractive, can make you trip, and mops up all kinds of bacteria for you. This is just not a good idea all around. If your are one of those people that are in-between a regular and tall, or a petite and regular, hemming is inexpensive. You can also be fitted at a local scrub shop to make sure that you are choosing a brand that is right for you and fits you properly.


8. Keep Your Hands Clean and Maintained... Your hands are very important, and a wonderful way to pass germs. We all know how to wash our hands, and proper measures to take especially after working on a patient, but also make sure to take care of your hands. Washing your hands many times a day takes a toll and can make them crack and split, this is a great way for you to catch all kinds of germs and viruses. Keep non scented lotion and use it throughout the day to help keep your hands healthy. You only get one set, so take care of them.


9. Deodorant is Your Friend... Bring an extra stick to work. Deodorant is a key part of keeping yourself smelling good. The last thing you want is to bend over a patient and have them gag because they can smell your sweaty armpits... Your working all day, your working hard. Make sure you smell good while you do it.


10. If You Have a Dresscode Make Sure You Follow It... People like to bend the rules, but many places have a dresscode. Don't bend the rules just because a few other nurses are doing it. Wear what you are supposed to wear and keep your job going smooth. The last thing you want is getting talked to for not following a simple rule. Besides dresscodes aren't bad if you make them look good!

Keep these 10 tips in mind for yourself and you wont steer wrong. Remember that cleanliness and style go hand in hand. Keep yourself looking and smelling great, and it will keep you and your patients happy.

Do you have any tips that you think nurses should follow? Comment below and tell us.