Some call it vanity. But nurses, too, deserve to look good if they want. Here are 8 tips for nurses to look their best. 1. Choose the right fit Looking professional is a big part of looking good when at work. And a big part of looking professional is making sure the uniform fits perfectly. Low-riders are a no-no – no buttocks cleavage when bending over. Often-overlooked points include the length of the pants and the depth of the V-neck cut (if applicable). Pants should not be so long that one might easily trip on them, but they should also not be so short that they make one look like they are trying to wade in floodwaters – it looks silly and unprofessional. The V-neck cut of the scrub top should not be too low as well. If it is, a t-shirt or camisole can be worn under it. 2. Choose flattering colours A rule of thumb is to choose a colour different from the hospital interior. Moreover, one can take things a step further by picking a colour that complements one’s skin tone and eyes. Printed designs are also great if they complement one’s personality, especially if one works with kids. 3. Wear clean and neatly ironed scrubs Appearance is not everything. But the condition of the uniform affects patients’ impressions of one’s level of care and competency. Scrubs should be clean and ironed. The level of care exhibited in wearing one’s uniform displays pride in oneself as caretakers and also, an appropriate level of meticulousness, a quality patients mentally extrapolate to their impressions on how one performs their work. 4. Beware of worn-down scrubs Always do at least an annual check on the scrubs on hand and look for wear and tear. If the colour has faded so much that one cannot tell its original colour, if it has shrunk, or if it is threadbare and holey, it is time to retire them. As a nurse, it is common to get stains on one’s scrubs. It is not always possible to remove stains completely, but here are some pro-tips to try and save as much money as possible. The most common stain, blood, can be removed by using an enzyme product (for old stains) or scrubbing with hydrogen peroxide and some ammonia for newer stains. 5. Choose the right silhouette Comfort and professionality does not equal baggy. Make sure your uniform fits you well, and choose a fit that flatters your body shape. One could choose nursing uniforms that emphasise the waist as it is the narrowest part of one’s body. For those who carry some weight in the abdomen, scrub tops which boast dark, stretchy, side knit panels are their best bet, as they do all the slimming and shaping, allowing the freedom to embrace colours that truly complement the skin tone. 6. Accessorise with discernment Accessories, such as a watch in your preferred style, can bump your style up a notch. Subtle jewellery, such as small earrings or delicate necklaces could work to add more interest to the ensemble. However, beauty is in the little things; be mindful of the rules and regulations - large jewellery, heavy make-up and bright nail polish can be a distraction to patients, their families and colleagues. 7. Beware of the undergarments If white scrubs are to be worn, nude undergarments should be chosen so that they do not show through. Undergarments in bold colours such as red and hot pink scream an undesirable lack of professionalism. “Whale’s tails”, which is having only the top of the thong show when bending over, are especially crucial to be wary of. 8. Wear a flattering hairstyle It is worth mentioning that one should be open-minded about hairstyles that best suit nurses. Some issues to consider include whether the hairstyle will hold up through the long shift hours, and whether it will get in the way of work. Short hair is a safe bet as it is easy to keep neat. For long-haired nurses, the best way to style it is to tie it back out of the face. Other options, beside the conventional ponytail, include twisted updos or topknots. Source
