Nurses, doctors, physical therapists, and other medical professionals wear medical attire not just because it is their prescribed uniform, but to protect themselves from biological contaminants such as body fluids as well.
So, if you’re a medical professional, it’s important to know and follow the proper way of wearing your medical attire. To avoid common mistakes when wearing scrubs, lab gowns, and uniforms, below is a list of how to correct them.
- Not Wearing Undershirt
Undershirt scrubs refer to garments worn underneath scrub suits. Some medical workers wear scrubs without undershirts. While most scrubs have cotton and other skin-friendly materials, wearing undershirts is still highly recommended.
Just imagine the amount of sweat your body produces in an 8 or 12-hour shift. Sometimes, your shift extends beyond these time frames. An undershirt provides a base layer, generating comfortable warmth and keeping the wearer dry and fresh while protecting and covering the skin.
Here are some tips when buying and wearing undershirts:
- Consider The Fabric: You should consider buying undershirts made of stretchy, flexible materials for effortless movement and range of motion. The best ones are made of poly-cotton blends because they’re durable and comfortable. You should also consider buying undershirts with a moisture-wicking and breathable fabric that locks your sweat in the outer layer. This will allow the fabric to dry away from your skin and decrease the bacteria that cause body odor.
- Choose The Proper Cut And Style: Choose a turtleneck or long-sleeve undershirt if you need warmer clothing. In addition, select a cut that blends with your scrubs. You can choose an undershirt that contours your body for a form-fitting top.
- Comply With Dress Codes: You can hide your wrist and arm tattoos by wearing long-sleeve undershirts to ensure that you stay compliant with the dress code.
- Wearing Revealing Scrubs
Some healthcare workers wear too revealing scrubs, which can draw people’s attention—and not in a good way. As much as possible, try to keep your medical attire professional and dignified.
Avoid wearing deep V-neck scrubs and undies that peek through. Male medical workers should also avoid low-cut scrubs and t-shirts. As much as possible, men should avoid exposing chest hair through a scrub top. They should wear undershirts to cover hairy chest areas as well.
- Wearing Colorful And Printed Medical Attire
In the healthcare industry, medical professionals need to comply with dress codes to uphold professional standards. You probably have seen scrubs with cute cartoon character prints. While they can be appealing to children, not all patients can appreciate them. Avoid mixing too many bright colors and prints. Going overboard can hurt the eyes, especially for sensitive patients.
- Wearing Inappropriate Scrub For Your Body Type
It’s important to choose the right scrub size. Baggy scrubs are unflattering and will make you look sloppy. It could also affect your work as you may trip over while running around the hospital. You can try on scrub suits before buying and choose something that fits your body size, but make sure it’s not too tight as well. A tight pair of scrub pants can split if you bend to pick something.
Here are some tips when you’re choosing the best scrub for your body type:
- Plus-Size: If you have a bulky size, a boxy scrub works well. Just make sure that the scrub suit isn’t too loose to avoid contaminants from entering through open and loose areas.
- Curvy: If you have a curvy body, choose scrubs that fit your body well. Instead of low V-neck scrub, you can choose a curved V-neck scrub that isn’t drastic, elongating your neck area to give you a flattering look.
- Petite Size: If you have a small body frame, you can buy standard-sized pants and have the inseams done. The best features for petite medical workers are thin belts, hidden or not-so-obvious pockets, and small buttons. You can elongate your neck by wearing deep V-neck scrubs.
- Wearing Too Many Accessories
Some medical workers wear too many accessories that could hamper productivity and strain medical reputation in the workplace. Limit your accessories to small and simple ones. Avoid wearing long dangling earrings, necklaces, and excessive bracelets. As much as possible, just wear a watch while you’re on your shift.
- Using Too Much Perfume
You want to smell fresh round-the-clock. However, using too much fragrance can cause negative effects on your patients. Avoid spraying too much cologne or perfume because the scent can cause nausea, dizziness, and asthma attack. You may be dealing with patients who have allergies, so best to avoid triggering them during your shift.
- Prioritizing Aesthetics Over Comfort
As a medical professional, you must prioritize comfort over aesthetics. Your medical attire should be comfortable all throughout your shift. Otherwise, you’ll end up soaking in sweat and exposing yourself to pathogens and contaminants. It’s important to consider the best style and color of scrubs that will provide you and your patients the utmost comfort and protection.
You should be free to move as well. Choose a scrub or lab coat that can provide you a wide range of motion. Depending on your tasks, you may need to reposition patients, move equipment, and bend or squat throughout the day. Consider elastic and drawstring waistbands for your medical attire.
- Not Checking The Hospital Policy
Don’t be in a hurry to buy new scrubs. Make sure to check the clinic or hospital policy regarding the type and color of scrubs allowed. The hospital may also require a certain fabric or material to be used. So, make sure to take note of such rules as well.
- Wearing Medical Attire In Inappropriate Places
Whether you’re a nurse, doctor, or allied medical worker, your medical attire should be used only in work areas. Avoid wearing them in bars, house parties, and other public places. In addition, medical uniforms and scrubs are carriers of contaminants. Hence, wearing them at any time after your shift could risk the health of the people around you.
Therefore, you should change them before you head out to a public place. Even if you’re just planning to stay at home, wash up and change your clothes to secure your family’s health. Live up to your ethical professional standards even outside your work setting. Ensure compliance and integrity wherever you go and whatever you do.
Conclusion
If you’re a healthcare worker, it’s important to choose and wear the right medical attire. It’s also important to follow dress codes and other protocols in the healthcare facility you’re working in. This includes refraining from wearing revealing scrubs, covering up tattoos, avoiding perfumes, and minimizing jewelry or other accessories among others.