5 Functional Fashion Essentials for Nurses

Nurses work long hours to ensure our families and communities are healthy and safe. Those shifts require a proper uniform -- one ready to support hard-working arms and legs and sustain energy all day (or night) long.

So exactly what do new nurses need to support their long hours? In addition to nurse bag essentials, here are five must-haves to prepare the nursing student for those demanding hospital shifts.

Comfortable Scrubs

The ideal scrubs are comfortable as well as modest. When you try them on, don’t just stand upright and look in the mirror. See what happens when you lean, bend over and stretch. If you see anything you don’t want others seeing, then these aren't the scrubs for you.

Buy high-quality scrubs; they won’t lint when washed. It’s better to have just a few really good ones. Look for scrubs that are soft and fade resistant.

Comfortable Nursing Shoes

A great pair of shoes is lightweight and comfortable. Nurses who spend time sitting can sacrifice weight for support, but when you’re a new nurse or nurse practitioner you’re going to be on your feet.

Choose a heel that’s not too high or low. Think about athletic shoes and how you need some heel to protect your ankles and Achilles tendons.

Make sure the sole has a good grip so you won’t slip or slide. Get a durable sole; the treads are often the first thing to wear out. Comfort over style!

Foldable Clipboard

You’re going to have to carry and keep track of sheets of paper, and sometimes they’ll be loose. Look for a clipboard with sturdy hinges and a durable clasp system. Another good option is a covered clipboard with lots of pockets for pens, cards and other small items. It’s best if they’re accessible with the cover either open or closed.

Badge Reel

There was a time when you just clipped on a name tag. In today’s world, though, you may need to use your badge repeatedly, and a badge reel is a necessity.

Your employer may tell you what color scrubs to wear, but you can have a personalized look with a fun and distinctive badge reel.

Compression Socks

Nursing is standing, especially when you’re new. You want a sock that gives support but isn’t so tight that it’s uncomfortable over time. The best compression socks for nurses are high with mild compression.

Wearing compression socks is not what it used to be. Today’s cute nurse compression socks include varying heights as well as colors, stripes and patterns. You can personalize your feet and put a little pep in your step with cute or colorful compression socks! 

Whether you choose a knee-high sock or ankle sock, look for yarn that’s been treated for wicking and odor prevention. Some pro compression socks for nurses have different knitting in different parts of the sock to put the support where you need it. Style and extra support are two of the most important benefits of compression socks for nurses! 

In all your nursing essentials for work, follow a few principals.

• Consider how your clothes are going to perform during bending and reaching.
• Choose quality. You’ll appreciate the good, or regret the bad, long after you forget what you paid. It’s better to have a few quality items than a lot of poor ones.
• Ask experienced nurses what works for them.
• Choose comfort over style when you have to (with compression socks, you can get both!)

When your legs are taken care of, you’ve got a sound foundation to manage your working shift. Be good to those legs. Learn more from Dr. Motion’s graduated compression stockings for nurses or order online.

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Disclaimer: This article provides information solely for educational purposes, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other materials contained herein. This article is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.