Have you ever considered how your scrubs could help you provide the best care for patients you work with on travel nursing jobs? It’s true: Studies have shown that brightly-colored scrubs put patients young and old at ease. In fact, professionals from the University of Florence actually uncovered that some indivdiuals find nurses who are dressed colorfully more helpful. So, how do you decide which scrubs to purchase?
Style and comfort
The No. 1 priority for most RNs when picking out what to wear to work is comfort. After all, you do spend a lot of time on your feet as a travel nurse. Depending on your body type, you may find that certain cuts fit you better. The important thing is that your scrubs fit you. Just because you wish you were a size smaller doesn’t mean that’s what you should buy. Not only will it be unflattering, you are likely to be uncomfortable all day if your scrubs are too snug.
Number of pairs
If a pair of your scrubs start to look a little worn, it may be time to replace them – after all, you don’t want to risk bursting a seam! Make sure you have enough pairs to get you through a regular work week if the only time you can do laundry is on your day off. If you have time to toss a load in each night, you may be able to get by with a pair or two fewer. It’s also best to keep a spare, clean pair at work. That way, if something goes wrong and there’s a mess on you, you don’t have to stress over finding something to change into.
It’s important to check with management any time you take on a new travel nursing assignment. Some locations may have differing policies as to what is and is not allowed to be worn while on the job. And, depending on the location and season, you may have to purchase a few long-sleeve shirts to wear under your scrubs. When acceptable, feel free to pick scrubs donning designs and a variety of colors, whatever best suits your personality. This can be especially fun if you are working with children, as researchers at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences found that kids are less anxious when treated by nurses wearing colorful scrubs.