8 Factors Nurses Should Consider When Buying Scrubs

Medical scrubs are a necessity in the healthcare industry, and as a nurse, you must invest in the best pair possible. With the market flooded with so many types and kinds of scrubs, you should pay extra attention when shopping for your work uniform. To help you out, here are eight factors nurses should consider when buying scrubs.

1. Quality

Choosing high-quality scrubs should be your top priority as you need working uniforms that are easy to maintain and long-lasting. The best way to be confident about the quality of your scrubs is to shop from reputable brands like Blue Sky. Along with sticking to stores renowned for the quality of their scrubs, remember only to buy scrubs in the acceptable colors at your workplace.

2. Color

Color is another critical factor to pay attention to when buying scrubs, as most hospitals and clinics have strict policies on the acceptable uniform colors for their nurses. For example, some hospital administrations recommend different colors for nurses working in different departments, such as pink for pediatric nurses and navy blue for general nurses.

However, if your workplace allows you to pick scrubs colors of your liking, it is advisable to pick colors that showcase your personality and best suit your work demands.

3. Size

While most scrubs are designed to be baggy, you need to know the exact measurements that perfectly fit your body. Whether you are shopping online or at a physical store, you will always come across scrubs in various sizes, and you need to choose one that is not too big or too small.

If you are unaware of your body shape and size, you can borrow your colleagues’ scrubs to see how well they fit before rushing to make your purchase.

4. Comfort

Nursing is a high-stress occupation, and the last thing you ever need is to spend your work hours in uncomfortable scrubs. To avoid this, you must ensure that the scrubs you buy are made from a soft, stretchy, and breathable fabric.

The fabric should also be wrinkle-resistant, so you can go about your day feeling relaxed and confident about your appearance. Finally, depending on whether you stay in a cold or hot climate, you will need scrubs that are either heavy or light enough to keep you warm and cozy at all times.

5. Price

In the pursuit of quality, you might have to make some sacrifices when it comes to the price you pay for your scrubs. Nevertheless, this does not mean you should always overspend when you can buy high-quality scrubs at pocket-friendly rates.

The secret is to never rush for the cheapest scrubs in the market but to rely on reputable brands and stores that never compromise on quality without charging you an arm and a leg.

6. Style

Gone are the days when nursing scrubs were plain and missed out on essential details such as rib-knit back panels or an empire waist. Today, you have a plethora of patterns and designs that you can opt for depending on your needs and fashion sense.

Whether you want a scrub with pockets to hold the instruments and accessories you use or feel better wearing one with a unique neck cut, you will have more than enough options to choose from. To avoid conflicts, check with your employer about the acceptable scrub styles before buying a pair that might be rejected.

7. Sanitary

As a nurse, you are exposed to harmful agents every day, and when buying scrubs, it is advisable to choose a material that will protect you from these contaminants. Scrubs with antimicrobial properties are the best choice as they prevent the transfer of the harmful bacteria you encounter while working.

Since you need to wear your scrub for an entire shift, it is equally important to buy scrubs with moisture-wicking features that help keep the skin dry and prevent odor.

8. Gender

While most of the scrubs in the market are gender neutral, there has been a growing demand for gender-specific scrubs. Some of the primary differences between male and female scrubs include:

Some female scrubs are designed to be wider at the bottom, so they look like bell-bottom pants
Female tops tend to come in brighter colors, floral prints, and side slits
Most male scrubs have wider shoulders and narrower waistlines, while female scrubs are the opposite having smaller shoulders and wider waistlines.

Endnote

While buying nursing scrubs should never be complicated, if you want the best work uniform, it is essential to consider these factors while shopping for a new pair.