Guest Post by Martie Moore, CNO, Medline

The secret to dressing for success is more about how confident you feel in your must-have clothing items. Have you ever put on an outfit for a big event, meeting or presentation that didn’t fit you just right and found yourself unconsciously fidgeting or tugging at it? Then it hits you – you start regretting your fashion choice and fixate on how you look.

Your scrubs are no different.

If your work wear doesn’t move with you or make you feel prepared, they can quickly become a distraction from what matters most – your patients. Have you ever repositioned a patient and suddenly felt concerned that you may be showing off more than just your bedside manner and skill? Ever stretch a little too far and hear that dreaded seam tear? Or, have you ever hit the snooze one too many times and have to pull your scrubs directly from the cold dryer full of wrinkles? Your appearance as a clinician is important to your professionalism and those you care for. If you look and feel your best, it will show through a positive attitude toward your team and of course, those in your care.

You’ve gone through the training and worked hard to get where you are today. Don’t let the non-verbals of your appearance get in the way. Even if you don’t say it, patients feel it.

Finding options that allow you to look good and survive your day can be expensive. The right set of scrubs should move with you, keep you completely covered and allow all your necessities to have an organized and accessible home.

What should you be looking for in your next pair of scrubs?

1. Stretch: The best fabrics are going to be those that have a poly rayon spandex blend that offer a four-way stretch. This will allow your scrubs to bend and flex when you do. And, let’s be honest, as a clinician, you need to be able to jump, leap, reach, bend and sometimes hurdle on a daily basis without hearing a seam pop.
2. Color: Keep in mind that the color of your scrubs can give you an identity as a nurse, including individuality. To keep those defining colors looking great over time, make sure that the scrubs are rich in polyester with little to no cotton.
3. Pockets: Little compartments nearby at all times – what’s not to love? Having a multitude of pockets can help you stay organized, and allow you to keep your important tools close by.
4. Shape: Find pants with a thick, flexible waist band or with elastic in the back so they don’t slide down. Also, keep an eye out for pants with a draw string in the front so the pant can easily be adjusted and keep you covered with a feminine shape.

When you are wearing scrubs – or any workday attire – that gives you an effortless confidence, your focus won’t be on how you look or if you have to “adjust,” but on the needs of your patient – or your big moment.

Luckily, it’s the 21^st century. Scrubs that can help you radiate that effortless confidence and help get you through a long shift does exist, and perhaps nearby. Target.com and select Target stores are now carrying the ave® collection allowing you to conveniently pick up milk, dog treats and a new pair of scrubs.

Tell us, what features do you look for when shopping for scrubs? Thanks for reading and feel free to leave a comment below.

About The Author:

Martie L. Moore, RN, MAOM, CPHQ, is the chief nursing officer at Medline Industries, Inc. As CNO, Martie develops forward-thinking, solution-driven clinical programs, as well as new products and educational services. Prior to joining Medline, Martie was the chief nursing officer at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland, Oregon. Moore has nearly 30 years of clinical experience and extensive nurse leadership.