Ways to Look Professional and still be Comfortable at work

Ways to Look Professional and still be Comfortable at work The reality is scrubs are not the most appealing attire. With that being said, however, you can still wear scrubs that are flattering, and that emphasize your professionalism. It is important for your image that you look professional and put together. Your supervisor, coworkers, and patients will make a first impression assessment based on your appearance, and your clothing is a good indication of just how put together you are.

Tips for Selecting the Best Scrubs Proper fit is crucial when wearing scrubs. Your uniform needs to be loose enough for you to move around comfortably, yet not so loose that it appears baggy. Pant lengths should be no longer than midway down the shoe. It's very common that the length of pants drags the floor, which gives off a “sloppy” appearance. Don’t buy cheap scrubs. There are many ways to cut money on items; however, your scrubs should not be one of them. Higher quality scrubs will wash and dry well, and will not wrinkle. They are comfortable to wear, and allow for movement without stretching out of shape. Cotton scrubs are the favorite for staying cool and comfortable, try on several styles and decide which one is most comfortable for your personal taste.

Related: Unconventional Ways to Make Yourself Study Selecting Proper Shoes You will most likely be on your feet for prolonged periods of time. It's important to pick the right shoe and the correct size. There is nothing worse than knowing you have 4-5 hours left on your shift, and your shoes are causing tremendous pain in your feet. If you are working a long shift, consider taking an extra pair of shoes to change into partially through your shift. Changing shoes can refresh feet, and rejuvenate your walking ability.

When it comes to selecting shoes for work, it is perfectly acceptable to choose comfort over style, if you are not comfortable in your ability to walk from room to room; you cannot properly and effectively do your job.

Tips for Purchasing the Right Shoes 1. Measure your feet. We think we know what size we are. But even as adults, our feet can change in size. The change may be small, but can make a big difference in shoe size and comfort.

2. Measure both feet. Everyone has slight size differences in their feet.

Make sure you shop for the larger foot.

3. Measure your feet while standing and towards the end of the day. This way, if there is any swelling, this has been taking into account in your sizing.

4. Pay attention to your arch. Some people have differing arch lengths and heights. This can make a big difference in the fit of the shoe. This is also one reason why a good name brand that’s a perfect fit for one person may not be for another.

5. Shoes do not have to be broken in. Seriously. If the shoes are snug, don’t make the mistake of thinking you need to break them in. Good shoes should fit properly when you buy them. Don’t let a salesperson talk you into buying them if they don’t fit properly at the store.

6. Consider going to a store that caters to runners. Many sports stores can analyze the way you walk and suggest the right pair of sports shoes for your gait. If your hospital or institution doesn’t ban the wearing of sports shoes, they are often a great choice for someone who is on their feet for hours at a time.

Related: What to Expect as a Nurse Anesthetist One thing to keep in mind is, what works great for a coworker may not work well for you, no two people are alike, and no two sets of feet are alike. Take suggestions, but judge for yourself if the shoe is comfortable, and if the fit is proper. Socks are also more important than most people realize. Socks that bunch up, or slide within the shoe can make for a very long shift when walking continuously. Cotton socks worth best for keeping feet cool, comfortable and dry. Make sure you select the proper sock size so that the sock is not too tight, and yet a snug fit. The proper shoes and socks can make a big difference, and make a long shift much easier to complete with comfort.

Personal Grooming You want to ensure you are groomed in a manner that provides comfort. A natural look for makeup is best, and hair is very important, it needs to be groomed properly so as not to interfere with your job duties. If your hair is long, plan to wear it in a ponytail, or pulled back in a manner that it will remain out of your face. Hair that is not properly groomed can look sloppy and unprofessional; it can also interfere with job responsibilities if you have to continually brush hair from your face and eyes. If your hair is not long enough to be held securely in a ponytail, use clips or bobbi pins to secure it away from face. Avoid hairsprays, or hair products that can be overpowering in smell that could pose problems for patients sensitive to

smells. There are numerous hairstyles that look good and professionals, while being comfortable and cool at the same time. If your hair is short, a headband can prove beneficial in keeping hair away from face; cloth or hard plastic will work great.

Convenience in Attire When selecting scrubs, it is always advisable for nurses to choose scrubs with multiple pockets. The more pockets, the more places you have to store your essentials. If permitted, consider wearing a waist pack to hold necessary items that you benefit from having with you, opt for one that is small and narrow, it won’t interfere with your movement abilities.

Comfort is essential as you start to work a long shift. A comfortable and neat set of scrubs will make you feel better, and the proper pair of shoes that are fitted correctly will make those long shifts tolerable. Comfort is key in working long shifts and being on your feet for hours, so carefully selects what works best for you.

Related: International Nurses Association

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