Tips on How to Dress as a Nurse

Are you in nursing school or thinking about it? Maybe you are almost done with nursing school (possibly graduating this December or May)? Well, if you are any of those 3 categories you will need some tips on how to dress as a nurse. Before I became a nurse, I thought scrubs, shoes, and a watch were the essential items needed as a nurse, but after being a new graduate nurse for a while I figured out some tips and tricks about how to dress as a nurse that no one ever told me. So, I want to share those tips with my readers.

By the way, as a side comment, I want to thank everyone for being so supportive and encouraging with all the comments left on my YouTube channel, on this website, and through email about how my videos and articles help you out. I absolutely love helping you succeed in your nursing journey.

Here is a video of me talking about how to dress as a nurse. Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more videos!

How to Dress as a Nurse

I want to start from toe to head and cover everything I think is essential for “us” nurses. Feel free in the comment section below to add anything that you find is essential in dressing as nurse.

Nursing shoes! Must, must be comfortable shoes! I am not really for any brand because everyone has different feet. If Dankso works for your friend they may not work for you. Before you purchase a pair of nursing shoes, TRY THEM ON!!

Go to a local shoe store (preferably a store that sells nursing supplies) try them on and if you can find a better deal online, buy them online. Remember no shoes with opened-toes or holes (reason you increase your chances of getting vomit and feces on your feet). Also, if you find you have difficult feet like mine, try getting inserts.

Compression Stockings! Both men and women wear them. They help prevent leg fatigue and varicose veins during those 10-12 hour long shifts. You can buy thigh or knee high stockings depending on your preference. I can’t work without mine and have found I have no varicose veins and leg fatigue at the end of the day.
Scrubs! Buy scrubs that are comfortable (not too tight or too loose). The reason is because you will be moving around A LOT and you want to make sure you are covered in your back and front side. Make sure your scrubs have pockets because some brands concentrate too much on style and forgot the pockets.
Watch! Buy a watch that can be cleaned easily because you want to disinfect it after every shift. It is amazing how “us” nurses pick up germs so easily. See this video on the most common ways nurses take home germs. In addition, get a watch that has military time and the date because as a nurse you are constantly dating and timing papers.
No fake finger nails! Many women have fake finger nails so they are surprised that many hospitals don’t allow staff to wear them. The reason why is because they harbor germs, and one study was done that showed that MRSA and other superbugs collect on them. In turn, these superbugs are easily spread to other patients.
Simple jewelry! You are constantly running up and down halls, bending, and twisting which increases the chances of you loosing something valuable. In addition, you will encounter combative patients who can easily grab your earrings or necklaces by ripping them off. I’ve had it happen. Usually a ring, watch, and earring studs are enough.
Lab coat! Lab coats have multiple functions such as extra storage of supplies in your pockets, provide warmth, and protect you from germs and other dangerous chemicals. For several years, I worked in an area where we were in contact with radioactive material daily and we were encouraged to wear a lab coat in case there was a spill. This was because if the radioactive material went on to our clothes the lab jacket provided an extra barrier.
Makeup! There is nothing wrong with wearing makeup, and I’d usually wear a little. But I would recommend keeping it modest. In truth, you’ll probably be too tired to put it on, and you don’t want patients to remember you by your makeup.
Hair! If your hair is longer than shoulder length, it could come into contact with body fluids or equipment. My hair almost fell into a patient’s stool one time who had C. diff (a nasty GI bug that is HIGHLY contagious). After that, I learned to always wear it up. I would highly recommend you put it up in a ponytail or bun. What I usually do with mine is that I will put it in a bun and then clip it to my head.