Nurses typically have it rough. They’re often on their feet the entire day. They’re helping carry patients and material from point A to point B. Then there’s always the risk of accidents, or a patient’s situation deteriorating as they take care of them. Yet they still need to remain presentable, professional and approachable to patients. Most nurses would love to be able to be stylish, too, without having to invest too much time and effort. Here are eight essential style tips for busy nurses.

Be Clean

The foundation of any fashion, beauty or style regimen for nurses is to be clean first and foremost. Use soap, water, and shampoo every day. Clean up when you’re a mess. This is a good reason to have spare scrubs around in case someone spills something on you or there’s an accident. Take the time to clean your nails, hair, and teeth, too.

Many people try to finish their self-care regimen with a squirt of aftershave or perfume. The rules on this vary from place to place, but this may not be an option at all where you work. If it is allowed, use a small amount strategically.

We often focus on ourselves, seeking perfect hair and makeup, and forget how our favorite pair of shoes or scrubs lose their flair over time. Worn out shoes and scrubs don’t look good anymore. This is especially true if your colorful scrubs are obviously faded regardless of their condition. Wearing a lab coat or anything else over it won’t necessarily help. For example, a stained lab coat only makes things worse.

Choose Scrubs that Suit You

Try to pick out scrubs that come in colors that complement your skin tone. You can buy several sets of scrubs in matching or complementary colors and prints. Note that you don’t want to overdo it, so combine a printed item with a solid color item. If you do mix prints, make sure they match. This means floral with floral and animal with animal. However, it is hard to go wrong with solid colors that look good on you.

Pick Out at Least One Professional Ensemble

Getting an ADN to FNP program online allows you to graduate from registered nurse to family nurse practitioner. After you make the transition to family nurse, you’ll want to dress the part so that you’re recognized as one of the senior medical professionals on staff.

One way to do this is to drop the cute scrubs like those decorated with teddy bears and hearts. Another is to turn your scrubs into part of a professional outfit. For example, you can wear a camisole, your scrub top, and lab jacket to create an outfit that looks like a suit but can be readily washed if something happens.

If you aren’t at that stage in your career, it is still important to have at least one basic, flattering pair of scrubs to wear. They’ll help you be taken seriously in meetings and job interviews.

Take Care of Your Hair

We’ve mentioned the importance of keeping your hair clean. Any hairstyle you pick should be equally functional and fabulous.

For example, your hair needs to stay out of your face. This is why so many female nurses wear ponytails, braids, and buns. A short bob cut could do the trick, too, though it means you’ll need to get haircuts more often. On the flipside, you should avoid long hair that flies around unrestrained.

Choose simple hairstyles that look good on you, since you often won’t have time to recreate that intricate braid. If you want to show your fashion sense, you can use hair ornaments or hair bands. You can use a nice hair clip to hold your ponytail or bun out of the way, too.

Men can have long hair if they keep it clean, neat and out of the way. Beards are increasingly allowed, but they must be trimmed. Cover up your chest hair. If your scrubs don’t do this, then wear a white T-shirt under the scrubs.

Make the Right Choices with Makeup

It is understandable if you want to wear makeup. If you do so, keep it simple and neutral. The purpose is to accentuate your features, not look like a diva. Remember to always remove your makeup before you go to bed because yesterday’s makeup will never look good on you the next day.

Take Care of Your Hands

Most nurses know to protect their hands. They may be taking gloves on and off all day to do just that. However, you need to make sure you take care of your hands while balancing the needs of your patients.

You can wear nail polish but not acrylic nails. There is too much of a risk of bacteria being trapped under them and transmitted to patients, and they can get in the way of protective gloves, too. Conversely, this is a good reason to invest in manicures. Keep your cuticles and the skin on your hands well-maintained. Any cuts or cracks on your hands are a health risk to you and patients.

Understand the Rules on Jewelry

You shouldn’t wear bling. Heavy bracelets and multiple rings are a reservoir for germs and can rip your gloves. You can wear a single ring as long as it won’t damage the gloves. Go for small earrings instead. However, you can’t wear multiple necklaces or a single heavy one.

An excellent compromise is a stylish watch. They help you keep track of the time, and it is a convenient reference when it displays military time. It can look great. However, you need to make sure you pick one that is easy to disinfect.

Don’t Forget Your Socks

You should consider investing in compression stockings, whether you’re a man or a woman. They can fight leg fatigue and prevent varicose veins. It is your choice whether you wear knee high or thigh high compression socks. Conversely, socks are a great way to express your personality without worrying about all the other rules in the workplace.

Conclusion

Looking great as a nurse is possible, as well as you keep things functional and tasteful. Follow these tips if you want to look both professional, while letting some of your own personal style shine through.

Disclaimer: This article was written by a guest author.