Best Attire for Long Shifts During Your RN Program

When you’re on your way to becoming a registered nurse (RN), your attire is very important. It’s crucial to follow all program and specialty guidelines and wear clothes that are designed for your specific position. 

Further, RN programs can include busy days on your feet, especially when you are gaining hands-on experience in your field. Because of this, you’ll also want to find the most comfortable and realistic options.

Knowing how to choose the right scrubs, shoes, socks, layers, and accessories can greatly help with professionalism, practicality, and comfort during long shifts. 

Scrubs

Scrubs are the foundation of your nursing attire. Because you’ll wear these for extended periods of time and may encounter many different patient situations, it can be helpful to find scrubs that incorporate these features: 

• Breathability: Breathable material can help you to keep your temperature balanced and reduce sweat, as well as feel lighter on your skin.

• Comfort: Comfortable material is everything when you’re working nursing shifts. Try to find stretchy fabric, such as polyester-spandex blends, so you can move and bend with ease.

• Fluid-resistant material: When you’re an RN in training, you may frequently come into contact with different fluids. Having fluid-resistant material can make a major difference in your days. 

• Pockets: Pockets allow you to carry important accessories on your person as you move around.

It’s important to remember that, while there can be some flexibility depending on where you work, you must make sure to stick to the required dress code of your program, specialty, and hospital. 

Some specialties, such as surgery, require certain types of scrubs. In these cases, your scrubs will be provided to you. 

Additionally, some hospitals may require you to wear a specific color of scrubs based on the department or the unit you are in. This information will be explained to you ahead of time, either during your interview or during the onboarding process. 

Shoes 

Being a nurse involves constantly being on your feet, whether that’s standing, walking, or bending. Try to find shoes that are comfortable and easy to clean. 

Additionally, look for slip-resistant shoes. These can prevent you from falling, especially because floors can be unpredictable in healthcare settings.  

Finally, make sure they’re supportive. Lengthy shifts can take a toll on your body and your feet, and shoes that offer arch support and cushioning can prevent pain and chronic injuries. 

Socks

Compression socks are another key piece of clothing for RN students. These types of socks apply minor pressure to your ankles and legs to help with the following:

• Blood flow: Compression socks can help support blood flow in your legs, which can prevent them from feeling achy.

• Health issue prevention: They also have the potential to minimize your risk for developing vascular issues over time, such as varicose veins.

• Swelling reduction: These types of socks can help to reduce swelling by preventing excess fluid retention. 

Layers

Undershirts can be beneficial to you in more temperatures than one during your RN schooling journey. As a nurse, the temperature where you work can change constantly. Though rooms themselves can be kept very cold, you might grow hot as you move quickly from place to place.

When you’re working in a cold environment, undershirts can keep you warm by trapping heat; and when you grow warm, they can actually pull sweat away from your skin when you choose the right materials, such as synthetic performance blends. 

Some people prefer layers for personal, modesty, or religious reasons as well. Though not required, some nurses also choose to invest in scrub jackets when their healthcare setting allows. 

Helpful Accessories

Beyond your clothes, there are accessories that you can keep with you should you choose. 

• Clinical tools: Three common RN tools to keep with you include a penlight, stethoscope, and trauma shears.

• Permitted hair accessories: For people with long hair, this might include hair ties or clips.

• Other accessories: Pens, a water bottle, and a notebook are examples of other things you might keep close by.

Frequently Asked Questions

What material scrubs should RNs wear?

Look for scrubs with breathable, comfortable, fluid-resistant material.

How many pairs of scrubs are necessary for RNs?

It’s wise to own between four and six pairs of scrubs as an RN.

What shoes should nurses wear?

When choosing your shoes as a nurse, try to prioritize comfort, support, and slip-resistant and fluid-resistant materials.

Do hospitals provide RNs with scrubs?

While some hospital provide their staff with scrubs, others require them to be purchased.

Idaho Healthcare Institute RN Program Support

When you start your RN program, this attire will be key as you complete hands-on work, such as shadowing nurses in your field in real healthcare settings. And, as you progress toward an official RN title, you’ll want to have access to all the resources you can. 

At Idaho Healthcare Institute (IHI), we take pride in supporting aspiring RNs and other nursing students. We understand the financial burden that can come from school, which is why we connect students at the College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) with scholarship opportunities so they can focus on their academics. 

We offer an LPN to RN Bridge Scholarship Program to help CEI students benefit from financial support while they fast-track their studies and gain valuable hands-on experience. It’s our hope to make your load a little lighter so you can pursue what you love without added stress or barriers.

If you’re interested in learning more, reach out to us today.