New job, need clothing and accessory advice!

Nursing Students CNA/MA

Published

Specializes in Med-Surg/DOU/Ortho/Onc/Rehab/ER/.

OK so Hi!

I just got a new job as a CNA in the Med-Surg dept at a hospital!:yeah:

I have hospital orientation next week for 2 days then I start the floor Friday! I am so excited! BTW I have no experience and this is my first CNA job.

Anyway that being said, I need advice on what would be ideal to wear and have on you at all times. Their dress code is (any print or color) scrubs and shoes that are closed toe. That pretty much leaves me up to just about anything to wear!

Clothes: I am looking for solid color, no print scrubs that arent too expensive, because I still have yet to start and get paid. lol

Any good brands out there? I am 5'5, thin. In pants I can't do long or short so I get normal if that helps. I really don't want boxy scrubs either since I am a little curvy and that would just make me look fat...

Shoes: Well, as I said, as long as they are closed toe, I have a lot to choose from. My shifts are 12 hour nights so I need something that will last for that long. I have a high arch and a narrow foot. I dont know if clogs are the best or if I should just get running shoes...

Accessories: I probably have a better idea when orientation comes around but I start the night after orientation so I have a very short period of time to get what is needed. I am sure I will need the same stuff for the clinicals in CNA clinicals right? (oh and I got certified like over a year ago so its been awhile, but I assimilate pretty quickly) Will I need my own stethoscope and BP cuff? I still have them. I probably need, of course, pens, small notebook etc...

So if you guys can kind of list down what you bring with you when you work that would be sooo helpful! If its alot...do I need a bag?

Alright, sorry for the novel I wrote but I just am pretty excited to start and want to be ready! :clown:

Thanks a lot guys! :redbeathe

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Moved to the CNA Discussion forum. Good luck to you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg/DOU/Ortho/Onc/Rehab/ER/.

Thanks Commuter!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Congrats on the new job!

I have found Walmart scrubs to be better than I expected. I have some that have been with me since my first year of nursing. They do run big and feel stiff at first but they have stood the test of time.

Walmart also has a line called TredSafe that I was fond of. They were simple and had a very pronounced honey comb tread. Cheap and lasted about 2 years.

I have high arches as well and I like Superfeet green inserts. They are about $30 each and will immediately fix any shoe that is lacking in arch support.

Bring your own stethoscope and BP cuff but keep it in your bag. Use the floor's disposable stethoscopes and BP cuffs. Use yours in the unlikely event that absolutely nothing else is available. Once they are out of your bag, let go of the idea that they are yours lol.

One thing I find lacking in med-surg floors are gait belts. I don't know why they are abundant in long term care but suddenly disappear in acute care. The sick get no less shaky on their feet, and you're still going to get them out of bed.

Congrats and good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Congrats!!! Working in a hospital is great...big difference than long term or AFH lol. As far as scrubs go, just starting out and not having a lot of $$, you can get cheap scrubs at Walmart..like $15 for a top or bottom. Make sure if u do get a print that it can mix with a couple different color bottoms,,,dont limit a top to only one pair of pants. The hospital already has stethoscpoes and BP cuffs..probably automatic (at the hospitals where Ive worked we called them Scouts or Dynamaps) if you get an abnormal reading you may need to do a manual BP but they have disposable stethoscopes...I dont usually bring my personal one cuz I dont use it too regularly and it slides off your neck alot and when u put it down you'll misplace it lol. U usually get a census list of patients that has basic info on it (name, room #, diagnosis, diet etc) so u can take notes throughout the night on that. I dont usually carry a notepad cuz its just one less thing u need. I have a pen that has different colors you can choose from on it so its only one pen you need..not 4 lol. When I do my rounds I make a note of the time on my census sheet and put either dry/changed/awake/asleep etc and check it off after I've charted it...so that way its easy to look back over it and know the last time i was in that room. hopefully some of this info will help :) Good Luck!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg/DOU/Ortho/Onc/Rehab/ER/.

Thanks so much guys! Amazing tips! I am pretty nervous and excited to start. My friend got me in and I know I'm capable I just want to be a big fail, ya know?

Anyone got good tips for starting out?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg/DOU/Ortho/Onc/Rehab/ER/.

Oh and a watch too eh?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment