Feeling out of place in scrubs

Chad_KY_SRNA · Apr 24, 2005

Go to Wal-Mart and look around in the white scrubs, I bought a pair of scrub pants with dress pant type pockets. I don't think that most instructors would let you wear dress pants, I know the ones at my college wouldn't. Just keep looking in the scrubs.

Calfax · Apr 24, 2005

Dude......you'll get used to it. I came out of EMS into nursing, where we had an actual uniform with a shirt, pants, and boots....so to wear "pajamas" to work was kind of odd at first.

But, they're really comfortable and ....no dry cleaning, no ironing, and relatively minimal out of pocket purchase.

Also, after the fourth or fifth child throws up Motrin or Tylenol on your nice shirt (hey it stains...) or you get blood spats all over from irrigating a wound or a hairy lab draw....you'll appreciate how nice it is to be able to change your scrubs out in like 5 seconds.

If you're still uncomfortable...you can try looking in a professional uniform store (like for janitors, repairmen, police, "orderly", etc...) for a pair of white pants. They do make them and it might be an alternative that will work for you.

This isn't a suit-n-tie kind of job.....unless you're admin or a drug company lackey. Now it you wind up working in a clinic or something.....just wear a lab coat over whatver you want to wear and be done with it.

Gompers, BSN, RN · Apr 24, 2005

When I was in nursing school, many of the guys in the class complained about the same things you mentioned. They found that the unisex scrubs with the drawstring waistband was the WORST for them to wear. They are typically the thinnest material, all cotton, and baggy as heck. If you look in uniform catalogs or at uniform stores, you might find something better. The guys in my class ended up getting elastic waist pants that were a cotton/polyester blend, and they said it helped so much. They were thicker, more tailored, and had normal side pockets. I've also heard that wearing briefs instead of boxers helps, but that might be too much information!

Good luck!

Antelope · Apr 25, 2005

Thanks for the replys. I figure your right, that I'll get used to it. I did some more searching and think I found some pants that I will like better. They are made by Landau. They have a zippered fly and button, and they come with belt loops. And best of all, they have back pockets, so that I don't feel so naked without a place for my wallet. I thought I had a good idea, and searched for BDU's like I wore in the Army. But I couldn't find any in white. I think I will get a pair of those other pants I found.

So, I guess I will just keep looking, and be thankful that my uniform is my only concern with nursing so far. Again, thanks for the replys.

-john

Roy Fokker, BSN, RN · Apr 25, 2005

And best of all, they have back pockets, so that I don't feel so naked without a place for my wallet.

And I thought I was the only one who felt like this. :rolleyes:

Seriously, the wallet in the side pocket is SUCH a weird feeling...

rogramjet · Apr 26, 2005

I also went from wearing a shirt and tie at work to wearing pajamas. Go with it. I haven't tied a noose around my neck in four years, and don't miss it. Whites do suck, I never did get used to wearing all white, but once you graduate, there are all sorts of styles to choose from. Any job where I can wear pajamas and comfortable shoes is fine with me.

LT Dave · Apr 29, 2005

When I was a student me and my buddy both wore white Dickies pants and white polo shirts with a military style white belt with the bright brass buckel. We also had black hemostate and scissor holders on our pant, like what an EMT would have. We looked pretty cole, people though we were saliors or something.

SteveNNP, MSN, NP · Apr 30, 2005

Well, I just gotta say that I sure don't miss wearing all whites!

I actually was the opposite. I hated the tailored "smock" and pants I had to wear in school. I love being able to throw on a decent [not "bargain"] pair of softwash scrubs and go to work. You don't look like a freak, and everyone still knows you are a professional. Hunt for a decent, well fitted scrub set, since most are made for women with busts and big hips. I usually get a medium top and a medium tall pant. Get a good pair of athletic shoes for running or crosstraining. [you do both as a nurse] Wear a gray or contrasting color tshirt under your scrubs, and you look even cooler. Love your scrubs man! embrace the scrubs!!!

painslayer · May 2, 2005

Just remember, after a few years in nursing you will not have any trouble wearing scrubs, skirts, or caps. As a matter of fact, your testicles will begin to shrink and you will start growing breasts. Or, you will get the heck out of nursing and get a normal manly job. Either way, good luck.

male nurse currently undergoing sex change operation

:rotfl:

Roy Fokker, BSN, RN · May 3, 2005

Just remember, after a few years in nursing you will not have any trouble wearing scrubs, skirts, or caps. As a matter of fact, your testicles will begin to shrink and you will start growing breasts. Or, you will get the heck out of nursing and get a normal manly job. Either way, good luck.
male nurse currently undergoing sex change operation
:rotfl:

Hope it's sarcasm ... :)

painslayer · May 3, 2005

If you do not believe me, keep checking you testosterone levels as you progress in nursing. They bound to fall sharply. I think it is something in the air... :rotfl: