Graduating w/ only 1 pair of scrubs

[Beldar_the_Cenobite]

I plan on going to CNA school soon and they're only giving me a pair of scrubs. 1 dark blue top and 1 gray bottom. I was told by a clerk at a uniform store that a travelling nurse she deals with directly says she has different colors for different hospitals. I never thought hospitals gave a damn about the color scrubs you wore so as long as they were clean and you showed up to work on time with what you know you're supposed to have and to do your job.

I don't know where I want to work when I graduate. A hospital that pays CNA's really good requires CNA's to have a year of experience at least. That leaves me open to any facility. The VA doesn't hire CNA's I don't think. Scrubs(I think) are a bit pricey. I thought a top could go for $5-10 but nope. A store here in Vegas sells tops ranging from $30-50 and I'm a college student. I don't have an employer that will give me a stipend for uniforms or a discount for the store. What the F.

I thought about working for Maxim but because I'm not even in CNA school they really didn't give me the details on what I should expect as I contract for them(scrub colors, stethoscope requirement, etc).

When you guys graduated CNA/LPN, or Nursing school, how did you buy what you needed when money was tight? Is it true that anything you buy for your job(pens, scrubs, watches, stethoscopes, etc) can be written off on your taxes?

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

What about Maxim do I need to research? They're a staffing agency for CNA's, LVN's, LPN's and RNs..what about Maxim do I need to research?

I tried to send you a PM , but you have disabled the option. Let's leave it at.. Maxim is less than a desirable employer. You can research them here on AN. I worked for them briefly as an RN. The pay was 60 % the going rate and the front office was staffed by the Three Stooges.

[Diane1025, LPN]

I work in a LTC facility and we wear what scrubs we want. I'm in Connecticut and we have a scrub shop called Scrub Wearhouse. I have a favorite pant made by Cherokee that they always have for $9.99 per pair. And short to make my life easier!! They come in a multitude of colors and I can always buy off the rack. I believe they have online purchases but not positive. My scrub tops always come from either their clearance racks to match the pants, or I make them. For those of you who sew, New Look pattern #6777 is my go to. Two pieces plus the pockets and you've got exactly what you want in no time. I make holiday tops because my residents love them. One of my residents LOVES butterflies...........I also can make my sleeves a little longer and the top a litter longer than on the pattern. Takes no time at all. (Well, not true because I'm a perfectionist). But my residents and co-workers LOVE them. Walmart in my state has scrub tops for as cheap as $6 but they only have one pocket at the chest area. I personally don't like that. They also have printed scrubs/Disney, etc. and some of them are $15-$18. I can make mine with about 2 yards of fabric, so I'm good to go, have multiple scrub tops and they're definitely not just like everyone elses. I did pick up a top today at Family Dollar in Connecticut that was on clearance plus an additional 50% off. Paid $2.25 for it and will wear it. Don't absolutely love it but it works for me. I do often wonder though if our facility will turn to specific colors/styles. THAT will be a bummer!!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Closed for review.