Just told can't wear scrubs to work. Any suggestions?

Published

At a meeting yesterday, nurses at my small, stand-alone inpatient psych hospital were told we are not allowed to wear scrubs to work. Admittedly, I'm one of the few who actually does wear scrubs, but I find the pockets very helpful for all the supplies I need to carry around (BGM equipment, penlight, pens, scissors-I have a zippered pocket for these.) Also, in the past two weeks, I've: sat on the floor holding the hand of a patient having a seizure; gotten into odd positions several times to give PRNs to patients in holds, knelt beside a patient in code blue and cleaned up and after a patient who had lost control of both bowels and bladder. Don't know how I'll do all of that wearing business casual. I completely understand the logic behind "normalizing" the milieu, but the practical reality is that nursing isn't a "normal" job. Any suggestions for clothing that will fit the business cas requirement while also allowing me to do my job? I should add that we don't have gowns anywhere in the hospital.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would say overalls with all the useful pockets they have, but the metal clasps could be too risky if one got lose and was swinging around in a turbulent moment with a patient. But look into carpenter pants or mechanic attire; both would have lots of pockets.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks! On another post, there was a suggestion for a website called 5.11 Tactical. It's actually intended for gun enthusiasts, but the pants have a lot of pockets, stretch, and maybe could pass as business casual. I think carpenter pants and mechanic pants would be considered leisure casual. The irony is that so many of the employees dress inappropriately, I really thought they were going to go the other way and require everyone to wear scrubs.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

My work "uniform" consists of pants with pockets I can move in (either nice scrub pants or chinos slacks in neutral shades) a long-sleeve top (long cut and roomy for extra coverage and freedom of movement) and a vest or cardigan if it is cold (or if I need more pockets).

It isn't true business casual like I would have worn in my former profession, but seems to work as "business casual for psych unit" and by having a dedicated set of clothing for work so I don't have to think about my outfit being appropriate for work, don't have to worry if it gets ruined, and my actual business casual clothing stays nice.

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Just now, verene said:

My work "uniform" consists of pants with pockets I can move in (either nice scrub pants or chinos slacks in neutral shades) a long-sleeve top (long cut and roomy for extra coverage and freedom of movement) and a vest or cardigan if it is cold (or if I need more pockets).

It isn't true business casual like I would have worn in my former profession, but seems to work as "business casual for psych unit" and by having a dedicated set of clothing for work so I don't have to think about my outfit being appropriate for work, don't have to worry if it gets ruined, and my actual business casual clothing stays nice.

Yeah, I actually have a lot of nice clothes that I'd love to be able to wear, but I don't want to ruin them. Think I'll have to invest in a few things as you describe above.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psychiatry, Forensics, Addictions.

At every psych unit I have worked, we have never been allowed to wear scrubs because we shouldn't look "too clinical." At my current facility, I am able to wear jeans and a t-shirt daily. Very comfortable and easy to move in.

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, TNCC.

Get a nursing fanny pack

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, LTC.

I wear black or khaki scrub pants with a sweater.  You can't tell they are scrubs then.  I get them from purple yoga.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in retired LTC.

Whatever you buy, if they're dedicated as 'work clothes', you may be able to declare them as deductions for your yearly taxes. Check with your tax prof or accountant.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych.

I wear cargo pants, they have the right amount of pockets I need.  I'm always on the lookout for thin, flexible pants as I don't like to be weighted down.  Some cargos are just too thick and heavy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psychiatric, in school for PMHNP..
On 2/7/2019 at 9:17 AM, dbabz said:

Thanks! On another post, there was a suggestion for a website called 5.11 Tactical. It's actually intended for gun enthusiasts, but the pants have a lot of pockets, stretch, and maybe could pass as business casual. I think carpenter pants and mechanic pants would be considered leisure casual. The irony is that so many of the employees dress inappropriately, I really thought they were going to go the other way and require everyone to wear scrubs.

I think there are some pretty good looking scrub pants that have pretty big pockets But they look like business casual.  And people most likely would not realize they were scrub pants.  And then there are cotton tops or tunics with pockets that look like business casual. I understand exactly what you’re saying about when you go away from scrubs people dress inappropriately.  I can wear scrubs or business casual, and I always choose scrubs. But we have females wearing tight, low-cut tops that show cleavage, high heel shoes that they couldn’t run in if they had to, tank tops, midriff shirts showing belly buttons, etc. Scrubs are so much more professional!  Especially on a psych unit.  And a shout out to men, who always dress appropriately, at least in our facility!  

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment