New CNA (what attire and accessories should I buy?)

loveoutloud · Nov 22, 2011

scrubs

get shoes that are wipeable (lol) incase you dump some lovely stuff on them

Get a pin watch rather that a wristwatch so you don't need to worry about it when you wash your hands

yousoldtheworld · Nov 22, 2011

Don't buy scrubs until you learn your dress code. Some places are very strict, and a common color may not be good enough.

Don't buy shoes until you learn what shoes are allowed and not allowed. Don't waste your money on a stethoscope, you probably won't need it much (most places provide vitals equipment if the aides are to do the vitals), and if you do, the one you have will suffice.

Basically, don't buy ANYTHING until you find out what you need. Every facility is different, and unless you have unlimited funds, you won't want to waste money on things you don't need or can't use!

yousoldtheworld · Nov 22, 2011

If you're really excited and want to buy SOMETHING, you can't go wrong with pens and hand sanitizer and lotion...but hold off on the specific stuff! If you really need to know right now, call HR and ask about dress code.

jjic3982 · Nov 22, 2011

Loveoutloud, thanks for the pin watch advice! I didn't know they had such things and boy I'm going to love washing my hands without the watch.

Yousoldtheworld, thanks as always for contributing. I will wait until my next call (from HR), and ask. Your right, I should wait (I got a little too excited!) since I really don't want to be spending time returning things back.

I did get the shoes though yesterday (hope they aren't too strict on them!) Nice and waterproof like you said loveoutloud

Would you and anyone else have a great place to buy scrubs (not online)? I hear Costco had some, I'll have to check on that.

yousoldtheworld · Nov 22, 2011

Yousoldtheworld, thanks as always for contributing. I will wait until my next call (from HR), and ask. Your right, I should wait (I got a little too excited!) since I really don't want to be spending time returning things back.
I did get the shoes though yesterday (hope they aren't too strict on them!) Nice and waterproof like you said loveoutloud
Would you and anyone else have a great place to buy scrubs (not online)? I hear Costco had some, I'll have to check on that.

Haha, oh I know how you feel - when I got my first CNA job, I went and bought 4 or 5 scrub sets...and then learned that I had to wear royal blue pants and tops that coordinated with them, and everything I'd bought had to go into storage. So, I definitely learned the hard way! But even now, every time I get a new job, I appease my excitement by buying a ton of clicky top pens. I'm a pen fiend!

As for buying scrubs, Walmart actually has some decent ones. The selection isn't huge, but it changes seasonally, and they're affordable - around here, they have tops and pants for 10-15 normally, and usually some cheaper ones on sale or clearance. There's a store that is sort of a farm/home store called Big R that has a TON of scrubs, too...but I know the stores aren't located everywhere.

We also have some shoe stores that sell scrubs. I have found that actual uniform shops tend to be more expensive. The cheapest routes for me have been online and Walmart. :)

jjic3982 · Nov 22, 2011

Hi Yousoldtheworld,

Thanks for the reply again. I am also a pen fiend, I buy those packs with 8 at the dollar tree xD.

As for the scrubs, Walmart it is! Now I just have to wait for that phone call so I can ask if they have a dress code xp. I'll see if there is a Big R around my area.

Poi Dog · Nov 22, 2011

Congratulations on landing a job.

jjic3982 · Nov 22, 2011

Thank you Poi Dog.

Btw your avatar is so cute.

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Nov 22, 2011

They have super cheap scrubs at Family Dollar. The pants are pretty dorky but some of the tops have a nice print... the only problem is that they're really big. The XS is not that much smaller than the XL. If you're not a runt like me it might be an option. I bought one there that had a beautiful print but it's like down to my knees and I look like a floating pair of boobs. But another woman has the same one and she's tall and skinny so it looks fine.

jjic3982 · Nov 22, 2011

I've been to Goodwill and some stores like Family Dollar around my area. Unfortunately, I have to try at another time since they ran out of scrubs!

tothepointeLVN, LVN · Nov 23, 2011

I love Walmart's scrub pants. Now I just wear those and pair them with my more pricey scrub tops from Koi. A good way to stretch your scrub $