In the nursing world, a large percentage of the trust and respect your patients will show you is based on the image you convey. Although nurses are very knowledgeable, many patients view them as merely assistants to the doctor. If you don’t look professional and capable, the patient will make it very hard for you to do your job. Wearing neat, clean, and professional medical scrubs goes a long way in helping you exude an air of efficiency.
For pregnant nurses, looking professional is even harder. Until a mere few years ago, maternity scrubs were not in existence. Nurses were forced to wear scrubs that were too big on them. In recent years, there have been great advances in the nursing scrubs industry to accommodate pregnant nurses. It is now easier to find well-fitting scrubs. Although during your pregnancy you may come home exhausted and aching, it is important to pay attention to your nursing uniforms, because it may even make your job easier.
When shopping for maternity scrubs, view them as if they were regular maternity clothes. In the beginning, regular scrub pants that have drawstring and elastic waists will work fine. Don’t wear maternity scrubs too early, because if you want them to fit all the way through your pregnancy you have to buy bigger, and early on in your pregnancy they will be too big.
Cherokee Maternity Scrubs
Once you’re up to the point where you need maternity scrubs, look for something with a back tie or drawstring that won’t look bad in the beginning, but will last through the end. The pants are made with comfortable stretchy waists that look good beneath scrub tops, and are very flexible. When your body is growing, you don’t want to draw attention to it. Go for darker colors that will camouflage, rather than bright colors that will emphasize your bulk. Investing in maternity scrubs is a not a waste, because even if you don’t plan on having more children, these are the scrubs that you will be wearing day in and day out, all through your pregnancy.
If you are worried about working during your pregnancy, discuss it with your coworkers. In most offices, the nurses become like family, and they will understand your situation. They will try to help you with hard physical labor, such as lifting and moving things, and they may help you by keeping you away from the very sick patients. Many medical offices and institutions have policies that are very accommodating toward pregnancy and maternity leave, offering extended leave and disability.
In all ways, the medical community has become much more understanding toward pregnant nurses in the last few years. This applies to everything from maternity scrubs, to policies concerning disability.