12 Tips for Wellness: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals

Part 1: Wellness Starts with What You Wear and Carry

1. Compression Socks: Improve Circulation

If you want to ensure you've got plenty of energy remaining at the end of your shift, you'd better take care of your feet and legs. Start your base layer with a high-quality compression sock. Available in fun colors and prints, these undergarments do more than look pretty. They improve circulation, reduce swelling, and prevent varicose veins. As a bonus, you get to enjoy the satisfying feeling that rushes over your legs as you pull them off at the night's end! The most important thing to remember? Wear them BEFORE you need them. Even if you've never experienced swelling or varicose veins, wearing compression socks is essential.

If you're prone to swelling in your feet and ankles, remember to pair your compression socks with some gentle stretching throughout your shift.

2. Comfortable Footwear: Support Your Steps

Speaking of caring for your feet, a comfortable pair of shoes is an absolute must for every healthcare provider. Wearing the wrong shoes can leave your feet in pain, cause you to fatigue more quickly, and lead to food injuries such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, blisters, calluses, ankle sprains, and stress fractures. Avoid the fatigue and injuries of poorly fitting shoes by investing in high-quality workwear.

Whether you love a fabulous clog or are a die-hard sneaker wearer, you'll find a supportive and comfortable style at Scrub Pro Uniforms.

Check out some of our favorites:

3. Layer Up for Comfort

Are you the nurse always looking for a blanket to cover up with while you're charting, or are you always hot? Either way, layers are your friend! From freezing operating rooms to sweltering emergency departments, layers provide comfort and temperature regulation in all kinds of environments.

Start with an underlayer, like this long-sleeved t-shirt by Purple Label. Then, make sure your scrubs are made with materials that keep you comfortable in the environment you work in. Don't miss this awesome guide to layering scrubs, which will help you layer like a pro.

Finally, finish off your scrubs with a warm-up jacket. This extra layer easily goes on and off depending on your needs at the time, provides extra pockets, and is easily removed if soiled. Honestly, you should probably keep one in your locker, too, just in case!

4. Prioritize Clean and Durable Apparel

Before leaving home, always make sure you're dressed for success. In the healthcare world, this starts with clean, well-fitting, and breathable scrubs. Still, trying to figure out where to start? We've got you covered!

First, decide which scrub fabrics are best for your needs. We developed this handy guide that outlines the most common scrub fabrics and their beneficial properties. Choose from fabrics best for breathability, antistatic, durability, moisture-wicking, stretch, comfort, and movement, then select scrub brands that best suit your needs.

Next, choose scrubs that represent you. What colors are required on your unit? What prints do you enjoy? What style best suits your personality? Not sure where to start? Check out our Guide to Choosing the Right Workwear!

Once you've got your perfect scrubs, follow the manufacturer's instructions to keep them clean and long-lasting. It's also important to sanitize your scrubs regularly, even if you choose antibacterial fabrics. If you need help with this, head over to our Scrub Maintenance Instruction Manual for some tips and tricks.

5. Organize with Pockets and Accessories

Start each day off right by getting organized. Without the proper organization and tools, you'll fatigue more quickly and deal with higher stress levels than you would otherwise. So, take some time to consider the tools of your trade and what you need by your side. Always start with scrubs that provide ample pockets for what you need most, then consider adding a bag or compact carrying case to keep work necessities close by. Remember to load up on necessities such as scissors, a pulse oximeter, and a high-quality stethoscope so you'll never be caught without the basics within reach.

6. Keep Your Medical Bag Organized

Have we mentioned how important staying well-organized is? That's because it is the key to increasing efficiency and reducing stress during your shift. Nothing is worse than aimlessly searching for the right supplies when trying to help a patient. So, start your shift with a well-organized bag that holds your stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, pulse oximeter, thermometer, wound care supplies, gait belt, or other tools. If you can, stock up at the beginning of each shift to guarantee you'll never be caught short-handed.

Wondering what kind of bag is best? If you're working in Hospice or Home Health, check out our article on what it’s like to work as a Hospice nurse and find tons of incredible bag recommendations. If you are a floor nurse, a compact carrying case from Prestige is perfect because it fits in the pocket of your warm-up jacket or easily tucks behind your keyboard. Whether you choose a fanny pack, compact case, duffel, tote bag, or medical bag, select one that fits everything you need during your shift and won't get in the way as you work.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll explore six more tips focused on organization, maintenance, and personal health!

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