MP-My Daily Thread Blog

I talk a lot about fashion trends in the nursing world – what to wear, what not to wear, and how to find apparel that works for you.

I’d like to take some time this week to talk about uniform consistency in the medical industry, and where the future of scrub uniforms is headed.

As many of you know, there is a movement going on in the medical field that’s headed towards requiring medical staff to wear the same color solid scrubs. I won’t lie, for fashionistas, dress codes can be a very scary thing. But before anyone goes into a depression over losing the option to wear their favorite hues or prints, there are some things to consider.

• A consistent look across the board gives an entirely different look and feel to a facility. Visually, having all staff wear the same uniforms presents a united front. Some people say that consistent uniforms even boost employee performance and morale. Who knew there was so much to gain from a wardrobe change?

• A consistent look also serves to make all medical staff easily identifiable. If all the nurses are wearing green, they can be easily spotted by patients and other staff members. In a large hospital, designating certain colors to certain departments can also help distinguish who’s who in a setting where letting anyone wear whatever scrubs they want could result in a lot of confusion.

• If you’re going to be required to wear a specific color, you might as well go all in. Having the entire staff outfitted by one brand and one brand only will eliminate the inconsistency of different hues. As I’m sure you’re well aware, not all colors are created equal. Colors and durability vary greatly from brand to brand, so it’s better to have everyone wearing the same uniforms that will wash and wear the same.

• You’ll never have to worry about what to wear! You might feel a loss of individuality at first, but perhaps the time you’ll save deciding what to wear and shopping for new scrubs will eventually make up for it. Sometimes easier is just better.

What do you think about uniform consistency? Do you have to adhere to a certain dress code? What has your experience been? How does this movement towards uniform scrubs affect you, and how do you see it affecting the medical industry as a whole? Discuss all of this and more on our Facebook page!

About the Author, Lauren Pepperny

Lauren Pepperny is an account manager at MP Nursing. Since 2009, Lauren has been working with medical professionals on an everyday basis, selling products to medical offices and hospitals. A self-described fashionista, she is accustomed to putting together outfits based on different needs – shoes, stethoscopes, and accessories included. If your wardrobe could use a boost, make sure to visit MP Nursing Apparel to see all of the latest fashions in nursing scrubs. You can also connect with Lauren and the MP Nursing team on Facebook and Twitter.

I was watching TV a few weeks ago and saw this promo for Grey’s Anatomy.

Can you say drama? It got me thinking about how jobs in the medical field are portrayed on television these days. I mean think about it, in the past decade there has been an explosion of medical dramas put on the air – Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, House, Nurse Jackie, Hawthorne, Mercy, Scrubs, ER … – the list goes on and on! Are any of these shows an accurate portrayal of what life is really like for medical staff?

Check out these 3 scenarios below and tell us what you think. Are they real or ridiculous?

Ignoring the Man in Charge

In this scene from Scrubs, Carla goes to bat for a comatose patient despite the chief’s objections to her request to carry out his last wishes. Have you ever challenged management when it comes to what you believe is best for your patient? Does Carla’s determination ring true with you?

A Hostile Work Environment

In this clip from Showtime’s Nurse Jackie, Jackie and the rest of her co-workers have some tension filled interactions. In addition, one of the nurses is shown stashing supplies that she’s stolen from one of the departments. What do you think? Has there ever been a time when you’ve witnessed this kind of behavior among medical staff? Do some nurses openly show their dislike for others even though they’re on the job?

Pretty People

Do any of you work with people who look like this?

If any of you sometimes mistake your place of employment for a modeling agency, please share with the rest of us! If not, welcome to reality!

What do you think of these portrayals? Is there a particular medical TV show that you love/hate? Why? How do these fictional portrayals affect you as a real person in this industry? Share your opinions on all of these questions and more on our Facebook page!

About the Author, Lauren Pepperny

Lauren Pepperny is an account manager at MP Nursing. Since 2009, Lauren has been working with medical professionals on an everyday basis, selling products to medical offices and hospitals. A self-described fashionista, she is accustomed to putting together outfits based on different needs – shoes, stethoscopes, and accessories included. If your wardrobe could use a boost, make sure to visit MP Nursing Apparel to see all of the latest fashions in nursing scrubs. You can also connect with Lauren and the MP Nursing team on Facebook and Twitter.

I was doing some scrub research last week and stumbled upon this recent study conducted by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). In short, the study concluded that more than 60% of uniforms worn by nurses and doctors who work in hospitals tested positive for dangerous bacteria.

Wait, it gets even more horrifying! A study published in 2010, indicated that, when washed at home, surgical scrubs worn by medical staff have as much contamination when clean as hospital scrubs and single use scrubs after one day’s use.

To combat my utter disgust and to help all of us live cleaner and healthier lives, I’ve got some sanitation strategies that will hopefully keep all of those nasty germs away.

1. Seal It

If what that study indicated was indeed true, I don’t even want to think about what kinds of germs might be lurking on the seat of nurses’ cars or coats should someone dare to venture in their scrubs after a day at work. To avoid spreading your scrub germs, keep large sealable bags at work so that you can safely transport and store your scrubs until they can be cleaned.

2. Consider Your Options

If you don’t have a laundry service at work, consider the other laundering options that are available to you. Keep in mind that scrubs being worn in a hospital setting are going to come into contact with a lot more germs than scrubs that are worn in an office setting. Whether it’s taking the time and money to get your scrubs professionally cleaned or running the hot water, be sure to go the extra mile when it comes to making sure your scrubs are fresh and clean.

3. No Repeats

Don’t even think about trying to pull off wearing your scrubs twice in one wash. They don’t have to look dirty to be dirty. Trust me. Wash them after every wear!

Now that I’ve shared my tips, what are some of your sanitizing strategies? Share them and more on our Facebook page!

About the Author, Lauren Pepperny

Lauren Pepperny is an account manager at MP Nursing. Since 2009, Lauren has been working with medical professionals on an everyday basis, selling products to medical offices and hospitals. A self-described fashionista, she is accustomed to putting together outfits based on different needs – shoes, stethoscopes, and accessories included. If your wardrobe could use a boost, make sure to visit MP Nursing Apparel to see all of the latest fashions in nursing scrubs. You can also connect with Lauren and the MP Nursing team on Facebook and Twitter.

As a self-proclaimed fashionista, I always like to keep an eye out for the latest celebrity trends and see how I can incorporate them into my everyday look – including my scrubs. As I always say, you don’t have to surrender your sense of style just because you have to wear a uniform to work. Check out these 3 celeb inspired looks that are all available through the MP Nursing Apparel website!

Look 1: The Slimming Silhouette

Kate Winslet made a splash in the fashion world when she wore the stunning Stella McCartney dress last fall, and now you can ride the wave with this Flexibles V-Neck Top. The black side panels create a slimming effect, drawing the eye inward and upward. Offered in a variety of colors, this top will make any woman look red carpet ready!

Look 2: Going Geo

One thing that I’ve always loved about fashion is that you can find inspiration anywhere. When I saw Gabrielle Union wearing these Burak Uyan Geometric Sandals, I knew I had to have these. Of course, when I realized they were WAY out of my price range (retail is $1,161), I realized I would have to compromise. I was thrilled to find this V-Neck Top in Geo Logic. It has the same colors and bold lines as the sandals! How’s that for turning shoe lust into scrub love?

Look 3: Feminine Florals

Floral prints are huge this season, but it definitely takes a little fashion knowhow to pull them off. Michelle Williams of My Week with Marilyn fame looks flawless in this green and white floral dress. This V-Neck Top in Floral Pix is a great find, incorporating the same hues in a beautiful print that’s perfect for spring.

Where do you find your wardrobe inspiration? Be sure to let us know about all your fashion finds and more on our Facebook page.

 

About the Author, Lauren Pepperny

Lauren Pepperny is an account manager at MP Nursing. Since 2009, Lauren has been working with medical professionals on an everyday basis, selling products to medical offices and hospitals. A self-described fashionista, she is accustomed to putting together outfits based on different needs – shoes, stethoscopes, and accessories included. If your wardrobe could use a boost, make sure to visit MP Nursing Apparel to see all of the latest fashions in nursing scrubs. You can also connect with Lauren and the MP Nursing team on Facebook and Twitter.

Are you getting tired of wearing the same scrubs day after day? Sure, you might change up the silhouette or the color every once in a while, but sometimes that’s just not enough. That’s why this week I want to show you a line of scrubs that are conceptually outside of the box yet still in style. I’m talking about Ecko scrubs from American fashion designer Marc Ecko.

True to Marc’s signature street style, these scrubs feature bright colors and screen-print graphics that are sure to set you apart from the crowd. Offered in a variety of styles and prints, Ecko scrubs are an instant solution to any case of the wardrobe woes.

One of my favorite looks from the women’s Ecko Red scrub line is the Rachelle scrub top.

The bright graphic print pops with the bright hues of pink and purple that are right on trend for spring! Oh, did you check out the details? It’s not every day that you find a scrub top that’s offered in a split v-neck bound with a contrast ribbon trim. Love it!

For the men, I love the Mercer scrub top from the Ecko Unlimited line. It’s offered in 5 different shades, and … wait for it … it’s reversible! That’s right! All you have to do is flip these scrubs inside out to go from the minimal workstyle option to the graphic freestyle print. There’s nothing like getting two looks for the price of one!

The whole point of this line is to keep things fashionable yet interesting, so you really can’t go wrong. Check out Marc’s personal statement about his scrub line below, and be sure to stop by the MP Nursing Apparel store to pick up your favorite Ecko scrubs today!

A lot of uniforms you see out there are restricting, confining, clinical. And the worst crime of all, boring. That’s not my style. And it’s not the kind of stuff you’ll see in my collections. Ever. With Ecko Unltd. and Ecko Red scrubs, it’s not about conformity or just blending in with hospital walls. It’s about breaking rules, setting your personality free, having fun and, of course, looking great.

Hope you like the scrubs.
Peace,
Marc Ecko

 

About the Author, Lauren Pepperny

Lauren Pepperny is an account manager at MP Nursing. Since 2009, Lauren has been working with medical professionals on an everyday basis, selling products to medical offices and hospitals. A self-described fashionista, she is accustomed to putting together outfits based on different needs – shoes, stethoscopes, and accessories included. If your wardrobe could use a boost, make sure to visit MP Nursing Apparel to see all of the latest fashions in nursing scrubs. You can also connect with Lauren and the MP Nursing team on Facebook and Twitter.

A while back, one of our Facebook fans asked if MP Nursing could do a weekly topic on why tattoos and piercings are frowned upon in the medical field. Message received, and request granted!

I think it’s a great topic, especially in a day and culture where tattoos and piercings are part of the mainstream. Just think about how many people you know who have them. But what place do tattoos and piercings have in nursing? Do they have any place at all?

We’ve heard what some of our subscribers have to say about it, but now it’s your turn. Take a look at both sides of these 3 tattoo and piercing arguments regarding their place in nursing, and then tell us where you stand by sounding off on our Facebook page!

Professionalism

AGAINST: Tattoos and piercings don’t look professional.

FOR: What’s professional? If someone comes to work and does their job well, does having tattoos and\or piercings really affect how they should be viewed as professionals?

Nurse/Patient Relationship

AGAINST: Patients feel uncomfortable and may even feel threatened when they have someone taking care of them that has tattoos and piercings.

FOR: It’s your personality not your physicality that should be the foundation for building a trusting relationship between a nurse and a patient.

Health Risks

AGAINST: Piercings and new tattoos put nurses at risk for infection.

FOR: Nurses are well aware of the health risks they encounter every day working in an office or hospital full of germs. In the end, it’s a choice that nurses should be able to make for themselves, not forced upon them.

Where do you stand on this topic? How many of you have tattoos or piercings? Please share your views and your stories by visiting our Facebook page and posting your thoughts!

And a big thanks to Heather Chatenka for inspiring this week’s post! If anyone has topics that you would like MP Nursing to cover, please feel free to post your suggestions on our Facebook page as well.

About the Author, Lauren Pepperny

Lauren Pepperny is an account manager at MP Nursing. Since 2009, Lauren has been working with medical professionals on an everyday basis, selling products to medical offices and hospitals. A self-described fashionista, she is accustomed to putting together outfits based on different needs – shoes, stethoscopes, and accessories included. If your wardrobe could use a boost, make sure to visit MP Nursing Apparel to see all of the latest fashions in nursing scrubs. You can also connect with Lauren and the MP Nursing team on Facebook and Twitter.

1. Sanita clogs are the original Danish Clog.

Sometimes nothing is better than the original, and that’s definitely the case with Sanita Clogs. Originating in 1907, Sanita clogs have been around for a long time, being crafted with the same quality design and craftsmanship that began a brand that has been around for over a century.

2. Sanita still manufactures in the land that inspired the brand.

Sanita clogs are still manufactured in Europe. Instead of outsourcing to save money, Sanita still manufactures over 1 million pairs of clogs in factories in Denmark and Poland, remaining faithful to its Danish heritage.

3. It all started with … a bicycle?

That’s right. Christen Anderson, founder of Sanita Clogs, started distributing his groundbreaking product in none other than the basket of his bicycle!

4. It all starts with a sketch.

The many different styles, colors, and fabrics that Sanita clogs are offered in all starts with a hand drawn sketch before the shoes get approved for production. How’s that for old school?

5. Celebrities love Sanita!

Check out Debra Messing of NBC’s Smash rocking the black on black look with a relaxed fit Maxi dress paired with black Sanita clogs.

6. Sanita’s inner frame design gives you comfort all day long.

All Sanita clogs are handcrafted, including the inner shoe frame that’s specifically designed to reduce stress on your lower back and legs by transferring motion from your heel to your toe as you walk.

7. Check out clog care for all of your Sanita clog cleaning needs.

If your shoes could use a good cleaning but you’re not sure what to use, check out Sanita Online Clog Care Guide. It will show you how to care for your clogs no matter what they’re made of to ensure your clogs look as good as new!

8. Sanita’s Workwear line is APMA and ASTM approved.

If you’re looking for comfortable shoes to wear to work, Sanita’s Workwear clogs are a must. This line was specifically developed to meet the safety standards for special industries, like nursing, and delivers the comfort and support necessary for professionals who are on their feet all day. Selected styles are proudly approved by the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) and ASTM (American Society for Testing of Materials).

If you are looking to try on a pair of Sanita Clogs, come visit MP Nursing – we carry a variety of styles and sizes!

About the Author, Lauren Pepperny

Lauren Pepperny is an account manager at MP Nursing. Since 2009, Lauren has been working with medical professionals on an everyday basis, selling products to medical offices and hospitals. A self-described fashionista, she is accustomed to putting together outfits based on different needs – shoes, stethoscopes, and accessories included. If your wardrobe could use a boost, make sure to visit MP Nursing Apparel to see all of the latest fashions in nursing scrubs. You can also connect with Lauren and the MP Nursing team on Facebook and Twitter.

There’s been a lot of recent talk about the secrets that nurses keep. As the supposed story goes, nurses are the healthcare professionals who really know what’s going on at the office or the hospital. They’re the ones who actually spend time caring for their patients on a daily basis, as opposed to doctors who have a very limited amount of interaction with patients between procedures. At the same time, they also interact with the doctors and base their care off of their diagnoses. As a result, nurses know a lot of information about everyone in the workplace, information that only nurses are privy to and it all, allegedly, gets locked away in a place that is called The Secret World of Nurses.

What are some of the things that you wish you could share but won’t? Read on for some different statements from nurses that you can consider and then sound off on our Facebook page to let us know what you think!

Nurse 1: “When I know my patient is seeing a doctor that’s not the best in his/her field I always try to drop subtle reminders that a patient is always entitled to a second opinion.”

Nurse 2: “I show favoritism towards patients who are considerate and appreciative of me.”

Nurse 3: “The office would be in complete chaos if it weren’t for nurses like me. I’m constantly catching and fixing the physician’s mistakes.”

Nurse 4: “Patients sometimes feel free to tell me anything and everything because of patient confidentiality, but if they say anything that’s completely hysterical or extremely absurd, you can bet I’m sharing it with the staff.”

Nurse 5: “Sometimes I have to lie to my patients. When it comes to things like procedures and test results, I have to leave that to the patient’s physician, even if it means telling someone that I don’t know about their results when I do or acting optimistic when I already know things look really bad.”

So what do you think? Does any of this sound familiar to you? Do you think any of these scenarios are common for most nurses or are they just isolated incidents? How do you feel about keeping secrets from patients? What should people know about the health care system that many people don’t realize? Discuss all of this and more on our Facebook page.

About the Author, Lauren Pepperny

Lauren Pepperny is an account manager at MP Nursing. Since 2009, Lauren has been working with medical professionals on an everyday basis, selling products to medical offices and hospitals. A self-described fashionista, she is accustomed to putting together outfits based on different needs – shoes, stethoscopes, and accessories included. If your wardrobe could use a boost, make sure to visit MP Nursing Apparel to see all of the latest fashions in nursing scrubs. You can also connect with Lauren and the MP Nursing team on Facebook and Twitter.

You’ve dreaded it. You’ve had nightmares about it. You tried to avoid it at all cost, but, alas, you’re set to work the night shift.

Staying up all night is a daunting task in and of itself, but staying up all night and being able to fully function – that just sounds plain cruel – but it really isn’t that bad as long as you’re prepared for it. So if you find yourself struggling to make it through the night, follow these simple strategies to keep you up after the sun goes down.

Get Enough Sleep

We might as well start off with the obvious. Getting enough sleep is important no matter what shift you’re working, but it’s an absolute must for the night shift. You should be getting at least 6 hours of solid sleep, which isn’t an easy task when you’re trying to dose off while everyone else is just starting their day. Invest in some good window shades to keep the light out, and if you struggle to fall asleep with or without sound, buy some ear plugs or a sound machine. Do whatever you need to do to do to secure your slumber.

Make Healthy Choices

When you’re sleeping during the day and working at night it can be hard to find the motivation to stay healthy, but the results are worth the effort. Eating healthy balanced meals will give you the energy you need to make it through the night, so eat plenty of fruits and veggies! In addition, exercise will help relieve stress and keep your body alert. One of the perks about working the night shift is that you go to the gym when it’s less crowded, so get up and get going!

Prepare Ahead

Staying ahead of the game is crucial to surviving the night shift. Simple things like making sure your pantry and gas tank are full will help keep you on schedule. It’s a lot easier and less stressful when you have a game plan, especially if you’re working on a schedule that is the opposite of other people in your household.

Find Time

Just because you’re working the night shift doesn’t mean your social life should go out the window. Make sure that you still make time for the people and places you love. Being engaged in your life outside of work will make it easier to be engaged when you’re at work.

About the Author, Lauren Pepperny

Lauren Pepperny is an account manager at MP Nursing. Since 2009,
Lauren has been working with medical professionals on an everyday basis,
selling products to medical offices and hospitals. A self-described
fashionista, she is accustomed to putting together outfits based on
different needs – shoes, stethoscopes, and accessories included. If your
wardrobe could use a boost, make sure to visit MP Nursing Apparel to see all of the latest fashions in nursing scrubs. You can also connect with Lauren and the MP Nursing team on Facebook and Twitter.

Spring is officially in the air! Here are 7 tips to get you in gear!

1. Exercise

Spring is almost here, and that means only one thing. It’s almost summer time! If you’ve let your exercise routine fall to the wayside over the winter, it’s time to kick it into high gear. Spring is a great time to get out and take a bike ride or a long walk through the park.

2. Hydrate

Drink your H20! It’s extremely important to be hydrated, especially during this time of year when you’re likely to start being more active.

3. Exfoliate

The cold winter air can do a lot of damage to your skin. If you’re looking more reptile than human, be sure to exfoliate in order to get your skin ready for spring!

4. Protect

SPF protection is a MUST. You should be wearing SPF all year round, but if you don’t it’s definitely a must for spring. The sun can do a lot of damage to your skin, including expediting the aging process, so invest in a good SPF moisturizer than you can dab on before you head outside.

5. Indulge

Have you taken a good look at your hands and feet lately? If they’re looking a bit worn out from winter, do yourself a favor and treat yourself at the spa. After all, you can’t keep those hats and gloves on forever!

6. Organize

It’s spring cleaning time! I’m sure that many of you were the lucky recipients of many great (and a few not so great) gifts during the holiday season, so this spring take the time to go through all of your stuff and decide what’s going to stay and what has to go. If you’re having trouble deciding where to start, visit home expert Peter Walsh’s website for tips on how to get organized.

7. Rest

Just because the days are starting to get nicer and longer doesn’t mean you need any less rest. Getting enough relaxation time is important for your health and well being, so leave yourself time for downtime.

About the Author, Lauren Pepperny
Lauren Pepperny is an account manager at MP Nursing. Since 2009,
Lauren has been working with medical professionals on an everyday basis,
selling products to medical offices and hospitals. A self-described
fashionista, she is accustomed to putting together outfits based on
different needs – shoes, stethoscopes, and accessories included. If your
wardrobe could use a boost, make sure to visit MP Nursing Apparel to see all of the latest fashions in nursing scrubs. You can also connect with Lauren and the MP Nursing team on Facebook and Twitter.