Nursing workwear is designed to keep nurses safe while on shift, so any tunic needs to be reliable and with the correct features. Nursing tunics come in many different styles, with some being one solid colour all over and others having different coloured cuffs and sleeves.
Here are the top five most important features to look out for in any nursing uniform:
Story Stages
The nursing tunic is the correct quality
A nursing tunic is designed to be a protective barrier between the wearer and any infectious substances. It helps prevent the spread of infection from patient to clinician and then from clinician to further patients. Therefore the tunics need to be durable and made with high-quality material to ensure they can do what they’re designed to.
When purchasing a tunic, clinicians should buy from reputable suppliers who have a history of making good quality clothing. Alexandra is one such manufacturer: it’s a company that supplies uniforms to the NHS and have received a Royal Warrant to trade due to their high-quality garments.
The uniforms are comfortable
An uncomfortable uniform can make shifts unbearable and cause mistakes to be made. Therefore a tunic that clinicians are comfortable in is paramount. Nurses should look for tunics that keep them cool with side vents and breathable material, allowing freedom of movement with spacious designs.
The tunic is washable
Nursing tunics often end the day soiled with body fluids and potentially infectious substances. To ensure they are fit to be worn again, they must be industrially laundered to at least 60ºC in-line with infection prevention and control guidelines. Any tunic a nurse opts for must be made with material that can repeatedly withstand harsh washing conditions, so look for materials mixed with polyester to aid durability.
You can pocket your accessories
Clinicians often need to keep their most-used tools close to hand, which can be frustrating if their tunic doesn’t have pockets. Nurses should choose tunics with chest and hip pockets – ideal for keeping fob watches, pens and notepads close to hand. They should also select trousers with pockets for extra space.
The uniform is the right design
Every healthcare workplace has its uniform guidelines, so an essential feature is to make sure clothing fits what’s permitted. For example, nursing tunics are available in many colours and styles – including Mandarin and Rever collar – and no two are the same. Modern healthcare businesses often use colour, trim and style differences to denote different roles, so clinicians should make sure they wear the correct one.
Healthcare tunics are designed to keep people safe, comfortable and make sure they’re identifiable while making their job easier. By considering the above five features when selecting a nursing tunic, any nurse will be sure to find a suitable garment for their role.
