Last month I showcased bold, daring prints in my designer style to scrub style post. This month, I chose simple solids in flattering mock wrap styles. The mock wrap style is perfect for designer styles and scrub styles because it’s so versatile. Even without adding a print, this style top can take on a variety of looks.  Check out the designer styles and scrub styles below to see what I mean.

        Designer Style: PO Top          Scrub Style: Cherokee Scrubs Top
          
These two mock wrap tops utilize a rich color that’s perfect for fall- especially when you start to lose that summer tan! Even though both tops are very plain, the simple style works well with the deep color. And you’ll be happy to know that this affordable nursing scrubs top won’t break your bank, but unfortunately the designer style might.


        Designer Style: Aqua Top      Scrub Style: Koi Scrubs Top
          Koi Scrubs Top
Each of these black mock wrap tops add a touch of ruffle to the trim, which creates a nice balance with the dark color. The medical uniform top is also super lightweight so you can be stylish and comfortable.

   Designer Style: Jones New York Top     Scrub Style: Urbane Scrubs Top
          Urbane Scrubs Top
These tops have a totally different feel from the rest. They perfectly combine a fitted shape, adjustable waists and crisp collars for a classy, professional look.


So what are your thoughts on wrap tops? Have you found an awesome style that fits your figure best or do you prefer the more traditional medical uniform styles? Tell me what you think!


Depending on the day, I’ve been known to argue that sacrificing comfort for fashion is just necessary. I’ve worn completely inappropriate shoes for mile long walks, just because they were the perfect addition to my outfit, and this has been known to happen on more than one occasion. I’m not the only one who thinks this way, the proof is everywhere: women in dresses, mid-winter, waiting to get into night clubs; brides in elaborate wedding gowns that won’t even allow them to go to the bathroom without a three man (or woman) team; girls in high heels, taking on the descent of the four flights of stairs in their apartment building. Women everywhere are willing to give up comfort for a day of looking good. It’s not rational, but it happens, and somehow I understand.

Fortunately, there is one category of clothing, where I can honestly say that comfort never needs to be compromised for fashion. That category is, of course, medical uniforms. Any part of a medical uniform, whether it’s a lab coat, nursing scrubs or a pair of shoes, I will stand behind the statement that there are comfortable and fashionable options. And if you don’t believe me, here are a few of my favorites.



Left: L.A. Rose Keyhole Neck Scrub Top in Blueberry & Dickies Sandwashed Flare Pants in Cocoa 
Right: IguanaMed Short Sleeve Scrub Tee in Winter White & Urbane Essential Pant in Steel Grey


Left: Cherokee Flex-i-bles Callie Scrub Top & Cherokee Flex-i-bles Scrub Pants in Black
Right: Dickies Black Label Mock Wrap Scrub Top in Ceil Blue & Dickies Black Label Flat Front Flare Leg Scrub Pant in White



I personally went through all of our scrubs to find the ones that I thought had the most comfortable feel. Out of all of our scrubs the Dickies Black Label are definitely the most touchable. The Cherokee Flex-i-bles are unique because they have side insets that are stretchy and allow for easy movement. I hope you like my comfy scrub picks! And if there are any scrubs I didn't mention that you think deserve to be noticed for their high level of comfort combined with fashionable style, leave a comment and share your opinions!


If you haven’t already heard: the Lydia’s Win Your Wishlist Contest is back (I love being the bearer of good news)! Just in time for fall we’re giving you the chance to score $250 of stylish uniforms.  Entering is extremely simple. Whether you’re looking for men’s nursing scrubs, medical supplies or a new lab coat, just login to your Lydia’s Uniforms account, find your favorite items and add them to your wishlist. You have until August 31st to create your wishlist and I’ll be announcing the winner the following week.

                  Win Your Wishlist

To read all the official rules and details of the contest click here. And if you happen to know where I can score my own free work clothes just by browsing an online store, let me know!


For work, home or going out on the town, I love layers. I’m unsure as to whether this love of layers developed because I’m cold all the time (it seems my body is incapable of retaining heat) or it might just be part of my style. Most likely, it’s a combination of the two. Regardless of the reasons I love layers; it’s safe to say that at any given time, I’m wearing them (unless I’m shopping-trying on clothes is enough work as it is!).

So when it comes to scrub uniforms there are aLydia's Warm Ups few specific reasons why you can love layers.

1.) Warmth: Add a layer under or over your scrubs when you’re cold. Remove a layer from your medical uniform when you’re hot. You get the idea.
Left:Cardigan Scrub Jacket  Right:Nu Dimension Stretch Tailored Scrub Jacket 

2.) Style: When you can’t accessorize layers are the perfect way to add color and contrast to a look. Make your plain blue uniform scrubs pop with a red long sleeve tee underneath. Add a short sleeve tee in a complementary color under your hospital scrubs for a hint of color that peeks out at the neckline. Or add a plain long sleeve tee under a bold print to balance out your look.

3.) Versatile: Mix and match your layers for different looks. Layer your designer medical scrubs one day, but not the next for even more looks. Layers are a cheap way to expand your wardrobe without spending a ton of money (that must be another reason I love them!).

4.) Simple: Not in the mood for matching? Some of our scrubs do the work for you. There are mock layer tops from Katherine Heigl that look like layers but are really only one top! Or there are tops from Koi that come in sets that include a long sleeve tee and a matching scrub top for the price of one!
Katherine Heigl Vancouver Collection
Sanctuary Mock Layered Scrub Top & Screen Print Mock Layered Scrub Top
Layered Scrub Tops by Koi
     Annie Combo Scrub Top  &   Harlow Scrub Top  

So whether you’re looking for the best way to stay warm while still being stylish (like me), or you need a few new pairs of affordable nursing scrubs to freshen up your wardrobe, layers might just be the way to go this fall.

And if you happen to be in Michigan, like all of us here at Lydia’s, the time to start shopping for those layers is now because fall is on its way!


I love reading, but I hate getting excited to read a new book and then discovering three pages into it that it's not at all what I expected (in a bad way). So that’s what’s great about today’s post; today my post features an excerpt from a book titled Hot Nursing Careers for the 21st Century by Micheline Birger. Not only does it give you a sneak peek into the book, but there’s also a Q&A that I did with the author and the chance to read the first 20 pages of the book online!

The book consists of 111 questions and answers about virtually everything to do with nursing. After reading the intro about the author and her 36 years of experience in the field, doing everything from pediatric neurology to insurance reviews, I was a bit intrigued.

So if you’re a nurse, you’re in nursing school or you’re thinking about doing either, there’s a chance you might want to read this. Here’s an excerpt from Hot Nursing Careers for the 21st Century:

6. Suppose I don’t want to work in a hospital, what other places can I work in as a nurse?
That depends on the individual nurse and what their specific qualifications are. For example, suppose a nurse has a background in sales. He/she could be hired to market pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. Usually the employers will put them through their own training program for the particular product that they are marketing/selling.

If the nurse has a background in the written word, they may be hired for medical editing or medical journalism. A nurse may have a computer background. They could be hired as consultants in planning medical information technology. A nurse may also work with lawyers or do chart reviews for insurance companies. Once again, usually this requires solid hospital experience.

Generally, if a new nurse wants to work in an alternative setting such as a clinic or doctor’s office, the one year of solid hospital experience generally applies. Again, this is a highly individual process. Each potential employer will evaluate the specific skills of the nurse.

8. What kind of money will I make as a nurse?
That’s a good question. It depends on location, location, location. Initially, in order to entice new graduates to hospitals, hospitals offer high starting salaries for new grads. If a nurse decides to stay in a particular facility then they would receive yearly increments or cost of living increases. Places like New York City and San Francisco pay nurses more but the cost of living is much higher than other areas of the USA.

Generally speaking (and this is subject to change in a heartbeat and a sneeze in health care), the Southern States pay less. The best way to find out is to look on the Internet and do a search under Career Builders or some other job search engine. But, no matter which way you cut, dice or splice it, you can make a living as a nurse. If you want to get rich as a nurse, write a best-selling book, win the lottery or have a relative who is a savvy investment whiz show you how to leverage your hard-earned money.

19. Suppose I don’t want to work nights and week-ends when I graduate. Will I be forced to do that once I am hired as a new graduate in a hospital?
Once again, that all depends on you and what you want to do once you graduate. In general, if the hospital needs a night nurse and you need the experience then one must do what one must do in order to get where one needs to go. Look at it as a win-win situation. You get a job, you get experience and the hospital gets a night-nurse. Usually there is no way around it unless you marry the Chairman of the Board or the Head of the Department.


As if answering 111 questions for her book wasn’t enough; I asked the author a few questions of my own.

What prompted you to write Hot Nursing Careers for the 21st Century?
What prompted me to write the book was nurses themselves. I had worked a lot of travel nursing assignments nationally and the nurses that I would come into contact with were looking for alternatives to the traditional hospital setting. They were experienced but weren't quite clear about what their next step would be. They were looking for ideas. A lot of them didn't want to get their Masters and teach, they weren't interested in administration. They knew that they wanted to continue in the field but were unsure about what was available.
 
Another thing that prompted me was people who thought about nursing but didn't know the questions to ask or how to get started. Face it, the average person thinking about the field of nursing thinks of the shows ER ,General Hospital or MASH! It is/was my intention to educate, enlighten and entertain people about learning more about the nursing profession. I used to think there has to be a book out about that kind of thing that wasn't overly academic and so dry that would put me to sleep. Then I thought, well then, I guess I have to write it. It was an organic process. It just kind of unfolded. As I kept asking questions, I kept getting answers. I wish when I started out in nursing 100 years ago that I had this book.
 
What is astonishing to me is, even nurses that have been nurses for years didn't know about some of the directions and other disciplines in nursing. It was news to them! That is why I included on the cover - A Practical Guide for New or Seasoned Nurses. I also think with the general state of the economy as it stands now; people are worried about their futures and their families. Face it, without the nurse in society, medicine could not function. That is why it is specialized knowledge. People want to enter into something that pays decently and is respected in society. Also I wrote the book to help demystify all the questions that people want to ask but didn't know how to ask them.
 
What is the single most valuable tool that you've found for acquiring a nursing job?
I do believe that the single most valuable tool is being positive. Smile a lot. Answer the questions that the interviewer poses to the best of your ability. Depending on what type of nursing job do your homework about the facility itself and how you would be an asset to the organization. Other than the standards of dressing nice and being polite, be approachable and likable. Be classy.
 
 
What do you think the outlook for the nursing industry is for the future? 
Nursing/health care is one of the big growth industries for the 21st Century. We live in a specialized society and so any special/technical education will always be an asset. I do strongly emphasize that a new RN gets experience. Experience is paramount! Ask questions....do your homework. There is no substitute for a firm foundation and knowledge base.
 
 
Out of all the jobs you've had in this industry which one did you enjoy the most and why? 
Interesting question, each job that I have had in the industry has always been a learning situation. When I first got out of school in the 70's I worked in Adult Neurology and Neuro- surgery. At that time I thought it was fascinating to see how the brain controlled the body. I gained valuable experience in addition to critical thinking skills.

But to answer your question, which job did I enjoy the most and why I would say that anything that involved teaching or directing groups. I worked in one of the premier psychiatric facilities and ran groups in a Day Hospital. I loved teaching my seminars on laughter and health when I was on the West Coast. I taught nurse's aides for their certification. In all that I always had stories to give the students because I had such an abundance of experience.
 
 
If you had to give one piece of advice to someone starting a nursing career what would it be? 
Make it a priority to have fun in your life. Don't forget to laugh. Don't throw other ambitions by the wayside. Keep a well-balanced life.  Strive for excellence. Also, remember that the people that you serve are just that - just people. Treat them with respect. Treat yourself with respect. Another thing to remember is customer service. Always have good customer service skills.

Also, keep expanding your horizons.  Once one has the firm foundation of the education one has a solid basis in life.
 
In the introduction to your book, you stated you only went to nursing school because your mother wanted you to.  After 36 years in the profession, are you glad you did that?
Yes, I do believe that the knowledge I have gained throughout the years has been invaluable. More importantly is the insight one develops working with people on such an intimate level. One sees people at their worst most times, and that is where you truly learn about life.

When I watch the TV journalists conduct interviews about anything to do with health care I laugh. It all sounds so Madison Ave. Real healing, the kind that transforms life is a personal journey of insight/acceptance and self-love. I'm not talking a narcissistic love but a true acceptance of ones failures. Failures as well as successes. And more importantly the ability to forgive oneself or others. One must learn to take personal responsibility for their health/life.

So, to answer your question, yes. In today's oversaturated conflicting information boom I am glad that I have the knowledge about health care and what I can do to keep myself sane and healthy on an ongoing basis


So if you would like to read more, the first 20 pages of this book are available here. These pages really give you an idea of whether or not you want to continue reading the book. They contain an introduction about the author, a list of all 111 questions included in the book, and the first 27 questions and answers.

  • Buy Book

If you have any other book recommendations for nurses or nurses to be, leave a comment and share your suggestions.


If you’re a big purse person (you know who you are) and you wear medical scrubs, this post is for you. This post is for anyone who has everything from band-aids to books in their purse, hair brushes to hair spray. This post is for all of you who are consistently prepared, ready for anything and have the supplies to prove it. 

These pants are the perfect example of how function and fashion combine in medical uniforms. They offer a little bit of extra room in your medical uniform that other pants don’t. I know it’s not the equivalent of the storage space in your big purse, but you are at work, you don’t really need a book or hairspray in there.

Here’s a quick list of what makes these apparel scrubs unique.

The first and most obvious factor that differentiates these medical scrubs is the sling pocket. I like this because it reminds me of a more feminine version of the traditional cargo pocket (not that cargo pants can’t be feminine, see these cargo pants for a great example). What’s great about this pocket, besides its feminine appeal, is that it’s detachable. Wear it when you need it, remove it when you don’t.  Either way you’ll still be outfitted in a stylish medical uniform. When you are wearing it, there’s a button on the leg of the pants to secure it to. 

Second, the waist on these scrubs is extremely flattering. It’s has the appearance of a tailored look, but the barely there side zipper allows you to comfortably slip in and out of them, just like you would with any other apparel scrubs (another pair of scrubs with a similar waist is the Marissa Pant by Koi).

Third, the color options available are totally versatile. They’re all fairly neutral shades so you aren’t limited to what you can wear them with. You probably have designer nursing scrubs in your closet right now that would match a pair of these pants perfectly.

So if you’re a big purse person, you might want to consider trying out a pair of these Urbane pants. Select the most important items to get you through your workday, fill up your pockets and get your day started!

So what do you think about these scrubs? Is lots of pocket space important to you or could you get through your day with none? And do you like how Urbane combines fashion and function on these scrub uniforms or would you have done it differently?


For last month’s Designer Style to Scrub Style post I showcased three sets of medical uniforms and designer outfits that shared similar shapes and styling. This month my focus has shifted. I’ve found three stylish uniforms which borrow their enticing color palettes and patterns from high end designer tops. I’m personally trying to add more colors and patterns to my wardrobe. It would be great if I could do it by purchasing affordable women’s uniforms like you can!

Although each of these tops features a daring print, they all have a slightly different appeal, which is what makes these stylish uniforms so special.

The first pair consists of a scrub top by Los Angeles Rose and a designer top by Sweet Pea. The muted color palette combined with the shapes on each top creates a subtle style. 

                 Designer Style: Sweet Pea       Scrub Style: LA Rose
              Ariana Kimono Scrub Top


The second pair consists of a Landau Medical Scrubs Top and a designer top by Shoshanna. The vibrant bursts of color on these two tops create a more fun, outgoing look. And the two are just another example of how designer nursing scrubs are keeping up with high end styles.

                Designer Style: Shoshanna          Scrub Style: Landau
              


The last pair consists of a second top from Los Angeles Rose and a designer top from Cynthia Steffe. To me, these prints seem to combine trendy style and sophisticated style. I think it’s the baroque patterns that make them seem so sophisticated. 

                  Designer Style: Cynthia Steffe  Scrub Style: LA Rose
             


Have you noticed any other color palettes, prints or styles that are showing up in the new fall medical uniforms and also in your favorite clothing stores? If you do, e-mail me pictures or links to these styles and I’ll feature them in the next month’s Designer Style to Scrub Style post.


Happy Friday everyone! I would like to start this post off by congratulating Janet, the winner of yesterday’s contest. Janet was the first person to comment on yesterday’s post and she correctly matched the four medical nursing uniforms with their brands. I’ll be sending out Janet’s free gift today! In addition, Sherry and Stephanie also left comments correctly matching the stylish uniforms with their brands. Since today is Friday and we’re feeling generous here at Lydia’s, I’ll be sending them free gifts as well. Congratulations ladies; I’m glad that your expertise on designer nursing scrubs paid off!

Now here’s the news from the week:

News Stories: Doctors and Nurses in the News:

News Stories: Health News:

Blogs:


Have a great weekend everyone and don’t forget to check out all the new stylish uniforms that are now available at Lydia’s Uniforms! The Katherine Heigl Vancouver line is one of my favorites and Koi has some really fashion forward looks as well. Go take a look and see what you think of the new fall scrubs.







Tomorrow we’re adding tons of new stylish uniforms online at Lydia’s. We’re introducing the Dickies’ Black Label Collection which is a new line of high end designer nursing scrubs. And I particularly like the cutting edge fashions that you’ll see from Katherine Heigl and Koi. Plus we’ve added more great medical nursing uniforms from Cherokee Authentic Workwear because they’re so popular with you.

Since I’m impatient and anxious for you to see all the new stylish uniforms; I decided to give you a sneak peek at the new designer nursing scrubs. I picked a few of my favorite medical nursing uniforms and here they are. The catch is: I’m not telling you what brand they are; I want you to tell me! The first person to leave a comment, correctly matching each number with the correct brand, will win a free gift from Lydia’s.  

                

Get going! This contest will end as soon as someone gets it right or tomorrow when the items go online!

Hint: The brands you have to choose from are White Cross, L.A. Rose, Katherine Heigl and Cherokee (there’s one of each).


 


Working at Lydia’s Uniforms allows me to give you insight on what’s new, stylish and popular in the world of medical uniforms. But as much as I like to give my opinion, I also love hearing yours because you wear medical uniforms everyday. You know how they fit, hold up and really look. So today I’m taking a break and sharing with you the opinions of two customers who tested out two different medical uniforms from Lydia’s.  One customer reviewed her Cherokee Medical Scrubs nursing uniforms and the other reviewed her It’s Happy Bunny medical uniform.  See what they had to say.



Cherokee Medical Scrubs Road Test by Barbara

Which scrubs did you choose for the road test?
Cherokee Authentic Workwear Unisex Scrub Pant and Cherokee Authentic Workwear Solid Color Two Pocket Scrub Top

What’s your profession?
Respiratory Therapy student

How often do you wear scrubs?
5 days a week while in school, 3-5 days a week during clinicals

How often do you wear these particular Cherokee scrubs?
At least 4 out of those 5 days

What color do you have these Cherokee scrubs in?
I have those in Caribbean Blue, Ceil Blue, Eggplant, Hunter Green, Shocking Pink and Navy.
 
Which color do you wear the most? Do you wear that color as part of a dress code?
The color I wear the most is Hunter Green, since green is the color Respiratory Therapy students must wear while in class.

How do these scrubs fit?
I have purchased multiple pairs of these scrubs in many different colors and they all run about the same. I am 5'8" so I buy the talls, which not very many brands carry. They wash up great, with no bleeding, fading or shrinking. I prefer the drawstring waist for comfort.  

What are you likes/dislikes about these scrubs? What’s your favorite thing about them?
I don’t have any dislikes about these scrubs at all. I have been very pleased with every color I have purchased and I love that Lydia's color coordinates the bottoms with the print tops for convenient online shopping.  

Have you received any compliments on your Cherokee scrubs?
I have recieved many compliments on my printed tops with color coordinating bottoms.  

Do you have any stories about what these scrubs have been through?
My scrubs went with me from being bored in class to the excitement of saving someone's life responding to a code blue.



It’s Happy Bunny Scrubs Road Test by Beth

Which scrubs did you choose for the road test?
The It’s Happy Bunny Sash Scrub Top and Drawstring Cargo Scrub Pant in black.

What’s your profession?
C.N.A.

How often do you wear nurse uniforms?
I work 6 days a week plus 3 evenings during the week so you can say I’m in scrubs a lot.

How often do you wear these
particular scrubs?

2 times a week

How do these scrubs fit?
They run a little smaller than other brands, but do fit well.

What are you likes/dislikes about these scrubs? What’s your favorite part about them?
My favorite part about them is that they fit well all over, you know, they’re not low rise, they fit on the hips nicely.

Have you received any compliments on them?
Many compliments from all my co-workers, and even people that work in management have said nice things about them.


Hopefully these reviews are helpful for anyone who wants to purchase Cherokee Medical Scrubs or new nurse uniforms from It’s Happy Bunny. Thanks to Barbara and Beth for sharing their knowledge on their medical uniforms. And if anyone has helpful insight regarding these particular medical uniforms, leave a comment and share your thoughts!

P.S. Barbara and Beth both volunteered their opinions to Lydia’s via MySpace. If you’re on MySpace come find Lydia’s Uniforms; I would love to add you as a friend! It’s a great place to interact with Lydia’s, ask questions, leave comments and communicate with others who wear medical uniforms.


I’m just one of many employees here at Lydia’s Uniforms. Since you get to hear what I have to say about nursing scrubs and medical clothing uniforms on a regular basis I thought you might be interested in hearing from some of our other employees via the blog. So today I’ll be sharing with you write ups from two different employees, Mandy and Char. They each wrote about the time they've spend working at Lydia’s, discussing what they do here and why the love it. I was intrigued by their write ups because as an employee it’s encouraging to hear about other employees’ positive experiences. Hopefully you’ll find what they have to say interesting as well. After all, you might just end up talking to one of them if you ever buy medical uniforms over the phone. If you have a question about your new nursing scrubs from Lydia’s, they might be on the other end of the line when you call and ask.  So if you've ever wondered: What it's like at Lydia's? Read what they have to say.

Mandy: Team Leader in Customer Service

I have been an employee of Lydia’s Professional Uniforms for over five years. I cannot express enough gratitude toward this family owned company. I started my first year with this company in the Returns Department processing orders and enjoyed working in an environment where all of my co-workers and supervisors were extremely helpful and courteous. At that point I knew they treated the employees just as they do every customer.

I then received the opportunity to move to the call center where all the orders are placed. I remember being so excited to work with customers first hand and help each person find uniforms that they would be comfortable in and fit their body type.

Lydia’s gave me new opportunities and also worked around my schedule of being a full-time college student. Lydia’s not only was supportive through my college career but they are also looking out for our customers too! Did you know they offer a Nursing Scholarship program? Having been in school myself I know how much that can help out. I really appreciate everything that Lydia’s has done for me over the past five years and am happy to work for a company that takes pride in their work everyday.


Char: Special Accounts Representative

Sometimes I wonder where 20 years have gone. I have been with Lydia’s for the better part of 16 years. I did try other things, but it’s like coming home. I can truly say that 90% of my work has been fun. The company I work for has always had my back, in good times and bad.

A lot of things have changed in 20 years, but I am still proud of the integrity of Lydia’s. They really do care about the customers and the staff that serves them. As a customer you can feel confident that you’re dealing with an honest company. Like any company, we sometimes make mistakes, but we have been trained to do whatever we can to keep you as a long time customer. As a long time staff member I know that Lydia’s will treat you right.

I have customers from all over the country that brighten my day, make me crazy and make me laugh; I owe this to a unique company. Thank you Uniform Warehouse and Lydia’s Uniforms.