Appropriate dressing and personal maintenance is important in almost all professions.   For Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), professional appearance and personal hygiene is more important compared to any other professions.  It is a reflection of how a CNA will take care of their patient’s personal hygiene.

Certified nursing assistants who are particular about their personal hygiene clearly show their commitment to their profession.  Since, CNAs are in the profession of maintaining the daily well being of others, it is necessary that they show their ability of maintaining their own hygiene.

You can perform your duties as a CNA with ease if your clothing are comfortable and suitable for your job requirements.  Being in an appropriate dress is required for nurse and other clinical personnel.  Nursing assistants have to wear nursing scrubs while performing their daily job.  The style or color of scrubs may vary according to the employer but wearing scrubs is a must.  It is better to have enough sets of so that you always have a clean set of scrubs for you to wear.  As wrinkles give unprofessional look, always wear properly washed and pressed scrubs which will give you a smart appearance.  You can get sets of scrubs and accessories for nurses and nursing assistants at affordable price in different stores.

Clog style nursing shoes are usually used in almost all working environments.  Open toed shoes are normally not allowed for CNA jobs.  Compression hosiery is recommended for persons having troubles with their legs.  This will relieve thigh and calf pain caused from long periods of standing.  Wear sturdy footwear so that you will feel comfortable while performing your duties.

Make sure you are dressed appropriately for your job as a CNA.  As a Certified Nursing Assistant has to clothe, feed and help patients all day, you need to tie your hair properly.  Your hairstyle should not be a barrier for your work. Keep your nails dirt-free and neatly trimmed.  Avoid wearing real or faux long nails which collect bacteria and germs particularly during the cleaning or changing of a patient after defecation or urination.  Take a shower or bath, brush your teeth, and wash your hair everyday.  Avoid wearing colognes or perfumes as emitting odors is not healthy.  Even your patients or co-workers who share close spaces with you may not like such an unpleasant odors.  Wear minimum jewelry so that it will not disturb you while treating a patient.  And of course, you need to abide by the simplest health precautions like washing your hands properly before and after dealing with patients, to control infections.  Each and everyday, you should strive to make yourself an example of utmost personal hygiene.

They may not teach about persoanl appearance in the CNA Training Programs, but if you wish to be a successful CNA, you should invest time make sure you are appropriately dressed for the job and maintain a high level of personal hygiene yourself.

Technorati Tags: Nurses, CNA, hygiene, Nursing assistants, nursing