The Days When I'm Not a Nurse

Scrubs Review: Banana Scrubs (made in america!)

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Readers, I’m excited to share Banana Scrubs with you today!

You’re probably thinking, “Huh. I haven’t heard of them before.” 
I hadn’t either, until I Googled “scrubs made in the usa.” 
There’s a reason you don’t see Banana Scrubs brand in your local uniform shop. They don’t sell wholesale. More on that later. 

[I’m wearing their Lauren top (XS) and Natalie pant (XS) in spearmint]

Let me tell you about the scrubs in a way we all know and understand. Since we nurses LOVE the 0-10 scale, I’m going to start implementing it into my review posts. I’ll rate products on a 0-10 scale using the following criteria: quality, fit/comfort, price, and the company.

Quality: 9/10
I have to tell you, when these came out of the box, they smelled incredible! Some kind of fruity/sweet smell…I don’t know what they’re doing to them down in Texas, but I hope they never stop! (I even had husband smell them, they were that awesome). As you would expect, the scent goes away after washing them, but these scrubs are made well with excellent material and I can tell they’re going to hold up for a long time. Plus, they have these charming little banana tags. :)

Fit/Comfort: 7/10
Pros: Nice, long top. Tons of pockets.
Cons: boxy top, not very form fitting. The top is an XS (the size I usually get) and it still felt quite large (mostly in the sleeve area). They DO offer a XXS top which I’ll consider next time. If you decide to buy some, look at their size chart and take notice of the comment that their scrubs are generously cut. Then order accordingly. :)
Also, Banana Scrubs was kind enough to hem these pants a couple inches for me. I’m 5’6” and while they do make tall pants, they don’t have any short versions. 31” inseam is pretty standard so if you’re short like me, a little modification might need to happen.

Scrubs are comfortable. Period. But there are some things that make some more comfortable than others. Like when your drawstring pants don’t get loose during the day, making you pull them up every ten minutes.
Good news.
These pants seem to hold well. :)

Price: 10/10
The tops and bottoms are priced anywhere from $17.50-$24.50 which is totally comparable to scrubs you’d get at any shop. What shocked me is that these scrubs are made in America and they’re still able to keep it affordable! They don’t sell to uniform stores, no wholesale whatsoever. By eliminating the middle man, customers buy directly from the manufacturer and save on any retail mark-up The only way to get their products is by visiting their brand store down in Texas or from their online store and that is just fine with me! So, for the price and knowing they’re made in the states, I’m sold.

The Company: 10/10
I absolutely love that these scrubs are made in the USA!Made in America  The fabric, the thread, the labor… everything is American. Banana Scrubs is based in Waco, Texas and has been making scrubs since 1994. There aren’t a lot of companies out there that still make them in the states, I’ve looked! They also have a 6-month limited warranty! If their product fails, they’ll repair it or replace it free of charge, which is something I’ve never heard from a scrubs company until now.
Banana Scrubs was incredibly easy to work with when it came to returns or modifications. I had to return the pants for a different size AND they even offered to hem them a couple inches for my short, stubby legs. I’m very happy with the results!

Total Average Score: 9/10
I like these scrubs and I love this company! If you’re in the market to purchase uniforms for work, I’d recommend checking them out and supporting an american-based business. 

Scrubs Review: Cherokee Pro Flexibles Top

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I’m back with another scrubs review! Talking about nurse scrubs is one of my favorite things to do on the blog, in case you hadn’t noticed. 😉
Before this, I only had one pair of Cherokee scrubs, the workwear core stretch ones. Now I’m adding one of their new Cherokee Flexibles tops to the collection! 
I like this top. Quite a bit. 
It’s true to size (mine is XS) and for a girl with a long-ish torso, the top is a perfect length and I feel totally comfortable wearing it. The material is soft and the side panels are stretchy (made from a poly/spandex material) and makes the top fit in a more flattering way. I’ve worn this top 3 times in the last 2 weeks and it’s going to hold up in the wash like a champ, I can tell. :) Very, very comfortable. 
The one flaw: 
See those buttons on the pockets? They snap the pockets CLOSED. For “added security,” apparently. 
Listen, I’m not spending my whole 12-hour shift snapping and unsnapping my pockets to get my pen/scissors/alcohol wipes/brain out. And I can’t simply leave them undone because it looks weird to show the round metal disc on the front, sticking out like a sore thumb. 
So I did a little DIY project on my scrubs. :) For someone who isn’t crafty, I’m pretty proud of it!
First, with the snap flap closed, I took some scissors and cut the flap free. With a little free-hand stitching, I sewed the top part of the flap to of the pocket. Then, using my seam-ripper, I turned my scrubs inside out and got rid of the leftover bit of fabric that was still attached where I cut the flap off. That’s it!
 
Does that make sense? 

 Now, if you like the idea of your pockets snapping closed, then you don’t have to do a thing when you buy this top!

And really, the whole modification took less than 10 minutes (if you sew, I bet you can do it faster), so don’t let that deter you from considering this top! PLUS, when looking at the Cherokees Flexibles scrubs on uniformedscrubs.com, the top has different pockets than mine! They’re more of an open concept with one side snap tab on the right. If you search Cherokee Pro Flexibles online, other websites have the snap closure pocket style.  (See what another nurse did with her snap tab pockets! brilliant.)

So. My plan is to swap this with my old navy top. I’ve worn it so much, it’s starting to fray at the neckline where I attach my name badge. :)

And here’s a little something for you readers! A 15% off coupon code for their website! 
ps. Looking back through these pictures makes me realize that this post makes me look like I have a lot of blue and grey in my life. Have you noticed a general color scheme in your scrub wardrobe? Or do you work at one of those places that have a color dress code? 
Follow Uniformed Scrubs on your preferred social media source. 
That way, you’ll hear about all their great deals when they happen! 
Twitter: @uniformedscrubs

**Disclaimer-  This scrubs top was provided by Uniformed Scrubs in exchange for an honest review of the product.**

more shop talk : Smitten Scrubs Reivew

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After nearly 5 years of wearing scrubs, it could be said that I have some favorites.
Here on the blog, I’ve talked about Dansko scrubs, Cherokee scrubs, and my purple Dickies scrub top, to name a few. I was recently given the opportunity from Medical Scrubs Collection to try out a brand of scrubs that was completely new to me. Or maybe you’ve heard of Smitten? Before this, I hadn’t.

The website says, “Designed for the hip, young nurse or medical professional, Smitten medical uniforms are designed with fashion forward style and detail.” This sums it up nicely. 
(In case you’re curious, here are their best-selling top and bottom.)
What I chose: 
My previous pair of navy scrubs were getting so well worn that the infamous crotch split was bound to happen any day now, so the fact that they carry mostly grays, blues, and blacks (with a few pinks scattered in) didn’t bother me at all. I originally ordered the pants size small, regular length and they drowned me. I’m 5’6” with a long torso and short legs. This gave me a chance to use their returns/exchange service and all it took was filling out one form, mailing them back, and my new pants showed up at my door. Simple and easy. This is the first time I’ve ordered petite pants over the regular ones but, for these particular pants, they work so much better.

Smitten scrubs have the these amazing deep pockets and great fabric, with a grey’s anatomy type of softness to it. And the details are what I love about these scrubs. The pink stitching and logo add the perfect amount of feminine touch without being too girly.
I know a lot of my nursing friends out there are required to wear a certain color for the unit they work in. My hospital hasn’t converted over to that (yet) but this would be a great option if you want a little pop of color while still complying with your dress code. :) Just saying.

The one thing I’d change about these scrubs is the drawstring part of the pants. It’s the kind you have to tighten and hold with one finger while trying to tie a bow with the other hand… not the most user-friendly. But manageable. It’s not stopping me from wearing them, that’s for sure. 

I think it’s safe to say that I can add Smitten to the list of favorites.

Check out Medical Scrubs Collection for end of the season deals and reduced prices on awesome scrubs!
And if you’re looking for other brands, this website has them all! I actually have my eye on this top (in all its star treky glory) and this one (those notches on the neckline are a nice detail I haven’t seen before)!

Nurses Week 2013: ugly scrubs link up

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We’ve all seen it.The ugly scrubs out there in the nursing world.
Maybe you even own some?
See, I’m a solid color scrub gal myself. I’m trying to stay opened minded about all these prints but, what I want to know is who is responsible for making such strange patterns on the fabric? Are they made specifically with scrubs in mind? or do people also make curtains with dancing santas on them? If someone has some insight, please share!

Nurses week 2013

For your viewing pleasure, here are a few gems I found online:

ugly scrubs

1. Smiley faces– A scrub top so cheerful, you don’t have to be. $6.98
2. Peace and Frogs– an unusual pairing, but bright colors make up for it! This top is described to have a “generous fit,” if that’s a selling point to you. $6.98
3. Eagles– for all the patriotic nurses out there. Nothing quite says ‘Merica like these majestic birds all over your scrub top. Also comes in a black bear print too! $9.99
4. High-waist pants– elastic waistbands…the the better to cut off circulation with. $13.88 (with poor reviews, can you imagine??!)
5. Shamrock pants–  Pants you can sport literally once a year. Don’t forget to get the matching top! $9.99
6. bubble pants– I truly believe there is no one out there who would find these flattering. $19.99
Link up below and show me what ugly scrubs you found!
**if you happen to actually own any of these, I apologize for making fun of your scrubs. I just found some that I personally would never ever ever ever own! ever.**
I would honestly love to get together with people and do an ugly scrubs party, like these people did here:

Who’s in?
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Come back tomorrow to read about nurses and humor, a symbiotic relationship. :)

Dickies scrubs review

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A little while ago, Uniformed Scrubs contacted me to see if I’d be interested in reviewing one of their pieces from the Dickies spring/summer line. Being the indecisive person that I am, it was at least a week before I finally settled on one!
I chose the v-neck scrub top in eggplant, size small. I probably could have gotten away with an XS if I wanted a more fitted look. Compared to other scrub brands, I’d say Dickies run a bit on the large size but just keep an eye on their fit chart, it’s pretty accurate!

My favorite thing about this top is how long it is. Long enough that you can’t even see the t-shirt I’m wearing underneath it. I typically wear some kind of undershirt, especially with shorter scrub tops I own- we nurses do a lot of bending, you see. :)
And the pockets! I used to have a purple scrub top with side pockets and they sort of drove me crazy. I prefer to have the big front pockets to carry all my nursing goodies in. Overall, I’m happy to add this top into my collection.

Top- Dickies / pants- Grey’s Anatomy / watch- Winky slap band / shoes-converse (from Target)

**Uniformed Scrubs is also providing 15% with the coupon code “15pbrm”. Code expires May 31st.**
Perfect timing, with Nurse’s Week coming up. :) Treat yourself to some new scrubs, you deserve it!

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ALSO. Next Tuesday is your chance to link up with Paige and I and talk about nursing stuff!

Tell us what your routine is like. What do you do to get ready for work physically/mentally?
How about after a rough shift? How do you get rid of that extra adrenaline at the end of the day? Something to think about until next Tuesday… :)

Scrubs Review and A GIVEAWAY.

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Everyone knows Dansko for their shoes. 
They’re quite famous for them, actually. 
A good pair of shoes is as important as a good stethoscope. And a good stethoscope is as important as a good set of scrubs. 
A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Dansko to see if I would review a set of their new scrubs for Fall ’12!  
and I said, “um, YES.”
and by the looks of it, I think they’ve made some scrubs that will prove to be every bit as fabulous as their shoes. 
My first impression as I pulled them out of the box was “wow, this fabric is heavy!” In a “this is good-quality” kind of way. I could instantly tell the difference between them and my other scrubs, just by the feel of the cloth. And they fit amazingly well. I chose this top and these pants (size: xs, color: wine).
Another thing I love about these scrubs is the attention to detail. Look at all the pretty seams and embroidered ‘dankso’ on the pocket! 

Speaking of pockets, I think it’s a well established fact that I LOVE me some pockets. As a nurse, you can never have too many. These scrubs come well equipped in the pocket department. I’ve worn this pair of scrubs twice already, and I’ve only had them for a week! They also have a HUGE selection of colors to pick from. It took several days and a consultation with Mo to finally decide on a color and style. 
Thank you Dansko, I’m in love. :)

Now for the FUN part!
Dansko is going to give away a pair of scrubs to a reader!

and you don’t have to be a nurse to enter. :) Seriously, scrubs are the best thing in the world. They make excellent pj’s or you could give them as a gift…or you could find a way to use them, with Halloween coming and all. And they have scrubs for men too! so many options.

The instructions are in the rafflecopter thingy, but all you need to do is check out their website HERE and tell me what what style/color of scrubs you would want!
I had the hardest time choosing, I’m curious what you guys will pick!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Winner announced NEXT WEEK! 

ps. you know what’s ALSO next week? a nurse linkup. Join Renee and I and share a story (or stories) of the time your patient fell or nearly fell!

Nursing Tuesday: Scrubs Review and Q&A Questions!

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Happy Tuesday, friends!
A couple weeks ago, I was contacted by the people at medicalscrubscollection.com and was asked to review of pair of their new Cherokee Workwear Stretch scrubs. I was happy to oblige, seeing how I wear scrubs 3 or more days a week. A nurse can never have too many pairs of scrubs.
I’ve actually grown quite fond of them over the years.
I feel for people who have to wear heels or ties to work. You poor souls.

The hospital lighting in these pictures makes these scrubs look so much bluer than they actually are but you’ll get the idea. 

PROS: First of all, may I just say, COMFY? They are the epitome of this nursing confession on pinterest. :) The material has a bit of a stretch to it, which I’m pretty sure is their secret ingredient. This top has pockets galore, which I love since I don’t carry a nurse fanny pack or utility belt (you know the ones I’m talking about). And speaking of pockets, the pants have more! I am so comfortable in these scrubs.
CONS: The sizes run a little big (I’m in their xsmall). But who wants to spend 12 hours in tight scrubs, anyway? And if you’re 5’6” like me, consider their petite pants! Mine are a touch long, but that’s ok. I kinda like them that way (don’t you worry tall friends, they also make pants for you).
THIS is a more accurate representation of the color.

 Also, check out their Facebook page, they have a labor day promotion coming up. :)

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ready to get your brain juices flowing?
here are the questions Renee and I will be using for the Q&A link-up next week! Nurses and nursing students, please join us!!
1. Where do you see yourself and your nursing practice in 10 years?
2. What was your first doctor confrontation like? (or most memorable, if you can’t remember the first)
3. Which would you rather: heavy GI bleed patient, trach patient with copious secretions, a projectile vomitter, or a patient with a colostomy bag that will NOT stay on? (spell check is telling me vomitter isn’t a word)
4. If you could warn your patients to avoid one thing from the hospital menu, what would it be?
5. Do you have a nurse idol? If so, who and why?
6. If you could push one piece of medical equipment out the window, which one would it be?
7. What do look forward to MOST when you go to work? (or clinical?)
8. What body system intimidates you most? (neuro, cardio, respiratory, GI, GU, Musculoskeletal, integumentary, endocrine? did I miss any?)
9. What advice would you give to someone who is considering the nursing profession?
10. If you hadn’t become a nurse, what would you have done?

Optional: you can VLOG your answers, if you want! (you know we all love hearing what bloggers sound like) But we won’t make Renee do it, since she used all her guts to record this adorable one) :)

Alrighty ladies! That’s it. I’m excited to hear answers next week!

Nursing Tuesday Link-up: The Dress Code

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Hello, nursing-bloggers!
Today is the day we’re linking up and talking about The Dress Code. If you’re a nurse, a nursing student, or if you wear scrubs for your job, Renee @ This Won’t Hurt a Bit and I would LOVE for you to link-up!

On the days when I AM a nurse, I wear basically the same things: 
The Days When I'm a Nurse
scrubs (greys anatomy)- these are SO comfy and soft, my absolute favorite brand at the moment!
shoes (converse)- something a little different AND cute (fyi horrible arch support, if you need that kind of thing)
socks- the more colorful the better. 
arm warmers (smartwool)– because I’m always cold and they’re easy to remove and stash away in my locker. 
stethoscope (littmann cardiology III)- I upgraded last year and will never go back. 
watch (winky design)-my co-workers always compliment me on this watch. 
earrings (Lauren Conrad)- a spin on my traditional diamond studs or fake pearls. 
water bottle (camelbak)- it’s easy to forget to stay hydrated! If I bring a bottle, I’m more likely to drink.
My hospital provides green scrubs, but there’s a rumor going around that they’ll be changing to maroon sometime in the near future. Then I can wear them together around Christmas time! :)
Like most hospitals, we have a policy stating what we can and can’t wear. 
For clinical staff (that’s me), it simply says, “Associates who may encounter blood or body fluids shall wear professional uniforms or business casual with a lab jacket (while in their work area). Associates re required to wear footwear that is appropriate to their position and department. Crocs styled shoes with holes in the top are not appropriate for clinical areas.” I assume because said body fluids could enter through those holes? “Shoes are to have a covered toe. Keep jewelry to a minimum. Earrings should be limited to two per ear. Rings should be limited to two. Keep natural nails less than 1/4 inches long from the tip of the finger.” Again, I assume because nails can harbor germs under them? Plus, long nails can become weapons to little old ladies with fragile skin. 
Anyway, just wanted to share a little bit of info, in case anyone is interested. :)
Something I bring to work with me: My bento box. It’s the perfect lunch box. :)

Lastly, a peek into my locker.

The link-up will remain open for about a week, so please feel free to join in! Renee and I would LOVE to hear about all the different things you ladies use/wear!

Nursing Thursday: the scrubs I fell in love with.

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I just finished my 3 days as a nurse. And now for 4 days off! These long stretches are the best. :)
 I’m not the kind of nurse who wears colorful cartoon scrubs. I work with adults, you see. Adults who have heart troubles. The last thing they need is to see lots of  Betty Boops or Mickey Mouses (Mice?) approaching them. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. It’s just not me.
I see scrubs as an investment. I spend 12+ hours in them half the week and I want to be comfortable.
Sometime last year I discovered Grey’s Anatomy scrubs. Incredibly soft, comfy and cute: I’d recommend them to anyone.
 via.
 
I own a blue/gray set, a mint green set, and a pair of black pants. So far. :)
Below: on the right is our St. Als scrubs. It’s an awkward green to wear.The floor I work on gives us the freedom to wear whatever scrubs we want (as long as they coincide with the dress code).

It’s a freedom I take for granted too often.

 
And they’re tax deductible! So I should go buy more! right?

My adorable niece at Christmas. She got a doctor’s kit in the family gift exchange and totally knew what to do with that stethoscope. I’m so proud. :)