For nurses
First day on the ward: a uniform checklist
Your first day on a new ward is full of names, routines and new faces. The last thing you want is to discover at 8 a.m. that your pant is too long, your cap is at home or your pen has run out. A little preparation the evening before takes uniform worries off your mind.
Use this checklist whether you are a new staff nurse, a nurse joining a new hospital or a student starting a clinical posting.
A week before
- Ask the nursing office which colour, style and cap your role wears. Follow your hospital’s or college’s uniform policy exactly.
- Check your sizes. Try on your scrubs and move: bend, squat, reach up. If anything pulls, order the next size. Use the size chart if you are buying new.
- Order early if you need new sets, so there is time to check the fit.
- Ask about name badges and whether name embroidery is expected.
The night before
Lay everything out:
- Scrub top and pant, clean, fully dry and ironed if your unit prefers a crisp look
- Spare top or full set for your locker
- Scrub cap or hair covering, if required
- Hair ties and pins
- Thin underlayer for cold wards
- Comfortable closed shoes, cleaned
- Fresh socks, plus a spare pair
- ID card and lanyard
- Watch, if your unit allows one
- A bag for used scrubs
Pocket kit
Fill your pockets the night before so you do not forget:
- Two working pens and a marker
- A small notebook
- Bandage scissors
- Penlight
- A small roll of tape
Keep the chest pocket light so your neckline stays neat. Our post on what nurses really carry has more ideas.
On the day
- Arrive early to change and find your locker.
- Check yourself in a mirror: top straight, pant length right, cap secure, badge visible.
- Tie the drawstring firmly but comfortably; you will be moving a lot.
- Keep nails short and jewellery minimal, as most infection-control policies require.
After the shift
- Change out of your scrubs before leaving if your hospital asks.
- Carry used scrubs home in a separate bag.
- Wash warm, up to 60 °C, with similar colours; no bleach on coloured scrubs.
- Dry fully so the set is ready for the next shift.
- Note anything that felt uncomfortable, such as a tight waist or long sleeves, and fix it before your next order.
For hospitals welcoming new joiners
If your hospital takes on new nurses through the year, a private institution ordering page means each person can order the approved uniform in their own size and have it delivered with the weekly batch. It saves new joiners from guessing. See how it works for institutions.
Ready to go
A good first day starts with a uniform you do not have to think about: right colour, right size, full pockets and a spare in the locker. If you still need a set, choose your cut and colour from our scrubs range and order in time to try it on.
