Does medical apparel affect a nurse’s ergonomics? Facts that matter every day.
The work of a nurse is one of the most demanding professions in health care. Long hours on duty, working on the run, frequent bending, lifting patients, rapid changes in position and constant readiness for action make ergonomics crucial to health and comfort.
While it is usual to talk about the ergonomics of hospital beds, equipment or patient lifting techniques, one very important element is often overlooked – medical clothing. Meanwhile, the uniform that a nurse wears has a real impact:
- posture,
- range of motion,
- muscle fatigue,
- concentration,
- comfort during long shifts.
A nurse on the move – or what a working day really looks like
In theory, ergonomics is associated with an office chair and correct posture. In the practice of nursing, it looks very different. Here there is no single station at which one spends eight hours. Instead, there is constant movement, rapid bending, lifting, torso twisting and working “on time.”
If in such conditions the clothing: pulls in the shoulders, pulls up when bending down, presses at the waist, warms up or, on the contrary, cools down, the body begins to feel it very quickly.
Often not right away – rather, at the end of duty or… the next day.
When the uniform gets in the way, the body starts to defend itself
Ill-fitting medical garments cause us to start moving unnaturally. We avoid full bending, tense our shoulders, distribute our body weight differently. These are seemingly small things, but repeated hundreds of times a day, which in the long run can lead to serious strains in the body, and thus – to injury.
Over time, they appear:
- back pain,
- neck tension,
- The feeling of “stiffness” after work,
- faster fatigue.
A well-designed uniform does not eliminate this completely, but it definitely reduces the burden. Flexible fabric, the right length of uniform and a cut that doesn’t force constant adjustments really make a huge difference.
Why is freedom of movement so important?
The nurse must be able to move naturally – without wondering if the blouse will roll up or if the pants will slip down when bending over. The garment should “keep up” with the movement and work along with it.
The scrubs and medical uniforms available at Med&Beauty are designed precisely for working on the move. Flexible materials and a carefully crafted cut ensure that the garment does not resist, but works with the body.
This is especially important during long shifts, when any additional discomfort becomes more noticeable.
Thermal comfort matters too
Wards, treatment rooms, corridors – the temperature in each of these places can vary greatly. If the uniform does not breathe, the body tires faster and concentration decreases. On the other hand, clothing that is too thin causes the body to freeze, which also affects muscle tension and thus comfort.
The materials used in Med&Beauty clothing are breathable and well regulate temperature. This is a very important aspect in the work of medical professionals.
Pockets that make life easier
In the work of a nurse, organization matters. If you have everything you need close at hand, you save time and energy. Well-placed pockets mean less running, less reaching, less unnecessary movement.
Uniform, which is functional, relieves the pressure not only on the body, but also on the head. And this is hugely important in this profession.
Med&Beauty’s medical apparel features plenty of functional pockets so you can take all your small items with you.
The pockets are arranged so that you can always reach them conveniently – our customers have been praising them for years!
Ergonomics is also about long-term thinking
Overloads in the work of a nurse do not always make themselves known immediately. They often show up years later. That’s why ergonomics is not a luxury, but a form of taking care of yourself for the future.
Well-chosen medical clothing will not solve all problems, but it can realistically reduce the daily burden on the body.
Remember that choosing the right size of medical clothing is of great importance – check the size chart or use our calculator.
You are also welcome to visit us stationary and try on uniforms.
Take care of yourself every day!
