Nurses and other medical professionals have been hit hard by the
COVID-19 pandemic. In an already understaffed profession, nurses are expected to do more with less these days. But what about those who decide to stay?
Our healthcare system simply couldn't function without the brave men and women who continue to care for the sick and hospitalized. How can we say thank you! to these
valuable people? Something as simple as a nurse headband is a great start.
Keep reading for some more fun (and functional) ideas.
Why Wear a Nurse Headband?
Cleanliness is paramount to a sterile environment. If a hospital or clinic isn't clean, bacteria and viruses can spread. Nurses with long hair or hair that falls in their eyes are at risk of contracting and potentially spreading harmful droplets through their hair.
Fun and Functional
These concerns were only magnified during the COVID-19 pandemic. With little known about how the virus spread initially, healthcare workers were taking all precautions necessary.
In fact, healthcare workers cited fear of the unknown, stress of contagion, shortage of
appropriate PPE as major stressors in a Nov 2020 Public Health Survey. In a world of things they can't control, nurses CAN control their hair.
Keeping hair out of face, eyes, and patient contact is an extra step in infection control. Headbands can also catch sweat from dripping into eyes and face. Functional headbands can help nurses keep their clean environments clean.
Dress for Success
Headbands help nurses keep their hair out of the way while staying comfy and stylish. Nurses may not be able to choose the color of their scrubs, but they can accessorize. Prioritizing personal style can help nurses express themselves and feel good at work.
Individualized style can also help patients better recognize and connect with their nurses. They may not remember each nurse's name or even exactly what they look like. But if a patient's nurse has a fun headband color, they're easier to recognize.
Physical presentation matters to those around you. Individuals may not realize the way someone looks is affecting how they are viewed or treated in the workplace.
Nurses don't exactly have the time to make sure their hair is in place. A headband will take one more thing (hair maintenance) off their plate. Headbands keep their hair in place so they can focus on the important aspects of their job.
Materials Matter
What's the point of personalized style at work if it's not comfy? Nurses need headbands that won't distract them or fall out of place. They also need materials that are soft, breathable, and comfortable.
Cotton and spandex blends are best for comfort and staying in place. Try to stay away from latex and anything with grips that hit the skin. While these grippers are meant to help keep the headband in place, they may actually irritate the skin with prolonged use.
Thin or Wide?
While thin headbands may work for some, wider ones are more likely functional for a nurse. Wider headbands can spread across more of the head. Many times, they stay in place better.
Some headbands add a twist to the top for a little extra style and comfort. Wider headbands may also catch sweat and smaller hairs from falling on a nurse's face and eyes.
Button Up, Buttercup!
Masks in hospitals and clinics are the new normal. This is, of course, for everyone's health and protection.
Masking and double masking required of nurses can put a strain on their ears. Especially after several 12-hour shifts. Enter: headbands with buttons!
Wide, comfortable headbands have strategically placed buttons behind the ears. Looping masks around these buttons saves the skin behind the ears. Not only is it saving nurses from skin irritation, but the mask and headband can also help each other stay in place.
Accessories That Unite
In a time when nurses are physically and emotionally exhausted, it's important to lift them up. Gifting an entire unit coordinating headbands is a great way to encourage unity. They may not be able to choose the color of their scrubs, but nurses can choose to twin with accessories.
Send a Message
Headbands are a great way to send a positive message. Words like faith, hope, love create a positive visual reminder to patients and coworkers. Headbands that
say essential can help remind nurses and medical staff that they are important.
Other Meaningful Gifts
Headbands are a great gift but they're not the only option. Many nurses see coffee as one of the major food groups. Coffee mugs and gift certificates are a welcomed gift to many nurses.
Jewelry
Bracelets and other jewelry are also great options for nurses who like a little bit of glitz and glamour to their style.
Gifts that Keep on Giving
For the functional nurse, consider a unique
stethoscope case. You can even have it personalized so they won't lose track of their stethoscope on the job.
Have you ever seen a nurse without a badge? That's because most places require them. A fun and
fancy badge holder is a wonderful gift for any nurse.
If You Give a Nurse A Headband...
If you give a nurse a headband, you should give them a hug to go with it! Nurses work tirelessly to take care of patients and their families. Cute headbands for nurses are a functional way to tell them you care.
Cute nurse headbands for entire units or floors can also boost morale and build a team mentality. Comfortable elastic headbands for nurses can also carry important messages to encourage and lift up anyone who sees it.
If you're wondering, "Can nurses wear headbands?" The answer is yes, as long as they are cute, comfortable, and functional.
Find the Perfect Gift for Your Favorite Nurse
Still searching for that perfect nurse gift? At
Petit Nursing Accessories, we believe all nurses should look and feel like the superstars they are.
Say "Thank you!" to the men and women working tirelessly to keep our world safe and healthy. Check out our selection of unique, stylish, and functional nurse gifts today. Whether it's a nurse headband, pin, gift box, your favorite nurse will appreciate your thoughtful gift.