Uniforms are more than clothing — they communicate professionalism, support infection control, and help you work comfortably through long shifts. This page covers common uniform styles, fabric choices, footwear, identification, laundering tips, and how to align your uniform choices with employer policies and clinical safety standards.
For documentation and workplace expectations that often accompany uniform policies, see the LPN Guidelines and for practical gear lists consult LPN Equipment.
Most clinical employers specify uniform color, style, and identification requirements. Confirm dress code details during orientation and in your program handbook. Common expectations include a clean, wrinkle‑free uniform, visible name badge with credentials, and closed‑toe, non‑slip shoes. If you’re preparing for clinical rotations, check the LPN Schools page for program‑specific uniform rules and clinical placement notes.
When in doubt, prioritize safety and clarity: visible identification, no loose jewelry that can catch or harbor pathogens, and fabrics that tolerate frequent laundering at high temperatures for infection control.
Choose fabrics that balance durability, breathability, and ease of cleaning. Polyester‑cotton blends resist wrinkles and dry quickly; performance blends with moisture‑wicking properties improve comfort during long shifts. Avoid overly loose sleeves or long hems that can interfere with procedures—refer to procedural guidance in the LPN Protocols when selecting practical styles.
Fit matters: a professional, comfortable fit supports mobility for tasks such as transfers, wound care, and rapid response. If you plan to advance into roles with different uniform expectations, review career pages like LPN Careers to understand how attire may change with role and setting.
Choose shoes with reliable traction to reduce slip and fall risk on wet floors. Many employers require closed‑toe, closed‑heel shoes for protection; check the LPN Quality Control page for safety recommendations.
Look for supportive insoles and adequate arch support to reduce fatigue during long shifts. Replace worn shoes promptly to maintain support and reduce injury risk.
Materials that wipe clean or tolerate machine washing simplify infection control. Avoid porous materials that trap fluids and microbes; consult equipment guidance on LPN Equipment.
Wear a clear name badge with your name and role (e.g., "Jane Doe, LPN"). Some facilities require color‑coded badges or lanyards; follow local policy. Professional presentation also includes neat hair, minimal fragrance, and short, clean nails to support infection control and patient comfort.
Functional pockets help carry pens, scissors, a penlight, and a small notebook. Consider a utility belt or scrub jacket with secure pockets for items you need frequently; cross‑reference recommended items on the LPN Equipment page.
Clinical areas vary in temperature. Use lightweight scrub jackets or lab coats that meet facility infection control standards for layering. Avoid long sleeves during direct patient care unless the garment is disposable or laundered per policy—see laundering guidance below and the LPN Guidelines for specifics.
Follow employer laundering policies. Many facilities require uniforms to be laundered at high temperatures or by approved services to reduce contamination risk. If laundering at home, wash uniforms separately, use hot water when permitted by fabric care instructions, and dry thoroughly. Replace uniforms that are heavily stained, torn, or show wear that could compromise infection control.
For guidance on safe practices and documentation related to infection control, consult the LPN Quality Control and LPN Articles pages.
Different settings have different expectations: long‑term care may allow more casual scrubs, while surgical or procedural areas require specific attire (scrub caps, sterile gowns). If you’re preparing for a clinical rotation, check the placement site’s dress code and review relevant procedural protocols on the LPN Protocols page.
For roles that require additional PPE (isolation, airborne precautions), follow facility PPE protocols rather than personal uniform preferences—see the LPN Encyclopedia entry on infection control for context.
Clean uniform, name badge, functional shoes, minimal jewelry, hair secured, and essential tools (pen, scissors, penlight). Review facility orientation materials on the LPN Schools or employer onboarding pages.
Bring a spare set of scrubs, a small laundry bag for soiled items, comfortable shoes, and a water bottle. Use the LPN Fun and Games activity packs for quick study between clinical tasks.
If your program and clinical site have different uniform rules, follow the clinical site’s policy while on placement and discuss discrepancies with your program coordinator—see the LPN Forums for peer experiences and advice.
Prioritize fit, durability, and return policies when buying scrubs and shoes. Many vendors offer student discounts; compare options and read reviews in the LPN Link Directory. For recommended equipment and accessories, consult the LPN Equipment page.