Strict dress codes associated with medical careers are put in place for good reason. As a healthcare professional, you want the focus to be on your patient and what can be done to help them. You don’t want to focus to shift to yourself or what you’re wearing.
It’s also important to keep hygiene in mind when considering the hospital employee dress code. If you’re beginning a career in the medical field and need some advice on the appropriate attire to wear, then continue reading below.
Here’s everything you need to know about the hospital dress code and how you can ensure you follow it correctly.
Comfortable and Fun Scrubs
The first item on the list is comfortable and fun scrubs. Not all healthcare workers have a scrub dress code, but if you’re a hospital employee, then you most likely do. Rather than purchasing your scrubs online or ordering them from a store by giving your size, actually go into the store and try a few on.
Although scrubs look alike, they aren’t all made from the same material and some will fit differently on you than others. Take your time trying on a few different ones until you find a brand or style you like. Remember, you’re going to spend many hours in these scrubs so you want something that’s cozy.
There are even athletic scrubs for those who like to get a daily jog in during their breaks, so take your time finding the best ones for you. Keep in mind that you can find scrubs with various patterns too! As long as your employer allows it, have fun with it!
Find scrubs with different holiday patterns, cartoons, and more.
Compression Stockings
If you’re going to be standing on your feet for 10-12 hours each workday, then you’ll want to invest in compression stockings. These might not be a necessity for following the dress code, but you’ll be glad you have them. You can find these stockings in knee-high lengths or thigh-high lengths.
Purchase some and wear the ones you believe help you the best and are most comfortable. At the end of your shift, these stocking will have prevented leg fatigue and varicose veins as well.
Comfortable Shoes
Again, you spend a lot of time on your feet during your shift. Don’t make your feet suffer. Find a good pair of nursing shoes or another comfortable pair of shoes if not a nurse.
The same is true with shoes as with your scrubs. Go into the store and try them on. Even if your co-worker highly suggests a certain brand, don’t buy them before placing your feet into them. What works for one person might not work for you.
Try a few different pairs on and be sure to walk around in them too. Comfortable shoes are a necessity!
A Watch With Military Time
As a worker in the medical field, you most likely need to sign and date papers on a regular basis. You’re always needing to look at the clock for the time and date. A watch can come in handy for these reasons.
Find a watch that provides military time also. It’ll make it easier for you and save some time. You should also find a watch that’s easily cleaned. You’ll want to wipe it down after each shift to prevent taking germs home.
A Lab Coat
Lab coats are beneficial in many ways. Wearing your lab coat will help keep you warm during your shift and will provide an extra layer of barrier between you and germs or chemicals. Aside from these two things, lab coats are great for holding pens, change, and random supplies!
If a lab coat isn’t required, then consider still wearing one for all the benefits it can provide.
Hair Accessories
Long hair isn’t the most ideal style when working in the medical field. Be sure to keep your hair pinned or tied up during your shift. This will prevent it from accidentally touching certain things around you, especially those things you wouldn’t touch with your bare hands.
A bun or high ponytail are two great options! You should also remove fake nails. Germs and bacteria love to hide under fake fingernails.
Even if you love your fake nails, remember, these dress code restrictions are put in place for everyone’s safety.
Casual/Formal/Business
There are a few different dress code options to keep in mind as well. There’s casual attire, formal, and business. For casual wear, consider a collard shirt, jeans, and your white lab coat. For formal attire, you can wear a long-sleeved dress shirt, suit pants, your white coat, and heels or leather shoes.
Ties are also welcomed. For business attire in the hospital, you can wear the same clothing for formal attire but leave out the lab coat if desired.
Co-Workers’ and Management’s Opinions
If you need more guidance or advice when it comes to sticking to the hospital dress code, then never hesitate to ask your co-workers or management for their opinions. Find someone who’s worked in the hospital for years and listen to the advice and tips they have to offer.
As long as you follow the code and are comfortable, you’ll be ready to take on your shift!
Follow Hospital Dress Code Using This Guide
If you were wondering how to follow the hospital dress code or wondering what clothing items to purchase, then hopefully this guide was able to help. Use the advice and tips given to create a comfortable and dress-code appropriate outfit.
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