When to wear what. (Scrubs, lab coats, etc.)

Nursing Students General Students

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  1. What is acceptable for a nursing student to wear? (Choose 1 for each category)

    • 10
      Clinical/Practicum: Only scrubs; no lab coat.
    • 11
      Clinical/Practicum: Scrubs and a lab coat, if you prefer.
    • 11
      Lecture: Street clothes only.
    • 6
      Lecture: Scrubs if you prefer.
    • 1
      Lecture: Scrubs and a lab coat if you want!

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So, can I get a succinct explanation of what is (and what is not) appropriate, in general, as far as attire is concerned?

I wouldn't be caught dead wearing scrubs or anything if all I have is a lecture that day, but if I have a practicum or clinical that day, I'm not changing my clothes.

Furthermore, what is the general rule on white lab coats?

My schools scrubs is a VERY distinct color, so no one would mistake me for a physician (at least from the front)

The reason I WANT to wear a labcoat is because I am the type of person to carry A LOT of things on my person (RNotes, pens, bandage scissors, gauze, tape, my stethoscope in my pocket occasionally, random notes, papers, etc. etc. etc. The measly scrub top pocket will simply not cut it.

We only wore lab coats to Lab.It's a bit pretentious to wear them around when there is no reason. Scrubs to clinicals. Street clothes to class.

Specializes in Operating Room.

My program is like the PP:

Clinical: Scrubs

Lab: Lab coat (but in professional attire- obviously no sweatpants, ha.)

Class: Street clothes

Specializes in Hospice.

Something funny..... when we had orienatation for the nursing program on our campus (not in a hospital setting) one of the first year students was there, and he had on scrubs, lab coat, steth around his neck, his badge, and I kid you not, a pen pocket protector with a pen of every color in it. I hope this was in jest. I fear it was not. :facepalm:

Your school dress code (or some individual early in the process :)) should identify what is appropriate garb for what kinds of school situations. Follow the school's guidelines.

We have to wear scrubs for labs and if I have theory in the morning and labs in the afternoon, I wear my scrubs all day. Well our entire class will wear scrubs all day if we have any sort of lab that day. We also have to wear scrubs to clinicals. I don't wear a lab coat because we really can't have a lot of things in our pockets due to infection control. I have scrub pants that have a pen slot, I use that and I put a folded up piece of paper in my other pocket. I don't wear my stethoscope around my neck because it is a chocking hazard.

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