(IN)Appropriate Dress

[trinitymaster]

Nurse Practitioners are at the forefront of healthcare reform. Many patients only contact with a healthcare professional will be with a Nurse Practitioner.

My question is this: Do you cringe when you see a nurse practitioner dressed inappropriately for the professional setting?

Tell us about a personal experience that you have had with a nurse-practitioner who did not dress appropriately for their setting.

Examples would be a male nurse practitioner who wore skinny jeans and a muscle shirt, or perhaps a female that wore yoga pants and high-heel boots.

[trinitymaster]

Honestly, as a male, you probably want to pick a different battle to fight. Maybe one that directly effects you. There are a myriad of issues in nursing and you could very easily pick another to fight.

The only time I ever comment on a female staff/student wardrobe is when it is grossly inappropriate and I have female staff with me as witnesses. I have had many NP students and medical students and I have only ever had to address this once.

Not your battle and a dangerous battle for you to wager as a male.

Sent from my iPhone.

The op has used the word "female" three times. Once in the opening statement, but only after the word "male" had been used. The second usage was in post #26 when the op described their personal experience. The third usage was in post #71 as an attempt to redirect.

The navel-gazing exhibited by some of the contributors is definitely an interesting phenomenon.

[No Stars In My Eyes]

Well, I am a female and when I see large bottomed women wearing scrub-bottoms that are hip-huggers, or too tight, that slide down to reveal their butt-crack and/or tattoos when they bend forward, lean over and stretch forward, or scootch down to empty a foley bag, exposing much of what their mamma gave 'em, I just can't believe it is acceptable; it certainly isn't professional.

I also object to super-skinny-tight scrubs that hug everything like a second skin.

[TexMex22]

Seriously?

Uniforms are for clarity, both for patients and for other healthcare professionals.

Everybody knows who everybody is.

Even confused patients know who the nurses are.

nobody feel childish because it give a consistent and professional image.

Anyone who feels that a uniform is childish could do well to consider its purpose, which is clarity for patients and visitors.

Thanks. Well said.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Well, I am a female and when I see large bottomed women wearing scrub-bottoms that are hip-huggers, or too tight, that slide down to reveal their butt-crack and/or tattoos when they bend forward, lean over and stretch forward, or scootch down to empty a foley bag, exposing much of what their mamma gave 'em, I just can't believe it is acceptable; it certainly isn't professional.

I also object to super-skinny-tight scrubs that hug everything like a second skin.

But only if they're being worn by "large bottomed women"

[trinitymaster]

But only if they're being worn by "large bottomed women"

I've heard they make the rockin' world go round

[klone, MSN, RN]

Gah, now I have Bicycle Race stuck in my head.

[BrnEyedGirl, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

I demand to be held in the highest esteem!

Sent from my iPhone.

Wait,.....are you old and icky? :)

[danielle2000, MSN, RN]

I would think at this level of nursing dressing appropriately would be common sense. A nice pair of slacks and a blouse with a lab coat is professional. Of course I would love to wear jeans, lol !!! But the reality is you must dress comfortable and professional.

[ComeTogether, LPN]

I was treated by a NP who was wearing cute jeans and heels with big hoop earrings. I related better to her based on her demeanor and general down to earthness. (I know that's not a word ;-) )

I really don't think it matters or makes a difference in what kind of care they give. I'd rather see jeans and a t-shirt and get great care than see a white coat and button down and be ignored.

[BostonFNP, APRN]

Wait,.....are you old and icky? :)

Old enough. Icky enough.

Sent from my iPhone.

[TruvyNurse]

OK. My serious question to the OP.. have you ever told any of these "inappropriately dressed NPs" that they were inappropriately dressed to their face? I'm being serious. If so, what response did you get? You seem very passionate about others' attire.

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

I don't care what the NPs wear. I just want them to see my patients, put orders in quickly, answer my calls and trust my judgment. They can wear sweatpants for all I care.