Lab Coat or No

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I've recently started the next step of my career as the Health and Wellness Director (DON) at an AL/ALH community. Would it be appropriate to wear a white lab coat (over business casual attire) while walking among the staff? I think it gives an air of authority and respect. Or am I delusional and pompous? ?

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I only wear mine when teaching classes. Not sure if they are appropriate in the assisted living environment and residents are likely to mistake you for a physician. Your professional business attire should be enough

Please note...I am NOT saying they are inappropriate. Just not sure if they are.

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Thanks for the input. Anyone else?

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I wore one in acute care. I agree it gives a little air of authority. I don't know if staff were "fooled" ?, but occasional "situations" with patients or visitors it "maybe" had an effect???

Am I over using quotation marks?

I agree with Wuzzie also.

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Hi! This is an interesting question. It caught my attention because it's a topic I'm weirdly passionate about, so I wanted to weigh in!

I've never cared for white coats in any setting, even for doctors.

I think they distance us from our patients, create the risk of us looking pompous or pretentious, and make us look like we don't want to "get our hands dirty" so to speak. Some patients even have negative connotations with the white coats.

I have more respect for the doctors and nurses who wear scrubs/normal clothes. To me, they seem more approachable, wise, hard-working, and relatable.

I actually tend to associate lab coats with students, because I see more students in lab coats these days than experienced professionals!

This is just my 2 cents though. White coats certainly might certainly be beneficial at times, and perhaps they are more popular outside of my neck of the woods. Do other people in your facility wear them?

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.

I like lab coats because my business clothes don’t give me enough pocket space! My favorite was a lab jacket vest. It does appear more casual/shows a willingness to get my hands dirty but still got pocket space. I’ve worn them to about every DON job I’ve had.

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

I’ve been a DNS for 15 years. I occasionally wear a lab jacket if I know I’ll be going in resident rooms. I don’t think there is anything pompous about it. I need the pockets for my stuff

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As a nursing director, I was expected to wear a lab coat over my clothes. I am a fan of this look. I have my name and title embroidered on the left pocket. I think it's polished and professional and gives you a layer of protection, especially when you're expected to wear your own clothes vs. scrubs to work every day.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, WCC.

In AL in our area, it is frowned upon as it is to be more homelike and not facility feel.

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Specializes in LTC Management, Community Nursing, HHC.
On 2/11/2019 at 4:18 PM, Buckaroo93 said:

I've recently started the next step of my career as the Health and Wellness Director (DON) at an AL/ALH community. Would it be appropriate to wear a white lab coat (over business casual attire) while walking among the staff? I think it gives an air of authority and respect. Or am I delusional and pompous? ?

What about a non-white lab jacket instead? Maybe a navy blue? Still professional, but less clinical looking.

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Specializes in LTC, MDS Cordnator, Mental Health.

I wear street clothes, I need the pockets. I like colored jackets....

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