NP attire

[PansyKat]

Hi all,

I would like some feedback as to what type of attire you wear to work...as a NP. I suppose it depends on the area you work?

Replies greatly appreciated! :)

[LisaDNP]

Thanks for the information! I've never heard that students should wear the shorter lab coat before. I wonder if it's a regional thing or if I'm just clueless!

[AngelfireRN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Well, I'll probably get flamed for this, but, I'm used to it.

I wear whatever I want, no shorts (unless the girls and I change for the gym before we leave clinic), but I'm a little more daring than most.

I favor skirts and dresses, either above the knee or mid-calf, since I'm so short. I have lost quite a bit of weight, so I will wear pants now, usually with a corset top (those go over BIG! No one else wears them, everyone wants to see, most docs wonder how I stand it, laced up like that).

My favorite shoes are my espadrilles with the ribbons that tie. I bet I've made Talbot's a million dollars, the way people go on over the shoes. Other than that, I may wear heels some, but usually ballet flats. By rote, a code will only happen on the day I wear heels and a skirt. They've learned to get outta the way if they hear heels running down the hall.

My nickname is "The Fashionista NP", given to me by one of the hospitalists. I love it!

And I wear the short labcoat with my name and title embroidered.

Like I said, I am as far from the norm as you can get, but that's me, that's my trademark, as is my ability. I've cultivated it, and people seem to like it. Find what works for you and run with it. Good luck!!!

[rn/writer, RN]

At the teaching hospital where I work (in the midwest), students wear short lab coats, residents wear long lab coats, and attendings and CNMs wear street clothes (business casual on weekdays, far more casual on weekends). Clinical nursing instructors wear either business casual with or without a short lab coat.

The male nurse practitioner at my old chiropractor's office wore scrubs with a short lab coat.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

There is usually a written or unwritten set of rules for APNs and physicians in the hospital. My nephrology practice is quite conservative so our physicians dress in suits with ties during the week. When the are on call on the weekend: dockers and sport shirts are okay.

I have worn jeans once or twice on the weekends because my call is 55 miles away and I have had to shovel snow during the journey on more than one occasion and I want to stay warm....brrr!

However, I will comment that I would not want to be known for my style of dress as the focus should be on my patients, not what I'm wearing!

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

I wear nice slacks, blouse, and mid-length lab coat. Docs wear the same style coat. They are embroidered with name, creds.

However, I will comment that I would not want to be known for my style of dress as the focus should be on my patients, not what I'm wearing!

Agree. To me, it's very unprofessional to command the focus of attention.

[AngelfireRN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Never said I commanded it, it just is what it is. I dress how I like, and some of my coworkers happen to like it too. Some comment on it. Doesn't detract from why we're there, and I certainly would never spend time talking clothes that should be spent with my patients.

That being said, the general concensus seems to be that I'm unprofessional. Oh, well.

I'd rather be considered an unprofessional, good at my job, attention-getting, approachable, and easy-to-deal-with fashionplate than have a reputation of being a tailored professional snot (which is what they call some of the others).

It works for me, it works for those I work with and treat. Is it for everyone, nope. But for those that deal with me, colleagues and patients alike, it never strikes a false note.

JMHO, and I'll bow out.

OP, good luck with your wardrobe.

[MissDoodaw]

I wear business professional attire, with a lab coat on or hanging on the back of my chair. I feel it is respectful to my patients, practice and colleagues that I look like a professional. I feel that it helps get the patients trust.

Research shows that we are judged by our appearance-we form an impression of others within seconds of meeting them. I am not here to argue whether this is right or wrong, but If I am to be judged by my appearance let my appearance be that of a professional.

That said I must admit that my city is home to a local sports team that makes it to the finals regularly and our office does have dress days when staff wears a game day team shirt, never thought I'd do it, but I really enjoy it!

[XB9S, BSN, MSN, EdD, RN, APN]

In the UK we have to wear a Uniform as nurse practitioners, but there are days when I plan to spend office time rather than clinical so wear smart business trousers and shirt or smart top. I'm always very conscious of how I will be viewed by my patients and colleagues when I plan what to wear, I am aware that I am a representative of my work place and my profession and how important it is to appear professional and credible.