Question about uniform

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

I will be starting a new job in the ED at a different hospital that has uniforms. The uniform top has the hospital logo with the name of the hospital. Certain departments have the department listed underneath the logo, such as Pediatrics or Behavioral Health. There is an option for the ED that says Emergency Medicine. The nurse manager says I can get either the plain top with the logo, or the one that says Emergency Medicine. I want to be identified as someone working in the ED, but I don't like the wording Emergency Medicine vs. Emergency Department. The PAs wear black scrubs and nurses wear blue and MDs wear whatever they want. I don't want to wear those scrubs and have someone think that I'm in over my head because I'm not a doctor or PA. Am I making a bigger deal about this than I should? I'm ready to just buy the "plain" scrubs.

[flyersfan88]

Yes, you're making a bigger deal or of it than you should. I doubt anyone will think you're a doctor, but If someone thinks you're a doctor...just correct them. They're just scrubs.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

Yes, you're overthinking.

[JBudd, MSN]

Have you visited the department? What do most of the other nurses wear? If it is mostly one or the other, go with that. If 50/50, go with the plain since it sounds like you are more comfortable with that.

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

I had a share day before I knew anything about specific uniforms and before I was offered a position. I didn't really pay such great attention to people's scrubs. I did notice some people wearing non-hospital logo tops though.

[caliotter3]

The non-hospital logo topped people were probably "visitors", doing a practicum or something. Now that you know what your choice is, just pick the one that you feel you would be more comfortable in. At least you have a choice. Good luck with the new job!

[RNperdiem, RN]

I wear the uniform with both the logo an non-logo scrubs. Once they are on, what I am wearing is the last thing on my mind during the working day.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I don't want to wear those scrubs and have someone think that I'm in over my head because I'm not a doctor or PA.

As someone who has worked in color-coded uniform environments for a number of years, I can say with certainty that patients couldn't care less about what you are wearing. To the majority of them, everyone in scrubs is a 'nurse.'

[Altra, BSN, RN]

Yes, you're overthinking this.

And possibly, you're overlooking the cross-disciplinary team/camaraderie atmosphere that is often a prominent feature of the ED, which is what makes it such a great place to work!

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

Thanks all! Went with plain.