Professional dress??

Whenever they say "professional dress" I wear scrubs.

 

wear pants, no skirt.

 

HAHA! Totally!

 

I dont think wearing scrubs that early is such a good idea. In this situation, im fairly certain 'professional dress' does not mean scrubs.

 

Wow, patients on the first day...

Skirts that come just below your knees should be fine (nothing above the knee), with a conservative shirt, and closed toe shoes (nothing strappy, nothing open toed). Dress pants are always appropriate. If wearing a white coat is required, you have a lot of room with what types of tops you can wear--any nice button down or blouse, just nothing too low cut or too tight.

 

Basically, if it looks like you could go clubbing or gardening in it, it's a no.

And don't forget: if you wear makeup or jewelry, keep it neutral/unobtrusive (incl. fingernails, which should be short)--nothing that's attention-getting or that could become tangled up in an instrument or a pt's sweater/hair should you be so lucky as to actually get to assist with an exam or a procedure. Your hair should be neat and out of the way.

I'd second the no-scrubs-yet advice as well, unless it's common practice at your school and/or you're launching your candidacy for "uber-gunner"...

 

It probably depends on how strict the department is with dress code. I was working in the hospital the other day and a smoking hot resident entered the elevator with me...when i looked, she was wearing the most professional pair of shorts that came up above the knee I have ever seen (and they werent even tacky...quite good looking actually...I guess they are in style this year) and a nice top.

Needless to say, I was mesmerized

J

 

I would recommend slacks over skirts. I personally feel a little more self-conscious in a skirt and always worry that something is out of place. A nice pair of khakis or a pants suit are always winners, in my book.

Also, unless you're extremely comfortable in heels, consider wearing flats. I don't think I need to tell you how embarrassing it is to trip or fall off your shoes in front of someone you are attempting to impress.

 

Why in God's name would a school have students "seeing patients" on the first day? Sounds sketchy.

 

I think what they mean is that they start clinicals.....im not sure to what extent, but I think that is what she means.

J

 

No but on the first day is a bit much.

 

Coming from KCOM...I can say that this initial experience is going to be quite benign. With that being said, it IS unnecessary and, personally, I'd rather have more patient experiences mid-quarter to help break up the monotony...that's just me though.

Dress-code wise...this must be a new thing this year. I agree with the above posters that going with a skirt or pants initally is a can't miss. Scrubs later on might be an option - and should be! I think all the dress code stuff blows, but that's just me!

Good luck!

 

On the first day of your first year, you are basically the same as an undergraduate. Saying you're "seeing patients" is misleading, that's why I said it was "sketchy".

Another thing: "won't be doing complete physicals" - no kidding, you haven't learned anything about a physical yet, the word complete seems unnecessary. "won't be...making diagnoses" - no kidding, you have no medical knowledge. That goes without saying.

The intent was not to offend, but to clarify. I guess undergraduates "see patients" too when they shadow and such, maybe that was what you meant.

And your last question I'll ignore, since no one even implied anything of the sort.


....I don't know why I took the time and energy to nitpick your post, but there you have it.

 

What she wrote is the most accurate and practical answer. Start with this until you get an idea of what works. I would add to wear comfortable shoes, & flat heels if you're clumsy like me. Also, if you have very long hair, you might want to wear it up or back so it's not all over the place. It's also embarassing when you wear your stethescope around your neck and it gets stuck in your hair.

I just started 3rd year, and I tend to dress more conservative, with closed shoes, skirts below the knee, dress shirts, etc. But I do see a lot of 4th year students in strappy flip flops and sleeveless shirts. So I guess as you're there longer, you'll know what you can get away with, and more importantly, what you're most comfortabl with. Good luck!