Wardrobe Tips For Rotations

[The_Sherminator]

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I'm starting rotations in the fall, and i was wondering what style of clothing is best for rotations? I'm a jeans and t-shirt man, so i need advanced notice to change the wardrobe. Are ties mandatory? is it best to dress like a doc (brand name stuff) or can i get by on decent looking tj maxx sort of stuff? any help==>greatly appreciated!!! thanks

 

[southerndoc]

Giorgio Armani just unveiled his new line of hospital clothing for summer. Impressive!

Seriously, have you asked someone at your school?

At my school ties are mandatory for all rotations except surgery and OB/gyn. We cannot wear scrubs unless we are on call, post-call, or on surgery or OB. End of story. If we're caught wearing scrubs, the higher ups get a little huffy.

 

[Brewster]

I wore nice(r) pants (khakis, Dockers style), a dress shirt, a tie, and semi-dress shoes every day (except surgery when scrubs and sneakers bcame the norm). This seemed to go over just fine.

But, Geek Medic is right. You should ask some third/fourth years at your school.

 

[group_theory]

I thought you were suppose to wear sneakers at all time (even during medicine, surgery, psych, peds rotations)?

At least that's what I was told during the safety orientation. And I once saw a girl get chewed up by a head nurse in the ED for weating open-toe sandals (which is understandable).

Can you wear jeans/t-shirt during peds rotation? It instill less fear in the kids than say a white labcoat or scrubs =(

 

[southerndoc]

Group theory, the only limitation we have is no open footwear (e.g., sandals and such).

We aren't allowed to wear jeans at the hospital... it's official hospital and school policies.

Sneakers are fine, provided they are clean. However, sneakers with dress pants usually look silly. Most people in my class wear clogs now for all rotations (they're comfortable, easy to slip on when you're on call and get awakened at 3 am, and they look cool).

 

[doepug]

You'll need khakis and a tie every day, unless you're wearing scrubs. We're only allowed to wear scrubs in the OR, during OB, in a lab setting (eg pathology), or if we're on overnight call and it's past 6 pm.

After all, you'll want your patients to take you seriously, and your dressing well is a sign that you respect your patients.

 

[Brewster]

We wore scrubs all the time in surgery and ob/gyn. Then it was the khakis/tie for everything else (except maybe call nights on peds/medicine).

During peds we were told not to wear the white coat (so as not to scare patients, as you suggested). However, shirt, tie, khakis are still appropriate.

 

[hotbovie1]

We can pretty much wear scrubs for any inpatient activity. Clinics are more vairable but if it's any kind of surgical clinic you can usually wear scrubs there too.

As you can see, dress code varies from place to place. Ask your M3 and M4.

 

[uffda]

since most women will not be wearing "khakis & tie" - is there a concensus on attire for the women on rotations (when not wearing scriubs) ? Slacks, skirts only, long vs. knee length -- etc.

 

[notstudying]

As far as wearing jeans in peds goes-you don't want to scare the kids, but you want to instill some sort of confidence in their parents, which wearing jeans will NOT do! The ultimate peds outfit for guys is khakis, buttondown, and a tie with kid friendly print-cartoons, animals, or especially the "save the children" print.

As women-I have never had a problem wearing slacks (not jeans). I've seen a few women wearing skirts above the knee (and I mean WAY above), and, lets just say that one usually needs to bend over to examine a patient... I even wore a skirt at the knee once and felt a little exposed. Just remember that even in non-surgical rotations there is always the possibility that you'll be bled/thrown up/urinated/defecated on, so don't wear anything unwashable or irreplaceable.

 

[Annette]

Don't wear tops that don't cover your belly button. Most places will require you to wear pantyhose if you wear a skirt/dress (something about "perineal detritus" falling was the reason given). And just forget any shoe that isn't comfortable! At the end of the day, you won't care if your shoes are ugly if they were comfortable.

 

[Scrubbs]

Originally posted by Annette
Don't wear tops that don't cover your belly button. Most places will require you to wear pantyhose if you wear a skirt/dress (something about "perineal detritus" falling was the reason given).

Women have a bit more flexibility then guys do on rotations. Get a few pairs of nice slacks and some business casual tops. I wore everything from fitted (sort of nice) t-shirts to silk sweaters.

As for shoes, and this goes for both the ladies and the gents, comfort is key. Unless you've waitressed in the past, you have NO IDEA how bad your feet are going to hurt on the wards! I would recommend a brand of clogs called Dansko. They are a little pricey ($80-$100), but you can wear them with anything from dress clothes to scrubs, they have great support, and they're super comfy. Also, you can easily clean blood and such off of them. You can find them at The Walking Store, or at dansko.com.

Enuf. I feel like a friggin commercial now... can I get my commission by paypal?

 

[southerndoc]

I second the Dansko suggestion. Those things are very comfortable.

I now own 3 pair of Dansko's. I have a pair of sports clogs that I wear outside the hospital. They're so comfortable!

 

[notstudying]

The only problem with Dansko for me is that they only come in European whole sizes, and I'm right in between-one is too small, the next size up is floppy. I like Clarks and Naturalizer, and I've heard alot of people like the autoclavable birkenstocks, though I haven't tried them.

 

[Scrubbs]

Originally posted by notstudying
The only problem with Dansko for me is that they only come in European whole sizes, and I'm right in between-one is too small, the next size up is floppy. I like Clarks and Naturalizer, and I've heard alot of people like the autoclavable birkenstocks, though I haven't tried them.

I'm also a half size (and have a REALLY narrow foot)... I have the openback Dansko clogs, and even though they're the smaller half size, they fit fine. If the autoclavable birks are the rubber ones, they're comfy, but I don't think they look good with dress clothes. Also, I haven't had access to an autoclave since I worked in the labs back in college. Merrill also makes good comfy shoes. I'd suggest anything in The Walking Store (its a chain in a lot of malls). The sales people tend to give good suggestions too!

 

[painres]

I prefer to wear a long cotton bathrobe and boxer shorts. Sure, every now and then your penis falls out, but hey, It sure is comfy.

 

[powermd]

Originally posted by Geek Medic
I second the Dansko suggestion. Those things are very comfortable.

I now own 3 pair of Dansko's. I have a pair of sports clogs that I wear outside the hospital. They're so comfortable!

I third the Dansko suggestion! This is so important I think it deserves a lot of emphasis. I started with a pair of "professional" closed-back clogs, and they were terrific for everything- whether you're on your feet for endless medicine rounds or endless surgical cases.

Just make sure you let them air out well at the end of each day, once they start to smell, it never goes away.

I liked the Professional's so much, I bought a pair of the sport clogs too. Now Danskos are all I wear- and I (afraid to admit, here..) have several pairs of good shoes, including a pair of $350 Bally's that I'll never wear again so long as I can get away with wearing my Danskos!

 

[souljah1]

Originally posted by painres
I prefer to wear a long cotton bathrobe and boxer shorts. Sure, every now and then your penis falls out, but hey, It sure is comfy.

 

[docB]

I think it's true that a patient's first impression of his doctor is based upon appearance. It's important not to look sloppy. Consequently I recommend wearing a tuxedo and black tie in clinical settings.

 

[Jaded Soul]

Hope someone who can help sees this...

After reading some of the raves about them, I decided to get a pair of Danskos for rotations starting in a few weeks. For you guys who have them, what type of leather do you have? The oiled leather looks nice, but seems like they would be difficult to keep clean in a hospital environment. If you have no clue that I'm talking about...
http://www.dansko.com/content/leathers/leathers_stapled.htm

 

[genieinabottle]

I also had the question about the oiled leather. I have a friend who had those, and they do look nice. I haven't had the chance to ask her if they were hard to clean. I am debating that and the shiny finish one. Isn't it easier to clean gunk off of them? Anyone who knows, please share!

 

[jlw2004]

I have both the oiled and the shiny (one with backs and the other as just slip ons). I like the look of the oiled better, but the shiny DOES clean up better. And I recommend buying a weather-proofer / leather conditioner. The sales person at the Walking STore suggested one (sorry I can't remember the name) and it did make blood less likely to soak in.

 

[gwyn779]

Originally posted by uffda
since most women will not be wearing "khakis & tie" - is there a concensus on attire for the women on rotations (when not wearing scriubs) ? Slacks, skirts only, long vs. knee length -- etc.

So far, I've seen women mostly wearing nice pants. I, personally, don't wear short skirts because long ones are so much easier and DON'T require pantyhose. But pants are even easier.

 

[freshity]

after reading one of the responses here, i was cracking up. is there someone out there--man, woman, or both--who didn't realize that at work as a medical student (and in most other professional capacities) one needs to wear a shirt that covers one's belly button? damn thee, britney spears, damn thee. when deciding what to wear to work, try not to watch too much television.

 

[DOtobe]

No joke...

I actually saw a med student today who had a little bit of her belly showing above her pants. I thought of this thread right away...Guess not everyone knows that your stomach should not be showing... 😀

 

[JDENTHOPEFULL]

bump

 

[Tazmaniac]

Or you can just wear skin-tight pleather outfits and sunglasses and run across ceilings and walls while reviving people 🙂.



I've recently discovered Hush Puppies shoes...wow...pure comfort, and about darn time, too.

-Todd MSIV USC

 

[psi1467]

Those Hush Puppies rock

 

[WakeMedHeel]

If you have big jumblies, tight shirts are always apporpriate.

 

[freshity]

or tight pants. maybe you should be more specific.

(i thot that's where you were going anyway, but i guess you don't have big jumblies)

 

[kaos]

 

[carrigallen]

Originally posted by Annette
Don't wear tops that don't cover your belly button. Most places will require you to wear pantyhose if you wear a skirt/dress (something about "perineal detritus" falling was the reason given).

heh - why would a skirt/dress let out any more "detritus" than loose pants or slacks? or scrubs?

 

[goooooober]

My uncle used to always say that attractive doctors can heal simply with their looks. So I wear tight shirts that enhance my chest and I make it a point to always expose my belly button. So far I have had two heart patients go into cardiac arrest as soon as they see me and another older gentleman pulled out his cathetor as soon as I walked in the door. It's funny though, I don't get complaints from my female coworkers. The guys though, just freak out. Just last week, I was doing my morning rounds when I ran into Dr. Abbot, a cardiac surgeon. Now I was dressed very attractively, but wasn't flaunting it or anything. I politely said, "Goodmorning Dr. Abbot, its seems like it will be a very nice day today". Out of nowhere he snaps "For crying out loud, cover your damn belly button and wear a scrup jacket over that shirt. How many times do I have to tell you John, your style is not only inappropriate, but it is disgusting!!!!" Go figure.

 

[kanyanta]

Originally posted by goooooober
My uncle used to always say that attractive doctors can heal simply with their looks. So I wear tight shirts that enhance my chest and I make it a point to always expose my belly button. So far I have had two heart patients go into cardiac arrest as soon as they see me and another older gentleman pulled out his cathetor as soon as I walked in the door. It's funny though, I don't get complaints from my female coworkers. The guys though, just freak out. Just last week, I was doing my morning rounds when I ran into Dr. Abbot, a cardiac surgeon. Now I was dressed very attractively, but wasn't flaunting it or anything. I politely said, "Goodmorning Dr. Abbot, its seems like it will be a very nice day today". Out of nowhere he snaps "For crying out loud, cover your damn belly button and wear a scrup jacket over that shirt. How many times do I have to tell you John, your style is not only inappropriate, but it is disgusting!!!!" Go figure.

I am still cracking up as I write this, too funny gooooober

 

[cookypuss3]

I actually saw a med student today who had a little bit of her belly showing above her pants. I thought of this thread right away...Guess not everyone knows that your stomach should not be showing...

Er... that was probably me...

As for Danskos, yes they stink after a while, but worth it. I prefer the shiny ones because they look a little nicer, a little dressier, which helps because overall the shoe is not exactly high fashion. I'm all about suffering for fashion, but not in the clinics.

If anyone has a Nordstrom outlet in their area, look there for the Danksos. I've gotten all mine there for about $20-30 a pair.

 

[DOtobe]

I have two pairs of Clarks shoes with the open backs (the ones you just slip your feet into) and so far they have been super comfortable. The only thing is that there are no half sizes, so one pair I have is a little big and the other is a little tight. But if I wear thick socks with one and thin socks with the other they are fine. Since the Danskos are a little harder to find (at least in my neck of the woods) I think Clarks would be just as good. During my first rotation I wore dress shoes and my feet would hurt every night. Now I wear the Clarks and my feet feel like they don't even know I've been standing for 8-9 hours (give or take an hour).

 

[genieinabottle]

I am almost finishing up 4 weeks of general surgery and these shoes are key! We're pretty much on our feet for 11 hours or more in a long day in the OR and these definitely help prevent the lower back aches I can get and they really support your foot arch. I like the oily leather bc I think it looks nicer, the shiny ones to me look a little too industirial. But that's just my opinion. The only thing to complain about it that they are kinda heavy, so really better for standing a lot (like in the OR) not running.

 

[phillybabe]

Are medical students allowed to wear only ciel blue scrubs on surgical wards?

 

[vietcongs]

good question..i'd like to know as well. I wonder if they'll let me wear my pink flowered scrubs 🙂 also, will the hosp provide the scrubs or do i have to have my own?

 

[doc05]

I wouldn't recommend wearing pink/flowered scrubs or most people will assume you are a nurse.

some hospitals will give you scrubs, some dont

 

[desiree]

would it be inappropriate for girls to wear sleevless shirts while doing their rotation?

 

[Winged Scapula]

Originally posted by phillybabe
Are medical students allowed to wear only ciel blue scrubs on surgical wards?

depends on the hospital. At ours, surgical scrubs are green and the internal medicine and its specialties are blue. Our students and residents are not allowed to wear other colors or "outside" scrubs in the OR but frankly can wear any color ones they want on the wards.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Originally posted by desiree
would it be inappropriate for girls to wear sleevless shirts while doing their rotation?

probably fine - especially if you're wearing a lab coat. however, IMHO most hospitals are cold and I suspect a sleeveless shirt would add to the problem.

 

[scully]

I have been surprised at some of the skimpy things that I have seen the new 3rd years wear on the wards. But maybe that is just California.

To all the females out there -- do you ever worry about wearing skirts, or v-neck sweaters (outfits that you would wear to class, or would wear if you were in another profession)? I feel kind of weird about this issue -- I don't want to look bad, but I also don't want to call any attention to myself because of what I am wearing. I personally love to wear skirts, but am afraid to wear them at the hospital for any rotation.

I saw an intern wearing a knee-length skirt, high (chunky) heels, and tons of makeup at Path rounds the other day. She looked very pretty -- and very out of place. I was thinking that it took alot of guts dress like that. Good for her? I am not sure. If she was doing it because she doesn't care what anyone else thinks, then great. If she was doing it to get attention (thereby distracting others from learning and patient care, and setting herself up for being harrassed), not so good.

Does anyone else think about this, or am I just overly sensitive?

 

[Winged Scapula]

I don't think you're being too sensitive about the issue of work-appropriate clothing. Unfortunately, some students either don't understand the concept, aren't aware of the difficulties their previous clothing can cause, don't care or cannot afford to replace their previous wardrobe with something more professional.

What works in a nightclub, or more creative fields does not work, and is not appropriate, IMHO, in a medical/patient care setting. That means that belly-baring shirts are out, as are skirts that ride up past mid-thigh when you sit down (which a knee length one might), low rider pants, high heels (on a strictly practical point - you place yourself at danger wearing shoes in which you might mroe easily slip and fall - I know some gals wear nothing but heels and cannot imagine wearing something else. If your rotation doesn't require you to walk fast, perhaps even run, or stand for extended periods of time, then wear them to your heart's content.), jeans, sweats, any top that even hints at cleavage or sheerness, sandals (JCAHO violation anyway - in any patient care area), etc.

No one has to look dowdy while working in the hospital but you have to avoid making your appearance, instead of your skills, the first impression you make. Any outfit which detracts from those skills and what you're saying/doing defeats the purpose of patient care. Unfortunately, many interpret professional wear either incorrectly or assume that it means they have to look years older or boring.

The "rules" go both ways - we've had some male residents wear their scrubs a little *too* tight. They've been asked to "biggie size" their scrubs.

 

[Primate]

1

 

[Asher]

Desiree , I think that a sleeveless shirt would be appropriate in most situations. You will most likely be wearing a white coat during most patient care activities so it is not likely that most people will realize that you are wearing a sleeveless shirt.

As for skirts, I find that I am one of the few med students who does wear them or wears dresses. I wear a mix of both long and short ones. Use common sense in wearing shorter skirts -- make sure you can sit down in a chair without flashing the room.

In terms of scrubs, if your hospital lets you wear them outside of the OR/on call/etc., avoid wearing one color top and another color bottom. It just looks very tacky in my opinion.

This may seems overly basic but some of the key points in looking professional includes having your hair neatly groomed and your clothes ironed.

 

[desiree]

Thanks Asher.

In Europe, med students can wear any length of white coat while working in hospitals. There is pretty much only one kind, which is a long white coat. I have heard that in the States there is a hierarchy of white coats in hospitals. Is that true? So do i have to purchase a different coat while working in a US hospital, or will they not be that strict about the coat length?

 

[Winged Scapula]

Originally posted by desiree
Thanks Asher.

In Europe, med students can wear any length of white coat while working in hospitals. There is pretty much only one kind, which is a long white coat. I have heard that in the States there is a hierarchy of white coats in hospitals. Is that true? So do i have to purchase a different coat while working in a US hospital, or will they not be that strict about the coat length?

In the US traditionally, medical students wear hip length (or short) coats; the longer ones are reserved for residents. There are some schools in which interns also wear short coats.

Most foreign students wear their long coats. Expect some confusion from nursing staff, though if you aren't required to wear the short coat.

 

[Primate]

FYI, some schools REQUIRE that med students wear short white coats (even if they have a PhD/SciD/DPhil/etc), so you may want to check policy where you are. You'd probably never get called on it, but who wants the hassle if you did?