Re: lab coats and uniforms

[Guest guest]

Jeannette,

Good question. I started in a clinic where some of the senior PT's who

had been practicing for a long time wore lab coats daily in the out-pt.

setting. I think this was purely for the " professional image " more than

the function of wearing one. We were not required to wear lab coats

but, guys were required to wear a shirt and tie.

In some in-pt. settings, I think that lab coats or scrubs are a great

idea to protect you and your clothing from body fluids, etc. A more

functional purpose for lab coat or scrub use!

My program provides both in-pt. and out-pt. PT/OT/Speech. In my clinic

we have chosen to not wear lab coats due to the more laid back community

that we live in. We are considering scrubs for in-pt care for the

functional reason of protecting our clothing.

I think that in some more affluent communities where much more value is

placed on your first impression and " professional appearance " wearing a

white lab coat may be justified. On the other hand, I find that many

patients are more relaxed and develop a better therapeutic relationship

more quickly when they don't feel intimidated by the " doctor look " of a

lab coat. Our out-pt. clinic is very professional but, at the same time

fun and relaxed with casual dress and blue jeans Fridays. I think our

patient's like this.

We do wear name badges that clearly identify our therapists both in the

out-pt. clinic and in the hospital. Our hospital is small so, our

therapists don't get lost in the " crowd " which may be much different

than a large hospital.

Just some ideas and thoughts to help you process this question. Hope

this helps.

Chad

Chad W. Yoakam, MS, PT

Manager of Rehabilitation Services

Livingston HealthCare Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Institute

lab coats and uniforms

News reports lately have talked about nurses returning to white uniforms

to distinguish them from other hospital staff members and underscore

their professionalism. Is anyone now using uniforms or lab coats in the

inpatient or outpatient setting for therapy staff? Are you considering

it for the future? What are the pros and cons?

Jeannette

Looking to start your own Practice?

Visit www.InHomeRehab.com.

Bring PTManager to your organization or State Association with a

professional workshop or course - call us at 313 884-8920 to arrange

PTManager encourages participation in your professional association.

Join and participate now!

[Guest guest]

Our inpatient physical therapists have chosen to go to wearing scrubs in

one standard color. They also have the option of wearing labcoats or

lab jackets if they chose to wear a scrub bottom and a colored top.

This helps us look professional but " protect " everyday work apparel from

the spoils of acute care.

Staff have been really positive to this uniform change although agreeing

on a color is not always easy. Scrubs are not provided by the hospital

so it is still an expense for the employees. Hope this info is helpful

Berry PT

Salem Hospital

Salem Oregon

>>> jholton@... 09/24/04 2:00 PM >>>

News reports lately have talked about nurses returning to white uniforms

to distinguish them from other hospital staff members and underscore

their professionalism. Is anyone now using uniforms or lab coats in the

inpatient or outpatient setting for therapy staff? Are you considering

it for the future? What are the pros and cons?

Jeannette

Looking to start your own Practice?

Visit www.InHomeRehab.com.

Bring PTManager to your organization or State Association with a

professional workshop or course - call us at 313 884-8920 to arrange

PTManager encourages participation in your professional association.

Join and participate now!

[Guest guest]

At the hospital where I used to be and the one where I am now (total of 17

years), we have always had the inpatient therapists wear white lab coats. I

have to admit that I have never sat down and thought deeply about why we do

that.

In giving it a little thought now, there is utility in them in that they

have the large pockets and they do add to the appearance of professionalism.

While I understand that professionalism is demonstrated by ones actions,

appearance does count for something in my opinion.

Mark Dwyer

markdwyer87@...

lab coats and uniforms

News reports lately have talked about nurses returning to white uniforms to

distinguish them from other hospital staff members and underscore their

professionalism. Is anyone now using uniforms or lab coats in the inpatient

or outpatient setting for therapy staff? Are you considering it for the

future? What are the pros and cons?

Jeannette

Looking to start your own Practice?

Visit www.InHomeRehab.com.

Bring PTManager to your organization or State Association with a

professional workshop or course - call us at 313 884-8920 to arrange

PTManager encourages participation in your professional association. Join

and participate now!

[Guest guest]

Hi Jeanette,

I am entering this discussion late.... I work in homecare and we do wear lab

coats, our nurses wear scrubs. This was new to me when I started this job

and at first I was kind of resistant to it - I don't like uniforms. However,

I have found that the lab coat is great! It has big pockets to carry all of

my " stuff " (pieces of T-band, tape measure, pulse-ox, pens, palm pilot, cell

phone, etc...) and I can leave my little traveling office in the pockets so

I don't have to collect everything every day when I start work. Also, it

does protect my clothes which is handy in some cases... I think an added

benefit for home care is that it does identify you as a healthcare

professional (as opposed to a traveling salesperson) when you arrive at a

patient's door for the first time. One negative - they are hot in the

summer! Although this year we got some short sleeve ones which are much

better. For home health they are very appropriate.

-Wong, PT, DPT

lab coats and uniforms

> News reports lately have talked about nurses returning to white uniforms

to distinguish them from other hospital staff members and underscore their

professionalism. Is anyone now using uniforms or lab coats in the inpatient

or outpatient setting for therapy staff? Are you considering it for the

future? What are the pros and cons?

>

> Jeannette

>

>

>

>

>

> Looking to start your own Practice?

> Visit www.InHomeRehab.com.

> Bring PTManager to your organization or State Association with a

professional workshop or course - call us at 313 884-8920 to arrange

> PTManager encourages participation in your professional association. Join

and participate now!

>