Whether a patient is there for a routine exam or to learn about test results for cancer, a patient just sitting there waiting for a nurse or doctor to enter is going to be really nervous. A nurse or doctor in a white coat that is going to talk to them about matters that may seriously affect their life can be really nerve-wracking.

But is it specifically the lab coat that matters? It may seem hard to believe, but studies have shown that your white coat really does make a big difference in how you are perceived as a medical professional – sometimes positively, sometimes it hurts. Definitely take into account that donning a white coat will mean different things to various patients, so figuring out their perceptions can provide insight into their potential reactions to the white lab coat.

One of the first things patients will think about when they see the white coat is the power that medical professionals have over them. The white coat connotes an hierarchical relationship over the patient. Even hospital employees that may not even be medical professionals, like front desk clerks, medical researchers, and other doctor’s office workers – can give out medical information just because they look like authoritative figures. While this may make for a quick and easy appointment, it may not necessarily be the best course of action for the patient. Make sure that you ask several questions if the patient seems to be deferring to everything that is said in your visit, such as:

• Would you like to hear about the alternatives?
• How do you feel about the treatments I’ve suggested?
• Do you have any more questions?

When the patient understands their options and has the ability to talk with you about how they feel, they will begin to act as if they are part of a relationship, rather than simply a one sided situation.

A patient or their family members may have had bad experiences with medical professionals or nurses in the past. The white coat may be seen as displaying an attitude that implies that ‘I’m better than you’ which may cause them to feel disdain for the professional wearing it. If you think that the patient is displaying this reaction, try coming into the office just in hospital scrubs, and without your lab coat. This shows that you are not using the white coat solely as a status symbol.

Just like a uniform for any other career, the lab coat can affect the perception that a patient has of you. This may be a good thing. Some patients find it reassuring when they see a white coat. They associate the coat with a nurse that is more educated in medical matters than they are. It may imbue more trust in the professional. It may even increase the expectation that you will have ALL the answers that they need – and even you can’t be expected to know everything there is to know about their condition.

You will notice that older patients are more likely to favor nurses and doctors that wear the white lab coat, while younger patients would rather see you in scrubs or other more casual clothing. At the end of the day, the choice is up to you (as long as you stay within your hospital’s uniform requirements). Whatever allows your patients form personal connections with you will be the best choice to improve their health as well as your ability to serve them better.

For additional information, please visit nursing uniforms or cheap scrubs

Find out practical knowledge about the topic of managed forex – please read this page. The time has come when concise info is really at your fingertips, use this chance.

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)

• Related posts on scrubs
• The Way You Go About Purchasing Medical Scrubs And Nursing Uniforms

Tags: scrubs