Who says hospital life is supposed to be all work and no fun? It’s hard to differentiate yourself from others and make a name for yourself.

Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way. Even though hospitals require that we dress professionally in white coats and scrubs, you can customize certain items and pieces on your uniform. For example, you can put some bling, jewelry, or any design on your stethoscope. You can also create pockets, embroidery, and prints on your scrubs. Check out our Ultrascope stethoscopes for new fun styles and patterns!

The sky is the limit when it comes to defining yourself at the hospital. Sometimes, it can be hard to find unique ideas to make yourself stand out. Luckily, we have some tips and tricks to spice up your uniform to make you a stunner while you catwalk down the ER or ICU unit.

Stethoscope Charms

Stethoscope charms are decorative trinkets that stick around the stethoscope. You can add one for a casual look or a string of elements together to create a theme.

Several hospitals don’t allow jewelry for safety purposes because patients can grab them, but charms on your stethoscope are often permitted.

The fun part is that you can take an extra step further by choosing different tubing colors for your stethoscope. The classic tubing colors are silver and black, but there are a dozen of colors to choose from.

You can also choose various metal heads for the stethoscope, like black or gold.

If you want your stethoscope to stand out, you can get your initials or name engraved on it. You can add the inscription to the head or tubing of the stethoscope.

Shoes and Clogs

Healthcare provider's shoes often come in standard colors, such as black, gray, and brown. However, that can get pretty boring; luckily, clogs can come in various bright patterns and colors. You can pick a rainbow mosaic, fire engine red, or even a floral pattern. 

The significant part about being creative with your shoes and clogs is that it will make you stand out and keep you comfortable during a long day.

Compression Socks

When it comes to working in the hospital, you are either standing or sitting all day. This can hinder blood flow, but there is a solution for that.

Compression stocks can come in various designs. Pick a design that suits your personality, and wear it under your uniform. No one else can see it, but you can feel it. Compression stockings are amazing; they can improve your circulation and prevent potential blood clots.

Plus, some stockings can also provide warmth and comfort during a night shift in a cold hospital.

Badge Holder

Since you have to wear a badge holder, you might as well wear it in style. You can choose from a different layout, patterns, and design. You can use the badge holder to showcase your Alma Mater or other altruistic causes, such as breast cancer awareness or autism.

Pins and Jewelry

If your hospital allows it, you can buy jewelry or pins and wear them on your lab coat. Often, nurses use pins to showcase their certification or specialties, while others enjoy engravable name tags as an excellent form of identification.

Water-Resistant Watch

Some hospitals will not let you have your iPhone during your shift, so it’s essential to have a device to help you tell time, like a water-resistant watch. The great part about these watches is that you can pick a stylish or design that complements well with your uniform and personality.

Embroidery

Usually, a healthcare provider's uniform is restricted to a white coat or scrubs. You are often prohibited from wearing nail polish, jewelry, or other accessories. However, there are still various personalization options to explore, like embroidery to help personalize your uniform. Embroidery is a decorative fabric or material that requires a needle to apply the yarn or thread to attach the embroidery to the uniform. The embroidery could be your name, an interesting phrase, or an adorable design.

If you want to get professional, you can add your department, role, and title to your uniform.

Prints on Your Scrubs

Customized prints provide texture and pattern to your uniform. If you are working in the children’s hospital, you can opt for cartoon characters on your scrub. The unique design in scrubs gives off a fun and loving vibe in the workplace. It also makes the patient feel more comfortable because they are looking at a relaxed uniform rather than something serious.

Mix and Match Scrubs

If you have permission to mix and match your uniform in the hospital, then definitely take the opportunity to do it. For example, you can wear woolen clothes or full sleeve shirt under the scrub top or mix and match various color selections on your uniform, like white and black, gray and blue, and bright and pastel.

Adding a Zip or Extra Buttons

Adding an extra button or zip can make your scrubs stand out. If you want a top-notch look, then consider a front zip cutting through the center. A button can even give you a fresh look; you may add one on the pockets or sleeves to showcase your creativity.

Adding Extra Pockets

If your uniform does not have pockets, then it’s a good idea to add them. They can customize your look and be functional at the same time. Pockets can be large or small, depending on what you like. You can choose from a variety of distinct styles, designs, and colors.

In addition to that, it can be very handy, in case you have a lot of stuff to carry around. Plus, it can make you more quick and efficient when you respond to emergency cases without destroying your sense of style.

Why Should You Personalize Your Stethoscope and Uniform?

Makes Your Patient Feel More Relaxed

Have you ever heard of the "White Coat Syndrome?" This is where the patient sees a doctor walking in the room with a white coat, and their blood pressure shoots up significantly. It’s the psychological anxiety of potentially having a serious conversation with a doctor that affects the blood pressure.

Fortunately, if the healthcare provider decorates their uniform to be more fun and relaxing, it can reduce the patient's anxiety and improve the doctor-patient relationship.

Improve Your Brand

You can customize your uniform by putting an embroidery of your title, name, and department. This helps improve your branding because your patients and colleagues will immediately know who you are and what you specialize in. This creates a sense of confidence in your level of expertise because of your personalized uniform.

After all, the first impression is the most important aspect that sets the whole tone of your career and practice.

Makes You Feel Confident

If you are wearing a standard scrub or white coat, and you don’t like the design or pattern, it can destroy your confidence. This can be detrimental if your role involves direct patient care. Psychologically, if you are not comfortable in whatever you are wearing, it can have a negative impact on your work.

Fortunately, if you customize your stethoscope or uniform with your favorite design or color, it can make you feel confident and happy whenever you wear your designs. Plus, your confidence and happiness can easily be seen and felt by those around you. It will make your job easier, help improve patient care, and help enhance your teamwork experience as well.

Final Thoughts

You are working long hours in the hospital to save lives. The standard white coat and scrubs can get pretty boring. Fortunately, there are different ways to personalize your uniform. The best thing to do is just start with your stethoscope and work your way to the entire outfit.

With the proper items, colors, and designs, you’ll be able to create a style that sets you apart from your colleagues.