I’m the kind of person who hears random phrases in life that spark a pun or a funny wordplay in MY somewhat cavernous catawampus cranium. I also notice things that are part of humdrum humanity that are there for all to see but seem to tickle my observational fancy (as I promised to share in the prologue to my blog). To that point, in honor of Fashion Week 2023 in NYC, and fueled by dexamethasone and the aforementioned puckish POV, here's a nod toward the caregivers' clothing at the clinic.
If you think about it, the only time any of us would be aware of any changes in the world of medical fashion would be upon a hopefully rare and short trip to the hospital. Lucky for you, I have thought about it periodically during my regular monthly Saturday visits, and am now prepared to share this outfit overview with you.
- Though few and far between, there are still some who prefer straight-up standard solid colors. They are no longer white (which curiously shows blood more than any other color), and now offer a slightly more flattering silhouette than a starched potato sack.
- Some of the nurses (doing a weekend shift from their normal Pediatrics routine) wear their regular regalia geared toward their under-10 patients. They are cheerfully adorned in friendly dinosaurs or playful personalities from TV (Sesame Street) or literature (Winnie the Pooh) - to name a few.
- At times their finery takes on a holiday theme; tapping into images or patterns for Valentine's Day, St Patrick's Day, 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- And then there is the group that sports what I call “enthusiast’s ensembles.” They show their love of famous characters such as Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, Peter Pan, and Snoopy. Or favorites from MU (Spidey, Hulk, Thor, etc) or DC (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, etc.); which is poignant considering that these HCP's are truly Heroes Caring for Patients.
As an aside, I have also noticed that CINJ provides an impressive stream of motivational swag for their employees. Various styles of fleece outerwear (it tends to be kinda cold in the clinic) as well as a wide array of team-spirit T-shirts; worn by all members of the crew - from nurses to support services staff.
It all presents a welcomed change, appreciated energy, and visual distraction from the otherwise sterile environment and décor of an infusion clinic.
