A day at work in a hospital or doctor’s office is a lot more involved than a typical day on the job in other industries. Doctors and nurses encounter a wide range of challenges that are inherent to the occupation, and believe it or not, one of those obstacles is finding a way to appropriately accessorise.

After all, you can’t exactly show up wearing fancy sunglasses and jewellery if you expect to look sane and keep your job. Still, there are some accessories that can provide a bit of convenience and style without making you look too outlandish as a medical professional. With that said, here are five useful and appealing accessories that are perfect for doctors and nurses:

1. Utility and Lunch Bags
Having a way to store and transport your smaller tools and items can be helpful, which is why many doctors and nurses carry utility bags with them to work. On days when you’re not liking the idea of eating what the cafeteria has to offer, a lunch bag would be suitable. This is much more convenient than bringing food to the lounge refrigerator in plastic bags, not to mention it looks a lot more fashionable when you have a bag that matches your outfit or has an interesting print. Of course, if this will be the first time you’re bringing food into work, be sure to know your employer’s policy for bringing food into the hospital.

2. ID Holder
Working at a hospital or clinic means you’ll need to be showing ID frequently, and with all of the other tasks you’ll be performing, it can be easy to lose one of your most important credentials. ID holders come in a variety of design styles and most include clips and large ornaments that make them easy to access and difficult to misplace. For example, ID holders with cartoon or animal design themes are commonly worn by doctors, nurses, and administrative staff in paediatric offices and family clinics as a way to make visits more welcoming and kid-friendly.

3. Nurses Watch
Whether you’re taking a pulse or simply checking to see how many minutes remain before your shift ends, having a nurse’s fob watch is a stylish and convenient way to keep track of time. These watches fit snugly in your pocket, are easy to retrieve, and come in a wide variety of designs and styles.

4. Name Badges
Sure, you probably already have a standard name tag that was given to you by your employer as part of your uniform. However, why not add some fashionable flair to your identity by using a third-party name badge instead? Furthermore, it’s always a good idea to have a backup name badge in case you ever lose the default nametag issued by your employer. Of course, a name badge also goes well with an ID holder and serves a similar purpose.

5. Custom Stethoscope
Although you probably won’t be allowed to wear an extravagant necklace, a stylish stethoscope is a great way to add some colour and character to your outfit while still staying within the realm of acceptable at work.

Bringing Personality to Your Appearance

Patients feel more comfortable around doctors and nurses that are genuine and aren’t afraid to be themselves. Step outside of the rigid lab coat mentality and present yourself as a unique individual with your own sense of style, not only for your own comfort and convenience, but also to give patients a more friendly and interesting experience.