Ethan Rhodes
Hospital gowns are designed to provide easy access for medical professionals while maintaining patient comfort and dignity. They come in a variety of styles, colours, materials, and designs to cater to diverse patient needs and procedures. While hospital gowns can be daunting or stressful to wear, especially for the first time, there are steps you can take to ensure you wear one properly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Privacy | Change in a private area or with the curtain drawn around your bed. |
| Clothing | Remove clothing but leave on underwear if possible. |
| Gown Type | Identify the type of gown and how it fastens. |
| Sleeves | Slide arms through the sleeves, letting the gown hang off your shoulders with the opening in the back. |
| Ties | Tie the laces at the neck and waist. |
| Pants | Ask if you can wear pants underneath the gown. |
| Additional Gown | Ask for a second gown to wear as a robe if you feel exposed. |
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What You'll Learn
Identify the type of gown you have
Hospital gowns are typically categorised into two types: medical gowns and patient gowns. Medical gowns are worn by doctors, nurses, surgeons, and other medical professionals, and are designed to provide protection and coverage. On the other hand, patient gowns are created with patient comfort, dignity, coverage, and ease of access for healthcare workers in mind.
Patient gowns come in a variety of styles, colours, and sizes to suit different patients' needs. The classic patient gown is the most common type, featuring a front panel for full coverage and a split down the middle at the back for easy wear. These gowns usually have ties at the neck and waist, but some versions use snaps instead. For patients who require frequent medical attention, snap-front gowns are a popular option as they provide convenient access to the chest and abdominal area while maintaining modesty and security.
If you require an intravenous (IV) line during your hospital stay, you may be provided with an IV gown. These gowns have slits up the shoulders to facilitate easy access for medical staff. The slits may be left open or closed with snaps, allowing for flexibility during treatment. For individuals with incontinence, specialised gowns are available that are constructed from waterproof or absorbent materials. These gowns often include features like built-in absorbent pads or snap closures for added protection and convenience.
In addition to the above, there are other types of gowns with specific purposes. For instance, isolation gowns act as personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare settings, safeguarding the wearer from exposure to bodily fluids. Surgical gowns, worn by operating theatre staff, are made of breathable yet impermeable materials like polypropylene and must be sterile.
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How to put on a wrap-style gown
Wrap-style hospital gowns offer more coverage for patients but can reduce access for medical practitioners. Before putting on a wrap-style hospital gown, you need to take off your clothes. You may change into the hospital gown in a private area or with the curtain drawn around your bed for privacy.
To put on a wrap-style hospital gown, first, slip into the gown with the gaps facing the front. Wrap-style gowns don't have a neck tie but they do have two waist ties. Locate the inside waist tie, which will be on the inside of either your left or right. Take the tie on the edge of the opposite side of the garment and attach it to the inner waist tie. Then, locate the outer waist tie on the other side of the garment and repeat the process with the other side that is still hanging free. If the wrap gown only has one long inner tie, then bring it around and tie it to the string on the opposite side. Adjust the overlapping panels of fabric so that they hang comfortably.
If you are wearing a wrap-style hospital gown, you may wish to tie the waist strings behind you if you are going to be walking around. Some people prefer to leave the waist strings untied if they will be lying down because otherwise, the knot can dig into their lower back.
If you are confused about how to put on your hospital gown or need help, ask your healthcare provider for assistance.
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How to tie a gown with laces
Hospital gowns can come in a variety of styles, but the most common type has two sets of laces that tie at the neck and waist. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to tie a hospital gown with laces:
First, identify what type of gown you have been given. Most hospital gowns have two sets of laces, one at the neck and one at the waist, but the location of the ties can vary. Some gowns tie in the front, while others tie in the back. If you are unsure, ask your nurse or doctor about the correct orientation of the gown.
Next, put on the gown. For a split-back gown, open it and slip your arms through the sleeves, letting the gown drape behind you. If your gown has snaps or is a full-back gown, you may need to open it and wrap it around yourself, ensuring your arms go through the appropriate sleeves.
Now, you can start tying the laces. For gowns with laces at the neck and waist, start by tying the laces at the neck. Grab one lace in each hand and tie them together in a bow, just like you would tie your shoelaces. Be careful not to double-knot the bow, as this will make it hard to undo later.
Then, tie the lower laces at the waist. If your gown ties in the back, reach behind yourself and grab one lace in each hand. Tie the laces together in a bow as tightly as you can to keep the gown securely closed. If your gown ties in the front, pull the lower tie to the front. Reach behind you to find the second tie near your lower back and bring it towards the front. Then, tie the two laces together in a bow near your hip, providing extra coverage for your backside.
Finally, make sure the gown is fastened securely and comfortably. If you are unable to tie the gown on your own, don't hesitate to ask for assistance from a caregiver or nurse.
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What to wear underneath
What you wear underneath your hospital gown depends on the reason for your visit to the hospital. For instance, the clothing you wear underneath for surgery on your hand will differ from the clothing you wear when delivering a baby. In most cases, you will be allowed to wear standard underwear underneath your hospital gown. This is dependent on the access needed, but many patients find they are able to wear their own underwear throughout their stay.
If you are wearing a straight up-and-down gown, turn it so it completely covers your front (unless your doctor has instructed you to wear it otherwise). Slip your arms into the sleeves and pull the gown up to your neck. If you have upper body mobility, tie the neck strings behind your head. If your arms are not mobile enough, then you can tie it in front of your chest and slip the strings over your head. You may wish to tie the waist strings behind you if you are going to be walking around. Some people prefer to leave the waist strings untied if they will be lying down, as otherwise, the knot can dig into their lower back.
If you are wearing a wrap gown, slip into the hospital gown with the gaps facing the front. Wrap gowns do not have a neck tie but have two waist ties.
If you have a catheter or a medical device in your lower body, you may not be able to put on pants underneath your gown. Unless your chest or genitals are being examined, you’ll most likely be able to keep on your undergarments, like your bra and underwear.
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How to remove the gown
To remove your hospital gown, perform the following steps:
First, check with your healthcare provider to see if there are any specific instructions you need to follow before removing the gown. They may want to check your vital signs or perform a medical procedure before you change. It is also important to prepare for privacy before removing the gown, as hospital gowns can be revealing. Ensure you have a blanket or robe nearby to cover yourself, and if you need assistance, ask your healthcare provider for a nurse or assistant to help you.
To remove the gown, reverse the steps you followed when putting it on. Untie or unsnap the fastenings carefully. If you are unable to do this, ask your nurse for assistance. Most hospital gowns have ties at the neck and waist, so you will need to untie these first. If your gown has ties at the back, you will need to reach behind you to find the ties and untie them. If your gown has snaps or Velcro fastenings, simply pull the gown apart at the fasteners.
If you are wearing a second gown underneath for extra privacy, you will need to untie or unsnap the fasteners of the second gown as well. Be careful not to untie or unsnap the fasteners of the wrong gown.
Once you have removed the gown, dispose of it properly. Many hospitals have specific protocols for disposing of medical waste, so ask your healthcare provider for guidance.
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Frequently asked questions
First, identify the type of gown you have been given. Gowns can have ties, buttons, or poppers. They can be a wrap-style, straight up-and-down, or lapover style. Once you know what type of gown you have, follow these steps:
- Remove your clothing or change into the hospital gown in a private area.
- Slip your arms through the sleeves of the gown, letting the gown drape behind you.
- Tie the laces behind your neck and waist.
- If your gown ties in the front, pull the lower tie to the front and tie it with the second tie near your lower back.
What you wear under a hospital gown depends on why you are visiting the hospital. In most cases, you will be allowed to wear standard underwear underneath your hospital gown. However, if your chest or genitals are being examined, you may not be able to wear a bra or underwear.
Hospital gowns can be revealing, so it is important to prepare for privacy before removing your clothes. Make sure you have a blanket or robe nearby to cover yourself. You can also ask for a second gown to wear as a robe.
