Rule # 3: Take your name tag off in public.

We’ve all been there, haven’t we? You’re out and about, running errands on your precious free time, proudly wearing your name tag as a Health Department employee, when suddenly… bam! You’re thrust into the role of an impromptu medical professional.

For me, it happened at a gas station. Filling up the tank, minding my own business, when the attendant spots my badge. A friendly conversation blossoms and then takes a sharp turn into pregnancy test territory. There I was, fumbling for words – wanting to be helpful, but also desperately clear that while I do work with little ones, I’m not quite qualified to diagnose bun-in-the-oven situations (especially not based on nipple symptoms!). Let’s just say the encounter left a lasting impression.

Looking back, though, this experience made me realize the power (and potential pitfalls) of sporting our early intervention badges in public. Our name tags are a double-edged sword. They create an avenue for connection, but can also lead to unexpected consultations. Let’s talk about some best practices on and off duty.

On duty:

Safety and Professional Tone: It promotes professionalism and safety by identifying you as legit.

“Company ID badges:  Many companies require the staff to wear name badges for instant identification purposes. In this case, it’s customary to wear such badges on the left shoulder.”

Nametag Etiquette – Advanced Etiquette. Advanced Etiquette.com

• I wear mine on a lanyard around my neck, as do most of my coworkers, which makes it an attractive and shiny toy to grab. We have to protect it from babies putting it in their mouths or giving me a good choke with it, so I slip it inside my shirt at the home visit. After the above gas station incident, I started doing that in public as well.

Off Duty

• While my role as an Early Interventionist is multifaceted, I am not a medical professional. Wearing a Health Department name tag in public invites being approached by strangers seeking medical advice or sharing their health problems. Here a nurse shares a story of having the same experience. [AllNurses, 2023].
• So, I take it off in public.

Now, how does this translate to our everyday interactions as Early Intervention providers?

• Conversation Starter: During home visits, our badges are a conversation starter, fostering trust and connection with families.
• Name Badge Public Service Education: We can use these “badge moments” as opportunities to educate the public about Early Intervention services in a positive way.

By following these best practices, we can ensure that our name tags are a force for good, promoting awareness of Early Intervention but also protecting ourselves from unwanted medical inquiries (nipple-related or otherwise!).

After all, the gas station may not be ideal for diagnosing pregnancies, but who knows? Maybe one day, our badges will spark a conversation that leads a family to seek the services they so desperately need.

Has your name tag ever opened you up to an awkward encounter?