[Julie, RN]

I have noticed that for meetings and classes many nurses where "street clothes" (jeans, tee-shirts,....). What message does this send to other health care professionals when they dress niceley for meetings and classes? I personally see myself as a professional and always dress nicley for my meetings and classes and am disappointed when I see many other nurses not presenting themselves in a professional way.
I would love to hear from both sides on this topic as it relates to nursing and professionalism.
Any opinions out there on this topic?
Please no flames!

Cheers,
Julie M.,RN

[nur20]

Hi Julie. I admire you for your professionalism, prehaps i should take a lesson from you, but personally i can hardly wait to get out of work gear and into something comfortable and feel like a human again.

[ERNurse752]

Speaking for myself, I can say that when I was in school, I'd wear jeans and sweatshirt type stuff to classes and meetings. Since I've graduated, I wear dressier clothes to them. It makes me feel more professional in my own mind, and I think *some* people take you more seriously, or in turn, also regard you as being more professional when you're dressed nicely. In several other professions, it's an expectation that you come to meetings dressed professionally, so I think it's a good thing, even though it's not as comfy

[mattcastens]

Personally, I can't wait to get dressed up, either for classes or for other reasons. I feel as if I live my entire life in scrubs, so any excuse to wear something a little more fashionable is fine with me...

"We're going to Denny's? Let me put on my tux...."

[kewlnurse]

I usually wear dockers and a golf shirt, shorts in the summer. I hate ties, I have 2, one with power tools on it and one with daffy duck playing golf, yes, it is in mockery, all a tie proves is that you have succumbed to the coperatescum image of what "proffesionalism" is. If someone is soo shallow to judge me on how i dress than i really have absolutly no use for them as a coworker or human being. When i see people dressed up for meetings and classes i usually think to myself "what the hell are your trying to prove"

[dawngloves]

I used to dress up for nursing school, then meetings and in services. But now I'm a mom to two under three!

[OneChattyNurse]

I agree with Matt. When I am not working the floor, I love to go to the non-white section of my closet. Now, I am not talking an evening gown, but I do like to wear a nice pair of jeans, a nice shirt or sweater and of course my Doc Martens!!!

Shari

[RRMLPN]

I wish i had the choice. Where i am employed it is mandatory to wear nice "casual clothes" no jeans or T-shirts. No big deal.. but it does get a little aggravating to have to get spiffed up for a 15 to 30 minute meeting on my day off when i would much rather be in my jeans lol. oh well, comes with the territory i suppose.

[Julie, RN]

This thread got me thinking about a previous similar one that I responded to on this board a while back. Here is a copy of what I wrote:
"Oooh...I just had to pipe in when I read someone mentioned professionalism and appearance!
I agree with that point of view, appearance is a part of presenting one's self as a professional. I'll admit I come from a military background so maybe I'm a little biased....but, I still feel nurses should come to work: neat, clean, unwrinkled uniforms, NO t-shirts, NO dirty old running shoes, hair done nicely, and so on. To my surprise, some nurses seem to have a tough time living up to this standard.
How about some of you other nurses, have you noticed this going on? And what has your facility/unit done about it?"
Here is the link for those that are interested in this thread:
http://allnurses.com/forums/showthre...=7085#post7085

Cheers,
Julie M.,RN

[rjlrn95]

I do agree that we need to look the part when we come to work for our shift, but-----if they expect me to drag in (in themiddle of my night) for a meeting at the hosp it will be in casual clothes.

If I am attending something offsite that is a different story. I am representing myself, my license and my employer and should dress the part.