Wearing scrubs to a funeral?

Nurses General Nursing

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I work in a small, tight knit urgent care clinic/hospital/ED. Recently, one of my favorite doctors passed away unexpectedly. Management has been thoughtful enough to close the clinic for a short period on Saturday so we can attend his memorial service. It will be at a church. I have a bit of a problem though. I don't really own any dress clothing and will not have time (or money right now) to go buy or rent anything before his service. Would it be inappropriate to wear a nice, solid colored (black maybe?) set of scrubs to his service? The only other option I really have is to drive 90 minutes away to the nearest 24 hour wal mart after work tomorrow to try to find some decent dress clothes. I live in a small community with very limited options. I badly want to attend his service as he mentored me in so many ways and was an amazing doctor and friend, but I don't want to look like an ass showing up in scrubs. As I fear people may assume I didn't care enough to dress up. Would people assume that? Would nice scrubs be inappropriate? I am male if that matters.

Guidance would be appreciated.

loriangel14, RN

6,931 Posts

Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

A fellow nurse passed away suddenly last year. Management covered the floor for 2 hours so we could all go to the funeral. We all wore our scrubs with pride. The fact that you show up to pay your respects is what counts.

RN403, BSN, RN

1 Article; 1,068 Posts

Quite frankly, I don't think that I would care what other people thought about me in this situation. What you wear is far less important than you showing up and being there for your mentor/co-worker/friend. If people have time to sit there and judge you during this difficult time then that is their problem. I am sorry for your loss.

Caffeine_IV

1,198 Posts

Specializes in LTC, med/surg, hospice.

First, I'm very sorry for your loss.

Do you own any khaki slacks and a polo shirt? That would be MY preference if I was male and did not have dressier attire. Anyway if you don't, wear what you have and feel comfortable in. Your presence is what is important not the attire.

Have scene nurses do it all the time. Specially in my home town when residents at local nursing home passes. The facility lets nurses pick up overtime shift to cover everyone to come to funeral home to pay respect and they all wear there scrubs.

You can always wear black scrubs. Personally I don't think that anyone will care what you are wearing, instead they'll be glad you showed up to pay your respects. I'm amazed your clinic is closing and allowing you to all go. I've had to miss many patient funerals due to being stuck at work. It shows respect towards that MD and the services he provided. I'm sorry for your loss.

mvm2

1,001 Posts

I as well do not see a problem with it, but if you would feel uncomfortable about it why not just wear jeans and a nice shirt. It does not have to be dressy, just something you would wear daily, even a plan colored Tshirt would be ok in my opinion

allnurses Guide

Nurse SMS, MSN, RN

6,843 Posts

Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Wearing scrubs would be fine. It is demonstrative of your relationship with the deceased and will likely be moving to the family to see it. Go and don't hang your head in any way except to mourn. I am so sorry for your loss.

abbnurse

376 Posts

Wearing scrubs would be fine. It is demonstrative of your relationship with the deceased and will likely be moving to the family to see it. Go and don't hang your head in any way except to mourn. I am so sorry for your loss.

I agree 100%. And can certainly relate to not having any dress clothing! His loved ones will only remember that you cared, and hopefully you'll get the opportunity to let them know how he touched your life. So sorry for your loss. Take care .

Texas86RN

34 Posts

I think just nice clean clothing would be appropriate, but whatever you can manage would be fine, like the other posts said , the family will be glad to see everyone who cared about their loved one, I have attended funerals in scrubs, usually because I did not have time to go put on other clothes though

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