Do you think looking professional is important?

[RNIAM]

I think that many of us have asked ourselves the same question over and over. Is it important to dress the part? I say yes. Let's look at it this way. When was the last time you trusted a Dr. who looked like a bum to the care of one of your family members? Or how would you feel if your significant other was just brought into the ICU and your Dr. walked up to you smelling of B.O. with grubby clothes on.What about a Dr. who may have showered but hasn't shaved or ironed his clothes? what about Jeans? Do they have a place in the school ? I once again say no. Your instructors see you wearing these. Maybe I am old fashioned here. Comfort is one thing but man when I see someone who looks shabby it is hard for me to get beyond it to see the ability. I say if you look competant then others will think you are as well. If your wearing your conforatble jeans with the holes in them and an old baggy t-shirt it just doesn't shout out I am a capable nurse to me. Okay let me have it. Maybe my idea is out dated? what is your take on it?:)

[RNbeach, ASN, RN]

I would have to say... that adhering to the school's dress code for clinicals is one thing...outside of clinicals... it's comfy all the way! At that point I am surrounded by my peers who are students just like me! I might want to dress up one day.. and then the next day.. I might wear sweats, shorts... jeans..

As far as a Doctor is concerned... if it is my first meeting I want him/her to look the part...... However if this is a Doc.. that I have an established relationship with... No I wouldn't mind if he was wearing jeans.... nice jeans..

[RNIAM, BSN, RN]

I guess things have changed to much for me to bear. I love the idea of uniforms in the work place. white uniforms slacks or skirts/dresses. The cap the whole nine yards. When I become a nurse that is what I am planning to wear every single day.I know a nurse who wears her uniform and she gets so much respect from her patients. I heard a few of them say over a peroid of time that at least they knew who their nurse was.To each their own but if I were teaching a subject and saw the sloppy way some people dress that might make an impression on the way that person looks to me in a clinical situation.Maybe not quite a crisp as someone who seemed to put themselves together. I am talking solely about nursing school here not college courses. Okay flame gear ready...just a minute:chair: okay I'm ready.

[RNbeach, ASN, RN]

Rhona... I do agree with you as far as the idea of a uniform..if I am interacting with patients YES.... as crisp, clean uniform... is appropiate and it's what I would wear! If white is what is required at that facility then fine... if blue is the color, then that's fine too!

Don't hide under the chair my dear! YOu have a right to your opinion! :)

Brenda

[Ortho_RN]

I think EVERYONE agrees that while you are in clinicals you should dress appropriately, and for most students it IS a nice white uniform.....

But in class... The instructors even want us to be comfortable... What would the point be of wearing a uniform to class for lecture??? All of us have a student handbook... So if it doesn't say that we cannot wear jeans/shorts and tshirts to class then they obviously don't have a problem with it.

[jschut, BSN, RN]

I WISH nurses would wear the cap and the white and all that...I have my own cap! The only one in my class to have one.....

I guess I'm two sided here....while I love the cap and white and all that.... I also love the pretty colors and different scrubs that are out.

What's a nurse to do? :)

As long as a person is clean and clothes aren't wrinkled and dirty....I am ok with it.

I do wish every one from house keepers to kitchen to nursing wouldn't wear scrubs though...too difficult for patients to tell who their nurse is, I think.

[dianacs]

I'm a stay-at-home mom, so almost all of my clothes are of the jeans-and-t-shirt variety. Have yet to find khakis that fit me properly; otherwise, I might wear those too. I do like to dress nicely for class (nice jeans, unwrinkled shirt, shoes other than tennies) and wear a little makeup, but by the end of the semester I have been known to wear sweats!

[jschut, BSN, RN]

:chuckle

I do like to dress nicely for class (nice jeans, unwrinkled shirt, shoes other than tennies) and wear a little makeup, but by the end of the semester I have been known to wear sweats!

That's me too!:chuckle

[Love-A-Nurse]

we did wear out caps to each clinical rotation in lpn school. i have worked at a facility that mandates the wearing of caps for all nurses and i did it with pride. i love hats!

we were told to purchase one for rn school but will know for sure, come monday, if we will wear them in clinical or just for the pinning and or other events.

[Lausana]

If I go to school from work I'm in "business casual" and I agree it looks nice, and lots of other students look just as nice, but for early morning classes I just prefer some drawstring pants and tennies! I personally could care less what other students look like as long as they don't smell...and there's always one or two

I will agree with you, I prefer professionals on the job to be in a pair of dress slacks or wearing the appropriate uniform. Just like I like the color of ketchup to stay red :roll I am resistant to change.

Quick story...wish I had a pic...I was at work & greeted a "possible" vendor, who came in without appointment to try and meet whoever. Major pet peeve of mine. Anyway he looked scruffy, was sweaty, and his big belly was hanging over his jeans and out of his wrinkly t-shirt. Bleeeeck. I then understood the importance of a dress code in the professional world since people will always push the limits...OK it isn't nearly as funny as if you could have seen him...he looked like a bum who wanted to do business with us.

[Vsummer1]

if we show up to clinicals in anything other than the "uniform" they picked for us -- we get sent home. the only exception is if you are pregnant and the uniform won't fit. they even dictate what sweater/jacket we can wear on the floor.

the only restriction for students (and yes, this is actually in the manual) no shirt, no shoes, no service. that they had to print that in the manual really makes me wonder what some students have done in the past

personally, as a student, i always wear a shirt and shoes and i have been known to show up in sweats during winter, and shorts during summer.

for the orientation i did wear a dress. the other students? i didn't actually notice!

[Vsummer1]

As for doctors in jeans, hey if a doctor is called in to the hospital I just want that Dr. THERE fast. I don't think the patient would appreciate the doc running home to change into "more appropriate" wear.

My doc does some hours on weekends, and then he wears jeans. Normal hours he is in the suit.

[studentOH]

I wish I could wear my scrubs all the time! I love them!

Brian