What should I wear to a nursing conference?

MrChicagoRN, RN · Sep 3, 2011

I am attending the 2011 ANCC Magnet Nursing Conference in Baltimore, MD in October.
I am a "nurse-who-happens-to-be-male" and would like to know your opinions on what I should wear.
Should I wear a tie? Polo shirt and khakis?

Magnet conference where you are representing your institution is different than a conference for your own edification. Bring both, but probably shirt & tie

meandragonbrett · Sep 3, 2011

Definitely a shirt and tie at minimum and dress pants...not casual Khaki type pants. A jacket might even be prudent.

llg, PhD, RN · Sep 3, 2011

Hmmm... interesting .... Most men I see at conferences wear clothes in the "khaki and polo shirt" category. As a woman, that's what I have always chosen and have never felt out of place. I haven't been to the annual Magnet conference, but I've been to an ANCC run Magnet workshop for Magnet Coordinators and journey leaders, administrators, etc. That "business casual" was what most people were wearing there.

I suggest asking others from your hospital what they plan to wear and then plan on being at least as dressy as they are -- or just slightly more formal. Perhaps you should take a little of both -- slacks and nicer casual shirts for most days, but 1 or 2 nicer outfits for the more special ocassions.

gettingbsn2msn, MSN, RN · Sep 4, 2011

Just ask your HR department. They will have specifics for you.

morecoffeepls, BSN, RN · Sep 9, 2011

Cut-off denim shorts, suspenders, a 3/4 shirt with a CHiPs decal, a rainbow afro wig, and some old-school roller skates.