How important is your 'look' as a nurse

Nurses Professionalism

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Especially when it comes to getting hired, pay raises and such things. I mean, I'm sure hospital administration can't possibly expect us all to look like super models, but isn't there some sort of 'look' hiring managers tend to gravitate toward?

Specializes in Critical Care.
Eating less and exercising more will make anyone lose weight. Problem is most people can't stick to it, they don't have the willpower to stick to it and begin the vicious yo-yo diet. I'm sorry but the answer is as simple as eating less, but you can't teach someone willpower, and as it shows most people lack it.

Studies has shown it has nothing to do with willpower, but actually dieting will cause your body's metabolism to slow down drastically and that is one of the reasons people gain the weight back. Also you lose muscle mass dieting and again that contributes to regaining the weight. It is a known fact men can lose weight easier and quicker because of their larger muscle mass. Now they are finding that obese people have different gut microbes than thin people and if exposed to those microbes the thin will gain weight.

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No....they are NOT the most appropriate to an interview. As a sophomore nursing student you will learn that dressing professional is of the utmost importance for an interview....scrubs are not amongst those options. In 35 years of nursing I have gone to ONE interview in scrubs...ONE.

I was a night supervisor and there was an huge explosion nearby...I did not leave my 12 hour night job after paperwork and patients were cared for...it was NOON. My interview was for 1 PM. I called the CNO a head of time to see if she wanted me to re-schedule so I could be in a more appropriate dress for the interview. She stated she admired my dedication to my present position and my uniform would be fine...sweat and all.

I brushed my teeth, freshened my hair and makeup...freshened up and went to the interview.

I did get the job.

Where have i been?

My professors have told me to wear scrubs on an interview.

Allnurses has had threads on this and nurses said they wear scrubs too.

Not trying to be funny or a troll,but what is wrong with wearing scrubs to a nursing interview?

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Where have i been?

My professors have told me to wear scrubs on an interview.

Allnurses has had threads on this and nurses said they wear scrubs too.

Not trying to be funny or a troll,but what is wrong with wearing scrubs to a nursing interview?

I think one should present themselves in a professional manner and that they are interested enough to select professional business attire instead of the casual hospital attire.

Even when I went to school we were told not to wear our uniforms for that was reserved for clinical "working clothes" and an interview is not the place for your "work clothes".

I have no control over what your program believes is correct but the standard is no scrubs unless unavoidable.

6 Job Interview Mistakes: What NOT to Do | HEALTHeCAREERS

Top Seven Things NOT to Do on a Job Interview

4 things NOT to do in a nurse job interview | Scrubs – The Leading Lifestyle Nursing Magazine Featuring Inspirational and Informational Nursing Articles

What Healthcare Professionals Should Never (Ever!) Wear - AllHealthcare.com

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

In a perfect world, looks would not matter and we would be judged only in regards to our skills and professional demeanor. However, the fact of the matter is that our society places a great deal of emphasis on outward appearance. As nurses, we are observed by our patients, their families, coworkers, administrative staff, etc. While I don't aspire to be perfect, and as a mother of 3, I don't have loads of time to spend on my appearance, I do stick to a few rules: 1.) I keep my hair colored. I am 36 and have a lot of gray. 2.) I shower before work and always wear clean, neat scrubs with clean shoes. 3.)My makeup is tasteful, just enough foundation to even out my complexion, and a light swipe of mascara. My confidence is increased when I know I look nice.

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Appearance does matter, and it is the first impression of appearance that is going to give you the hire. When you open your mouth that can be the other give away. You have to be neat in appearance to work with the public, it is your impression that is in their minds. Would you want to be taken care of someone who appears sloppy?? I must admit when my metabolism came to a screeching hault I have more around my hips and belly than what I want. This does not mean I am not trying to live healthy or promote healthy. I still iron my scrubs, my daughter tells me this is "old fashioned" but I like the straight creases down my scrubs and I can at least start out my day with them!!

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
In a perfect world, looks would not matter and we would be judged only in regards to our skills and professional demeanor.

Being neat, clean and well-groomed is part of a professional demeanor.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Presenting a professional appearance isn't rocket science. If you have long hair, control it by putting it up or tying it back; wear a conservative dress or suit, but don't look like you're attending a funeral; don't wear perfume or use a strong-smelling body wash; stand up straight, smile, and speak confidently. These are timeless techniques that anyone of any age, size, or looks can use. You want to stand out for your abilities and professionalism, not be remembered as "that '80s lady" or "the girl who wore those ripped designer jeans". :)

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Specializes in Acute care, Community Med, SANE, ASC.

To answer the original question, looks, of course, do matter. I have an acquaintance who had a difficult time getting hired which may or may not have been due to the fact that he had a lot of tattoos, including all the way up on his neck.

I also worked for a cardiologist and was told after I was hired (not in any official capacity) that he only hired people who were height/weight proportionate because he felt their appearance reflected on him (and presumably his concept of good health).

Just a few actual examples. As many others have said it's obvious that good grooming, clean and neat clothing, etc. are a must. Our looks shouldn't matter but they do--it's human nature.

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To answer the original question, looks, of course, do matter. I have an acquaintance who had a difficult time getting hired which may or may not have been due to the fact that he had a lot of tattoos, including all the way up on his neck.

I also worked for a cardiologist and was told after I was hired (not in any official capacity) that he only hired people who were height/weight proportionate because he felt their appearance reflected on him (and presumably his concept of good health).

Just a few actual examples. As many others have said it's obvious that good grooming, clean and neat clothing, etc. are a must. Our looks shouldn't matter but they do--it's human nature.

I think there's a bit of confusion on the difference between professional appearance and "looks". Tattoos all over the place is unprofessional as are piercings all over the face or in the tongue. Those things can cost you a job easily and I don't think that there is anything unfair about it. It is not professional to be all inked up with your eyebrows/nose/tongue/lips pierced. However, overweight, too tall, underweight, missing a finger should not be a basis for if you get hired. That is as much discrimination as making a decision based on race or gender and should never be considered.

Look professional, wear your nails short and don't paint them in glow in the dark stripes! If you have tats, cover them up. If they cannot be covered, you may want to look for a different line of work. Keep your hair neat and tie it back if it's long. And do not smell bad! That also means do not bathe in cheap perfume! Many people (NMS and patients as well) are allergic to it, go easy or not at all on the perfumes and scented lotions. For an interview you need to dress professionally as well. I know that's a bit silly since we basically wear pajamas to work lol, but dress professionally for that interview.

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

Ruby Vee, I agree with you completely. Being clean and neat is part of one's professional demeanor. I worked very hard to become an RN and I take pride in my profession. Taking pride in my appearance goes right along with that. When I look my very best, my confidence soars and I feel ready to tackle my shift. I visit my hairdresser every 5-6 weeks and she does a great job of turning my grays into a pretty shade of chestnut!

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Specializes in Cardiac, ER, Pediatrics, Corrections.

I look a lot younger than I actually am. I am 24 and get carded at the movies sometimes. I truly believe that prevented me from getting certain jobs. I think all that should matter in appearance is cleanliness, professionalism, and a good attitude.

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