scrubs: yes or no for an interview?

[RNJess10]

I'm an 18 year old CNA - never been employed as a CNA before - and I wasn't sure if I should dress business-like or if scrubs were acceptable for an interview? My mom said she didn't think so, but she isn't affiliated with the medical field. The scrubs are simply blue, nothing flashy. I have white shoes to wear with them. Is that acceptable?

[RNOTODAY, BSN, RN]

short answer: NO!!!!!

[NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN]

Wow, that's odd. Out here in cali, we were told all in school by our instructors when you go to an interview, dress as if you're ready to start the job that day. I always dress nicely in a suit when I apply for the job, and then I weare nice scrubs with a lab jacket, my personal name badge, neatly dressed at the interview. I've gotten the job at almost every interview. *shrugs* I guess it depends on your point of view.

[RN BSN 2009]

i wear whatever!

[tessalynn]

I am graduating in a couple of days and we have asked this question to different guest that have come to speak with us. The general consensus is NO. One gentelman said that he didn't mind if they were freshly laundered, wrinkle free and the person was groomed, but others said that they prefered a suit, but understand "the new generation" and while they didn't advocate scrubs, business or nice, non-revieling business casual was appropriate. Our professors agreed with the non scrub rule.

Wear what you feel is appropriate, but keep in mind that first impressions are not easily forgotten and you are most likely going up against others for the job. Do everything you can to give yourself the edge. Good luck with your Job Search!! (and don't forget the thank you note for interviews!)

[penguin2]

absolutely NOT!!!! If you expect to be taken seriously, dress conservatively & professionally in street clothes- not scrubs, and not jeans!! My manager once told me she interviewed a nurse w/a sterling resume' but that she was dressed in a skin tight mini skirt w/platform shoes and revealing tank top-- it was about 110 degrees that day, but she could not get past that outfit, and consequently didn't hire her. She saw it as poor judgement, and I think coming to a job interview in scrubs shows a lack of planning & would not be taken seriously. If you want to be viewed as a professional, you need to dress that way.

[marilynmom, LPN, NP]

To be safe, wear a nice outfit.

As you can clearly see, there is a wide range of what is acceptable for an interview in healthcare---to me personally I think nice clean scrubs are fine, but I'm not the one who is interviewing you!. For some managers, nice scrubs are perfectly fine, for some they will pass you up. So to be safe, wear a nice pair of slacks and a polo shirt or button up shirt or something like that.

If your like me and can't afford it, hit a nice thrift store in your area or Goodwill or whatever. You can fine NICE, clean tops and bottoms to wear, sometimes even brand new stuff. I found a really great outfit there the other day and I got the job I interviewed in them for (a nurse aide position).

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

I agree don't wear scrubs. Don't be too casual, but no need to wear a business suit either.

[S.T.A.C.E.Y, LPN]

Scrubs to an interview....no way!

Nice black pants and a nice button up shirt. Not too dressy, not too casual. I think a business suit would be a little much for a CNA job.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I always interview in scrubs or casual clothing (jeans, long sleeved shirts) and have never encountered any problems with being hired. However, I live in a shortage area that is in need of warm bodies no matter how they arrive dressed at the interview.

[CHATSDALE]

you never know the opinion of the person doing the interviewing, but it have never know anyone who would look askance at a nice street clothes,

cleanliness, neat hair

i know of an interviewer who said she always looked at the hands and hair of someone...

i guess everyone has thier own quirks

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Got my present position 7 yrs ago by wearing dark blue sweater and skit matching outfit, hose and dress shoes. Manager said I was only person dressed professionally...was offerred job on the spot.

Haven't worn a skirt but 1x since then when interviewing for the Managers position which I've had since 2002.

[nurselizk]

Some may have worn scrubs to an interview and been successful, but if you really want the job, why would you not maximize your chances by wearing something more appropriate for a job interview??