Nursing assistant interview - clothing advice

[Raven Sierra, BSN, RN]

I have an interview for a nursing assistant/PCT job at a world-class hospital coming up. It would be ideal, as this is the place I hope to work as a RN after nursing school. So I want to make a VERY good impression. However, I need help on the clothing issue; it's been a while since I interviewed anywhere. I'm female, by the way.

In my previous professional life (post-bacc student here), I was accustomed to business casual being the norm; I worked in a creative field, and suits were considered very passe. Before that, in college the first time around, I was a member of a Division I debate team, so I wore suits constantly. As a result, I'm comfortable in both business casual and suits.

Is the classic black suit with a red collared shirt under it and black heels acceptable for a hospital interview? Or am I totally out of touch with the times? I've never been a fashionista...

[RNNPICU, BSN, RN]

The classy suit is always best. You might even want to consider a white shirt/blouse underneath instead of the red. Good Luck to you.

[BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN]

"Always dress for the job you want, not the one you have". Now, you have to tweak this a BIT since you're interviewing for the job, but I fully believe a suit is the way to go over "business casual"

[MissChloe]

I personally do not own a suit. I've never had problems interviewing with dress pants and a button down shirt, no jacket. I think a suit is fine, but not required, especially for a CNA job. But, I don't know what part of the country/world you're in, or what the hospital is. It might depend on how formal people usually are around you.