Wearing skirts as a nurse

[purplescrubs15]

I was raised in a conservative Christian family, similar to Mennonites in beliefs and dress. My sisters and I weren't allowed to wear pants except for playing outside in winter, etc. Last year I became a CNA and my parents made me wear a scrub skirt instead of pants for clinical. It was awful and embarrassing, it looked really awkward because I had to wear dark nylons with it, I looked so old-fashioned and it was nearly impossible to do things that included squatting in a way that wouldn't give everyone a view up my legs! I was very uncomfortable with it, but my parents didn't care. At the very end of clinical I couldn't take it anymore and just bought some scrub pants, which my parents were really mad about when they found out.

I am 18 now, and although my faith is important to me I don't believe that it's necessary for women to wear skirts only. I think that there are times when it is way more appropriate to be wearing pants, particularly in this kind of job. I do love skirts, but not when it's impractical. I will be starting my nursing clinical in a few months and have decided that I will not wear skirts for it.

I have reiterated many times to my parents about why I wanted to wear pants as a CNA, including that I'd rather have my legs completely covered and not with extra fabric swishing around to get gross stuff on it (urine, blood, nasty stuff in general) and I like being able to squatg down to do things like put Teds on a patient or put briefs on them, without twisting around in uncomfortable positions in order to keep my underwear from showing! I don't want to kill my back, which is what will happen if I keep on doing that. I also really hate the "sexy nurse in a dress" stereotype- it makes me cringe!- and that's all I think of when I think of a nurse in a dress. During clinical, people would also comment on how "cute" my skirt was, and it bothered me because I don't want to be seen as cute, I want to be seen as professional. I also just want to do my job comfortably, and not look old-fashioned. I also live in New England and it gets so cold in the winter!

Anyway... I know that firmly deciding that I will be wearing pants during nursing school (and later on as a nurse) is not going to go over well with my parents. I have a feeling like they might even tell me I can't live at home anymore unless I wear skirts (I'm 18). I really respect their belief but it's just not what I believe. Has anyone gone through a similar situation or can give some advice? I would just like for them to accept how I feel about it and respect my decision without causing hard feelings.

[Psychcns]

Have you considered wearing a skirt out the door and changing when you get to the hospital?

[purplescrubs15]

I have considered it. I would hate to do that because I don't want to be deceptive or hypocritical, and my parents would be really mad if they ever found out. I just really want to find a way to not cause hard feelings with my parents on this whole issue, yet be able to wear comfortable, practical and nonrestrictive clothing...

[ahs2015]

My father is similar to your parents in his very strict, conservative, Christian views of clothing and a variety of other things. I was allowed to wear pants growing up so my situation is not exactly the same as yours, but I was not allowed to wear tank tops or sleeveless shirts because he felt they were too revealing. I will tell you one thing I have learned as an adult. I am so much happier living my life for myself and making my own decisions about what I think is appropriate, etc. than doing what I thought would make him happy. I was NEVER be able to live up to whatever expectations my dad had for me and I'm ok with that now.

You are an adult and seem quite capable of making your own decisions regarding your attire. Nursing requires you to be able to move around freely, physically move patients, pick up things off the floor, etc. and that can't always be done easily wearing a skirt.

Since you still live with your parents it's a tough spot since I think you should respect their wishes (to a certain extent) while living in their home. But wearing pants to work does not seem like an unreasonable or inappropriate request.

Ultimately, it's your decision. You are an adult. I can just tell you it's much easier and less stressful living your own life instead of always trying to please other people.

Just my 2 cents. I hope that helps.

[sailornurse]

I have had students that for religious beliefs wore skirts to clinical. My daughters middle school team 2 of the girls wore long skirts to play volleyball, I don't know if they wore shorts under the skirts but they ran & played like any other player. I have worked with nurses who wore different head coverings & wore long skirts. Is it possible to wear the skirts with leggings or tights? When I first became a nurse I wore white dresses but that was when I wore my cap too. I would not compromise religious beliefs if there is a way to accommodate or work around.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

I work with a Mennonite nurse in my OR. The hospital does not provide scrub skirts, so she always changes into pants in the locker room. I don't know how that went over with her family, but it is her only option if she wants to work in our department.

I have seen a few other nurses in other departments in scrub skirts. These skirts are fairly long, and are only a few inches above the ankle. How long are the skirts you've found? Is it possible a long length wouldn't be as revealing in various positions? I also think the leggings or tights underneath would be a decent compromise, but that you also have to live life your way to be truly happy.

[Shagce1]

How about some variety of skort or culottes (sp?)? Look almost skirt like but coverage like a pant??

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

Have you considered talking to the church leader (pastor, elder) about your problem? Some very strictly religious people can be swayed by their pastors.

[LuvScience]

I didn't grow up in an environment like yours and I really want to tell you to wear whatever you feel is practical and comfortable. However, if your parents might seriously ask you to leave the home and you don't already have other living arrangements made then it might not be worth it. I have seen a few different styles of skirts for sale in different uniform catalogs and nursing websites. Maybe could shop around for something more comfortable than what you been wearing. Good luck either way!

[Dacatster, ADN]

As a very conservative religious nurse, I wear scrub skirts only. I have worked a variety of nursing such as Peds ER/trauma, Picu, Adult ER and such. Never had a problem with it.

Marcus Uniforms has a huge variety of scrub skirt colors

[ComeTogether, LPN]

You just have to respectfully tell them that you've made the choice to wear pants due to the nature of your work. There are some serious risks involved in wearing a skirt in a clinical setting, one of which is tripping, not to mention how uncomfortable and hot the nylons/tights must be!

My advice is to present it more like a fact than a question. In other words, don't give the impression that your mind can be changed and don't leave the conversation open-ended. Just be matter of fact, "I 've decided to wear scrub pants going forward, it's much easier to do my job this way which is better for my patients as well as for me"

If your patient codes you'll have to straddle them and your skirt will be around your waist, not to mention the various bodily fluids/debri that is closer to your skin when wearing a skirt.

Good luck! I wish I could be more helpful.

[Adele_Michal7, ASN, RN]

Have you considered wearing a skirt out the door and changing when you get to the hospital?

This is good advice. I grew up in an EXTREMELY conservative home and in hindsight, caused a lot of waves when advice like this would have worked. I understand not wanting to be deceptive, though.

It sounds like reason and logic just aren't going to work with your parents. They're going to be hurt with your decision no matter what.