What do you wear to meet a family?

ventmommy · Sep 10, 2013

Clean, neat scrubs or dress slacks and a top would be fine. Super dressy in my house makes me think that you didn't read a thing about my family and our cats and dogs!!! Also, if you are wearing nylons or no socks, it makes me think you missed my rules about no shoes in the house.

Elle23 · Sep 10, 2013

\ said:

Clean neat scrubs or dress slacks and a top would be fine. Super dressy in my house makes me think that you didn't read a thing about my family and our cats and dogs! Also, if you are wearing nylons or no socks, it makes me think you missed my rules about no shoes in the house.

Well I am talking about just meeting the family. Of course I would dress differently for work.

That's what I was wondering though. How casual the "meet and greet" is supposed to be.

And I always wear hose to work. I don't wear pants and socks with a skirt just doesn't work.

ventmommy · Sep 10, 2013

I knew you were talking about a meet and greet. And I know that my agency showed a potential nurse my binder that I made for them before any new nurse came. That's why I said that if you came wearing fancy stuff it made me think that you hadn't read it. Meet and greets aren't dressy at all (at least for me). If you were working for a family in a multi-million dollar home that also had staff, it might be different.

Elle23 · Sep 10, 2013

Thanks Ventmommy. I'm still pretty new to this all and still learning the ropes.

I was just trying to make a good impression by looking nice and dressing up. I know I would prefer that to someone showing up in jeans and flip flops or something!

ventmommy · Sep 10, 2013

I wouldn't be happy with flip flops but I'd be okay with some dressy jeans and a nice top.

SDALPN · Sep 10, 2013

Scrubs. Typically the larger agencies have a policy to wear scrubs unless the family requests different. And I prefer to represent myself with the image of me as a nurse since first impressions are everything.

Adele_Michal7, ASN, RN · Sep 10, 2013

I have only had 2 interviews with families. Both times I dressed like I would for a work interview (dressy skirt, hose and heels), and both times they seemed taken aback that I was so dressed up.
So I am curious what the standard dress is for these kinds of interviews. What do you normally wear to a "meet and greet" with a prospective family?

In my 2 years of pedi home care, and meeting about 20 families, I've always worn scrubs- unless the agency gave me a heads up that it was a "no scrubs allowed" family. I've run across several, unfortunately. I understand the logic behind it, but I prefer to wear scrubs while I am working as a nurse. If I was working as a fireman or police officer I wouldn't want to wear anything else, so..

If your agency is no help with guidelines, you can't go wrong with slacks and a nice shirt. My only caution would be don't look too stiff/formal- if they have a child who can play, they might think you're a stuffed shirt. LOL.

ventmommy · Sep 10, 2013

Now that I think about your post I wonder if people are put off by the skirt (but I am NOT saying you should change your ways). I don't have an issue with it but I come from a huge devoutly Orthodox Jewish family so I know that women in skirts still play on the floor with the kids. I'm wondering if some families think that you won't get down and dirty with the child for playtime, PT, OT, etc?

Elle23 · Sep 10, 2013

I'm not sure.

I get down on the floor with the 10 month old little boy I take care of all the time. It's never been an issue.

I think they were probably just used to nurses showing up in scrubs.

caddywompus · Nov 23, 2013

I wear my best scrubs unless the agency states they are a "dress casual" family. I also don't wear jewelry other than my wedding band and NO perfume.

mluvsgnc · Nov 23, 2013

Business casual is what I go for. Black pants/slacks, flats, and a modest/simple top. I, personally, would never wear jeans for any kind of interview.

And then get on the floor with the patient if necessary...