AANA Annual Convention attire

[midwestsrna1]

Just looking for some input from CRNAs and senior SRNAs who attended the AANA convention in recent years...Does everyone really wear suits all the time like you see in the pictures? Or is there the usual varying levels of business casual? I'm coming to the sad realization that I have one suit (that I purchased to interview) and a few other outfits that would look professional (but are not suits). Ugh...I cannot afford to go out and buy a new wardrobe of clothes to wear one or twice a year. Please advise.

[yoga crna]

Dress professionally. Take the suit and wear it to the important events like the opening ceremony and keynote address (President Clinton). For the general sessions nice slacks and shirt or jacket would be appropiate. For the females, dresses, skirts, pants suits, tasteful casual. I have seen both CRNAs and students be asked to leave and to change clothes. NO SHORTS OR JEANS at the professional sessions.

This is an interesting subject, because nurses in general do not dress professionally. Of course, I understand about being at work and wearing scrubs. I wear business attire or a dressy outfit to work every day, change into scrubs when I get to work.

It really sets me apart from the OR nurses who show up in torn jeans, shorts, belly-button showing tops and other tacky looking attire. Professionalism is many things. I notice the surgeons all wear suits or very nice casual clothes to work. You will never be criticized for being well dressed and groomed.

yoga crna

[midwestsrna1]

Yoga,

Thanks for the great advice. Glad to hear you make the extra effort to look professional.