Called into the office, told I'm a slob.

Nurses General Nursing

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I recently was having a meeting with my immediate boss and the administrator over another issue. Not only did I not resolve the issue (though I know why) my appearance was also brought up. I'm tired of totally boring and unstimulating tasks I'm being given to do (QA junk, mostly) so I petitioned to be put on the floor with a med cart. I was told that would be fine if I wanted to work for LPN wages. Then, they pointed to my scrubs and messy hair and told me I was part of administration and needed to look more professional and like I have more self-esteem.

I'm sensitive about my looks anyway, so I just wanted to melt into the ground. I've gone out and bought some (expensive) dresses (Lane Bryant, Dillards, etc.) I tried on some regular pumps but thought they made me look too frumpy so I found these rather odd-looking platform high heels (Lady Ga Ga.) I'm sensitive about my weight, but if I've got to spend good money on clothes I want something I like (yes, I liked the Lady Ga Ga shoes.) Do you think this will go over well? I know we have one who is 50 yrs. old and wears baby doll dresses...what do you think is appropriate for nursing administration to wear if they don't wear scrubs?

Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, LTC.

I would say simple well fitted khaki, black, navy, and brown pants. Throw in some simple solid colored sweaters or button down shirts depending on the weather. I can't do heals, so my opinion is different, but just pick a few pair of shoes (black, brown, and maybe tannish) that are comfy but semi stylish. No hooker shoes. :lol2: Get a simple plain hair cut that can be wash and wear. Make-up isn't real necessary, but a little lip gloss does go a long way.

Specializes in School Nursing.

OK, I will readily admit I am out of the loop as far as pop culture (I listen to country most of the time), but what exactly are Lady GaGa shoes? I have seen a couple of pics of her...far to "out there" for my tastes, but I can't say I have noticed her shoes (probably flicked channels to quickly).

Anyone have photos? I am assuming they are something like what is referred to around here as "stripper shoes", if so there is no way these are appropriate for work! Anything that you would wear to the club should stay far far away from the office!

Specializes in ortho, hospice volunteer, psych,.
ok, i will readily admit i am out of the loop as far as pop culture (i listen to country most of the time), but what exactly are lady gaga shoes? i have seen a couple of pics of her...far to "out there" for my tastes, but i can't say i have noticed her shoes (probably flicked channels to quickly).

anyone have photos? i am assuming they are something like what is referred to around here as "stripper shoes", if so there is no way these are appropriate for work! anything that you would wear to the club should stay far far away from the office!

they're what my dad referred to as "hooker shoes":eek: when i came home with a similar pair 100 years ago, as a college student.

kathy

shar pei mom:paw::paw:

Specializes in mental health, military nursing.
OK, I will readily admit I am out of the loop as far as pop culture (I listen to country most of the time), but what exactly are Lady GaGa shoes? ... I am assuming they are something like what is referred to around here as "stripper shoes", if so there is no way these are appropriate for work! Anything that you would wear to the club should stay far far away from the office!

Lady Gaga's shoes tend to be far from anything we would consider wearable - just google "Lady Gaga shoes" to see! They tend to be in odd shapes (so that her feet frequently look anything but human), bejeweled, and very expensive. The late Alexander McQueen made several of her more famous pairs... more like pieces of art (or alien shoes) than "stripper shoes." You'd have to be a darn good stripper to be able to afford these shoes! Some examples:

alexander-mcqueen-spring-summer-2010-shoes-large.jpg

lady-gaga-grammy-shoes.jpgHotShots_McQueenShoes_Oct7_01.jpg

I doubt the OP's shoes are much like Ms. Gaga's, but I think that she means they are a little outlandish to most people... which isn't really suitable for LTC management ;)

Specializes in School Nursing.

Seriously, my feet hurt just looking at those! :eek:

Specializes in MedSurg, Clinic, ER.
Lady Gaga's shoes tend to be far from anything we would consider wearable - just google "Lady Gaga shoes" to see! They tend to be in odd shapes (so that her feet frequently look anything but human), bejeweled, and very expensive. The late Alexander McQueen made several of her more famous pairs... more like pieces of art (or alien shoes) than "stripper shoes." You'd have to be a darn good stripper to be able to afford these shoes! Some examples:

alexander-mcqueen-spring-summer-2010-shoes-large.jpg

lady-gaga-grammy-shoes.jpgHotShots_McQueenShoes_Oct7_01.jpg

I doubt the OP's shoes are much like Ms. Gaga's, but I think that she means they are a little outlandish to most people... which isn't really suitable for LTC management ;)

I really don't understand those claw-like shoes... I'm in the same boat as Purple Scrubs... listening primarily to country, or talk radio... don't watch much television... but I did google as mentioned and ... well, I just can't wrap my head around the claw shoes... why? LOL They're not even cute in a funky way... they are just... odd.. lol

Specializes in mental health, military nursing.

Remember though, the woman who wears these also had to be "unwrapped" mid flight because she was developing DVTs... because she was wearing duct tape. Like, wrapped around her as clothes. And she didn't want to take off her shoes, even though she could've died! I love fashion (and Lady GG), but there's a point where it's a little ridiculous...

I applaud such commitment to avant-garde style :yeah: but, as a nurse, I don't think it works for my day-to-day.

Specializes in ortho, hospice volunteer, psych,.
seriously, my feet hurt just looking at those! :eek:

that makes two of us, purple_scrubs!!:)

first choice is barefoot. i wear bass loafers, walking shoes by a variety of manufacturers, clark flats and sandals, some rockfords in various styles. that's what i've always worn. ll bean, orvis, the bass outlet (they also have terrific socks,) and rykas. comfort... comfort... comfort...:D

next thing you know, i'll be wearing the black "grandma shoes" with the cuban heels that my older relatives wore... [/i] no! no! no!:eek::uhoh3:

kathy

shar pei mom:paw::paw:

Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.
Since there are tons of websites about professional dress, I'm not going to try and give advice, but I will tell you that it doesn't take a lot of money to look sharp. Of course where I live the cost of living is relatively low, but my wife can take 200 bucks and get three complete outfits and two pairs of shoes. She usually shops at Kohl's or JC penny and she looks like a million bucks. Ok, I have to say it, Lady koo koo shoes at work??? you're kidding, right?

ITA. My mom and I shop at the Goodwill, yard sales and The Salvation Army. My mom looks so sharp and can put a whole outfit including purse with 25 bucks, no joke. She has taught me how to dress to impress without anyone even having the slight suspicion of where we shop. ;)

Specializes in MedSurg, Clinic, ER.
ITA. My mom and I shop at the Goodwill, yard sales and The Salvation Army. My mom looks so sharp and can put a whole outfit including purse with 25 bucks, no joke. She has taught me how to dress to impress without anyone even having the slight suspicion of where we shop. ;)

ITA... second hand doesn't always mean ugly, outdated or threadbare... Some really GREAT foundation pieces can be found for pennies on the dollar at consignment and resale shops, yard sales, etc... As long as you look for the 'timeless' pieces that seem to carry over from season to season and year to year... save the trendy prints and/or styles for accent pieces and you can refresh your wardrobe every year for a fraction of the cost it will look like you spent!

Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

. . .Jessy RN that's what I did for interview clothes when I was flat broke with 2 kids and had to fire up that old license- two dark tailored A-line skirts and some crepe blouses that were so-not-me. . .I didn't feel guilty never wearing them again. Getting a really good deal . . . is the best!!

Those Lady Ga Ga shoes!! ROFL!! They make Elton John platforms (what I pictured) look like staid beige Dr. Scholl shoes, lol.

Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.
You'd have to be a darn good stripper to be able to afford these shoes!

:hhmth:

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