Can I wear the scrubs for an interview?

[MSTRN]

Hello,

I am an experienced RN trying to find a new hospital job. I will have to go to the interview right after work. I won't have time to change my clothes. Would it be inappropriate to appear at the interview wearing scrubs?

Thank you for your advice.

[Conqueror+, BSN, RN]

I have done both but it COMPLETELY depends on the vibe of the facility. If I am going to be a shift worker on the floor I have worn scrubs. If I will have ANY type of supervisory responsibilities or regular interaction with management (I work nights) I wear business casual. I have never had a negative reaction to going into a nursing interview dressed like a...nurse. I would not do mickey mouse or hello kitty but thats another story. I have only been turned down for two jobs in 21 years. One because I had no BSN and one because I had no experience in that field. Good luck

[not2bblue]

Consider that after a shift, your scrubs may be dirty or smelly and wrinkled. Even if they know you are coming in straight from your shift and you are interviewing for a position where you are wearing scrubs, I wouldn't do it. It does show a lack of planning on your part as well lack of consideration. That may not be the case at all, but that is the impression. Good luck to you!

[springchick1, ADN, RN]

I won't have time to change my clothes.

If you don't have to change clothes, are you sure you are allowing enough to time to even get to the interview on time? What if the traffic is bad?

[MSTRN]

Thank all of you for your responses. I did have to rush to the place for the interview and could not change my clothes. The manager and director seemed very nice. One of them even asked if I just came from work before I explained.

They called me a few days later and offered me a second interview. They even told me what the second interview will focus on and how I should prepare for it. I guess this is a good sign. I definitely will wear a suit this time since it will be on my day off.

[inshallamiami]

I would definitely change my clothes, if only to be clean and feel f resh, but I have never understood this love affair with business suits for interviews!! WHO CARES???? I just don't understand it. I have hired people, and I couldn't care less WHAT they wore...if they were intelligent, reliable, etc. who gives a damn about clothing??? Come to the interview in a t-shirt and jeans? Fine! What matters to me is the person..not some goofy suit from Macy's. To me wearing a suit to a job interview just shows you are a lemming and a follower. But I bet I'm the only person in allnurses who feels this way.

[RunBabyRN]

My last two interviews were in the middle of my workday (I was able to take a long break). I wore scrubs to both interviews, and was offered both jobs (I also acknowledged that I had come straight from work). In the San Francisco Bay Area, in major area hospitals, with no acute care experience. As long as your scrubs are neat, you are clean and appear professional, there is no issue in my opinion. That's how they will see you when you show up for work. Dress for the job you want.

[RunBabyRN]

Good luck with your second interview!!

[MSTRN]

Thank you! I was offered the job and am going through the background check at present. :)