Clothing attire for job shadowing

Dorito, ASN, RN · Jul 26, 2006

I don't know what the dress code is for NICU but I've seen a few high school kids here job shadowing that I was shocked to see! Mid drift shirts with low cut jeans, piercings on their bellybuttons that were visable. I couldn't believe that they wore this stuff to a healthcare facility to job shadow. I would play it safe and call the manager to see what they recommend.

TazziRN, RN · Jul 26, 2006

NICUs will require scrubs. If you don't have any, then call the unit and ask if there is something you can borrow from them to wear, like paper scrubs or a set from the OR.

MrsMommaRN · Jul 27, 2006

sounds like what you have seen what not to wear and i agree with tazzi. i am sure the hospital would be more than accomidating with scrubs. have a great day shadowing. i love the nicu its a wonderful place.

BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN · Jul 27, 2006

Not all NICU's require scrubs for shadowing...we don't. We have had people in nice street clothes...no jeans, cutoffs etc or in their school uniform. When we have prospective new hires shadowing we let them hold babies :)

nurse2beeinthefuture · Jul 27, 2006

I agree with Dorito, you should call the administrator, some NICUs have specific dress codes, due to case sensitivity of the babies.

Gompers, BSN, RN · Jul 27, 2006

If they didn't tell you something specific to wear (like scrubs) then I'd just go with business casual. Some khakis, a button down or polo shirt, nice shoes. No jeans, tanks, t-shirts, shorts, or sandals. If you have scrubs from another job, that would be acceptable too. If the NICU you go to wears surgical scrubs, they'll provide you with a set.

We've had people shadow us before and they only have to do the 2 minute scrub-in like every other visitor. They don't usually put on scrubs because they're not supposed to be touching anything, really. We can always give them an isolation gown to put on over their clothes if there is a chance to hold a healthy baby. I mean, it's not like the visitors wear scrubs!

kmftiko · Jul 28, 2006

Great advice! I actually wore business casual and it was most acceptable. I did not touch anything though. My experience was wonderful and the nurses there were truly amazing. I never saw such a cohesive team. It is motivating to see that there are nurse teams out there that can get along! I am moving to Orlando, and I am not sure what I will be getting myself into :roll You are great! Enjoyed the comments :)