Do I need a suit???

rninme · Jul 3, 2006

I don't know for sure about a suit...I think maybe nice dress clothes would do....but I think it is up to you and depends on the job you are applying for. A management job...definately a suit. NO OPEN TOED SHOES!!! Just don't show up in rumpled scrubs or blue jeans.

WSU_Ally_RN, BSN, RN · Jul 3, 2006

I got a suit from Khol's about a month ago. They sell them in pieces, and were relatively inexpensive... I got my jacket, pants, shirt, shoes, and purse for less than $80! I purchased a sleeveless button down shirt from K-mart for $5... I figured I'm not going to be taking my jacket off so who cares, I'll just be less hot... I'm not really sure if suit's are the way to go or not, but to me it convays a very professional attitude, which is something that employers are looking for, so that's why I got mine.

maledi · Jul 3, 2006

Oh I would never. It would be a staff nurse position and I was thinking maybe gray or black slacks with a button up blouse or something like that or maybe a short sleeved sweater. Thanks for the advice. I realy don't feel like blowing so much money on a suit especially after the wrath of the $375 NCLEX.

maledi · Jul 3, 2006

This is true.

Pupnshnooter · Jul 3, 2006

As a recruiter, I feel that the more professional you look, the better you will feel and will be able to present yourself.

I do not like it when someone shows up in business casual attire or worse - shorts and a t-shirt. :nono: I suggest you go to Sears, JCPenney, or Kohl's and look in the clearance section and find yourself something SUITable to wear. I also know that in NJ we have Kasper outlet stores. If you have one by you, you can often find a full suit for lesst than $80!

Trust me - first impressions last a lifetime. :wink2:

gauge14iv, MSN, APRN, NP · Jul 3, 2006

Resale stores usually have nice suits too!

I think a suit is worth the investment - it might make the difference in getting that couple of extra dollars an hour you are trying to negotiate for! In that case, it would pay for itself!

mtngrl, ASN, RN · Jul 3, 2006

Oh I would never. It would be a staff nurse position and I was thinking maybe gray or black slacks with a button up blouse or something like that or maybe a short sleeved sweater. Thanks for the advice. I realy don't feel like blowing so much money on a suit especially after the wrath of the $375 NCLEX.

I think that sounds just fine. That is exactly the type of oufit I have worn on all the interviews I have been to and I have always gotten the job (these were for positions as staff nurse in Dr's office and hospital). I wore grey slacks and a lightweight sweater that was more dressy than casual. And grey closed toe heels with a short square heel.

LadySugarBug · Jul 3, 2006

i am sorry, but I have to say Yes, you probably do need to wear a suit. Navy or Black, or gray; cream or white blouse, nuetral hose, closed toed pumps/shoes. A friend of mine works as "the person who hires!" for doctor's offices and for hospitals,another state from me, dang it!) and she told me that when I start interviewing if I don't wear a suit she'll kick my butt! :uhoh3:

The reason: same as with nursing school interviews, the more time you take with the way you dress shows how much you care, and how much you want the job. Competition is fierce, and those who go the extra mile get the job.

Kohl's, Goodies, Sears, Cato, and the outlet stores/malls are good places to look. I purchased a black suit ( Jones of New York) and their outlet store for $120. I bought the jacket and skirt seperate. ALSO -- you can borrow one from a friend!

Good Luck!!

Guest717236 · Jul 3, 2006

If you are interviewing as a new grad you need a suit, especially

in Boston and vicinity. You could try TJ Max or Marshalls.

I agree with the previous post, navy or dark color.

Absolutely no open toe shoes !

Good luck with your interviewing, hope you find the job of your dreams!

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 3, 2006

It really depends on the culture where you want to work. In some areas of the country, almost everyone wear's a suit. In others, almost nobody wears a suit.

In most places where I have lived/workd, suits are not necessary for staff nurse positions. Nice slacks, a dress, or a skirt would be fine -- as long as they had that "neat, clean, professional" look to them. Conservative, no denim, no bare skin, etc. Interviewers (like me) are more interested in your qualifications and in your potential to succeed on the job than in how much money you spent on your clothes. We understand that students don't have much money.

However ... in some areas of the country, most new grads will wear suits because that is what they learned in school. Because it has come to be expected as a cultural norm, then I would recommend that a new grad wear a suit in such places.

So ... assess your local cultural norms. Go with what you find to be the norm for that area.

Good luck,

llg

Bumashes, MSN, APRN, NP · Jul 3, 2006

I'm real nosy when it comes to asking questions. I would call a couple of hospitals in the area and ask to speak with Human Resources. Then I'd just say I was doing a little research on what to expect from an interview or some such thing. I'd ask what is usually the preferred way of dressing, what they like to see, etc. Then, problem solved! I've never had any trouble with getting answers to my questions when I approach people in this manner. Good luck!