Do you think looking professional is important?

[RNIAM, BSN, RN]

I think that many of us have asked ourselves the same question over and over. Is it important to dress the part? I say yes. Let's look at it this way. When was the last time you trusted a Dr. who looked like a bum to the care of one of your family members? Or how would you feel if your significant other was just brought into the ICU and your Dr. walked up to you smelling of B.O. with grubby clothes on.What about a Dr. who may have showered but hasn't shaved or ironed his clothes? what about Jeans? Do they have a place in the school ? I once again say no. Your instructors see you wearing these. Maybe I am old fashioned here. Comfort is one thing but man when I see someone who looks shabby it is hard for me to get beyond it to see the ability. I say if you look competant then others will think you are as well. If your wearing your conforatble jeans with the holes in them and an old baggy t-shirt it just doesn't shout out I am a capable nurse to me. Okay let me have it. Maybe my idea is out dated? what is your take on it?:)

[RNIAM, BSN, RN]

oops, sorry I meant to post this in the general discussion area..oh well.

[delirium]

Hmm. This is probably cause I said I was wearing jeans to orientation? (And a baggy t-shirt to boot)

I think professionalism is important and I think it has its place. I am very professional, well put together, pressed, whatever, in clinical when I'm actually providing care to people.

At school, I'm not there to impress anyone, I'm there to learn, and I am often there for long hours at a time... I dress for comfort. Sorry, but I do. It doesn't mean that I have poor hygiene or don't take my studies seriously, but why be uncomfortable if you don't have to?

Your instructors will get to know you as a person, regardless of the clothes you wear to school. We also eat and drink in the classroom (gasp!) and our instructors wear jeans every now and then.

Just for the sake of throwing it out there, my oncologist rocks my world. He is the coolest guy ever. Everytime I see him, in a doctor-patient capacity, he is wearing jeans. It doesn't lower my opinion of him at all, in fact it makes me more comfortable with him.

[RNIAM, BSN, RN]

MsPurp

Although i understand what you are saying. I just have to disagree. If my Dr came up to me in a pair of jeans I would turn around and walk out. Not a chance. Don't care if he Mother Terresa brother/sister. I guess we are not meant to agree on this issue. And did you post someting somewhere else that I need to read by chance? lol. guess I better go look.

[Mkue]

hi rhona1.. well i think in school it's best to follow the dress code required for classes and clinicals. and i think most students do.. being comfortable in class is important, i usually wear jeans.

in clinicals yes it is important to follow the guidelines of proper dress code according to the program.

physicians? well i don't any any comments in that area.

[Gator,SN]

When was the last time you trusted a Dr. who looked like a bum to the care of one of your family members? Or how would you feel if your significant other was just brought into the ICU and your Dr. walked up to you smelling of B.O.

We had one surgeon at work who fit this description perfectly! At the time I remember thinking that he was gross and disgusting and that if any of my family ever needed surgery, it would never be performed by him!

I do agree that nurses should look professional and well groomed. MOST of the time nurses do look this way. (IMO)

gator

[jschut, BSN, RN]

I think a Dr or a nurse should look the part when on duty. Dressed nicely and professionally.

Jeans? I don' t think nurses should wear jeans while in a clinical setting. Dr's? Maybe if the doc was well groomed and his jeans fit well...no baggies and no 5 o'clock shadow stuff.....that's be ok....

And school? I wear jeans and a T-shirt...whatever is comfortable, I wear.... ! I have even been known to wear sweats!

[Love-A-Nurse]

i really do feel the "answer" to this question is neither correct or incorrect because we will base our answers on our personal views.

with that said, i am a big support for dressing professional when one is "on duty" and looking one's best when not "on duty". i do feel that no matter what one wears, they should keep good hygiene, keep hair, etc, looking neat and have a pleasing attitude.

here again, being comfortable doesn't mean wearing clothes that appear to have been slept in no matter where we go.

rhona, great topic.

[Love-A-Nurse]

"maybe i am old fashioned here."

rhona, it is good to be "old fashioned" about somethings. don't apologize for being you but do respect the way others feel.

[RNIAM, BSN, RN]

LPN,Future, RN

I always respect the way others feel. I just don't always agree.

[Love-A-Nurse]

originally posted by rhona1

lpn,future, rn

i always respect the way others feel. i just don't always agree.

rhona, wait, i wasn't implying you didn't, just making a statement. alright, i am going back to bed.

[nursing 101]

Oh! come guys... :) Jeans is perfectly normal in an academic setting. Not in clinicals, I agree where you come into contact with the general public.

School is hard as it is and why be uncomfortable specially if you are going to be there for a long time. And I'm so happy they created scrubs for nurses... Cause the white dress stuff would've been a nightmare for me. Although we'll have to wear white for clinicals (for school)...