Tips for looking more professional

[kukukajoo]

Looking for tips and advice for students getting ready for the real world (and really all nurses) looking to change their look to something more appropriate to the workforce.

I am thinking I need a shorter, sleeker haircut as I have really curly hair that I have to wear in a ponytail or a bun at clinical which to me does not scream professionalism at all. My face is not flattered by hair tight up.

Also thinking it may be time to scrap the jeans and sweatshirts in class and in the community and maybe time to start to wear a touch of makeup every day. I always seem to run into healthcare professionals at the darndest times and I look like my teenagers.

Any ideas to students and nurses alike lookling to update their appearances?

Thanks everyone!!

[kukukajoo, LPN]

Piece of tape on the back of the badge will do the trick....

I too didn't get the makeup gene or learn from family- my mom wore lipstick and that was it. I remember a freinds mom telling me the point of makeup was not to be able to see it,or have it stand out, but to have it be subtle and accent your features. This lecture of course came after we had plastered our cheeks with half ton of bright pink blush!! But I got the point, and try to be subtle. Also I always check for the "ring" around my face at the hairline- you know- when you can see the underlying skin very distinctly there or at the chin? So always carry your makeup all the way to the hair and also down your chin and neck so it looks more natural. If you go dark on your eyes, go light on lips and vice versa. Only accentuate one of them at a time.

I also went a friend who was a hairdresser and I recently got some great tips from a friend of a friend who just finished esthetician school. She showed me how to really make my eyes pop but of course it is not suitable for work.

When i do wear makeup (which will be more than once a month now), I never wear eye shadow but I do use eyeliner. A little blush, then swipe the brush across the parts that would naturally hit the sun- forehead, chin, tip of nose... Also works well with bronzer which I have also used as blush.

I love that Ellen commercial when she asks the raccoon how her eyes look! That was THE look when I was in school and we all thought we were so darned hot, no wonder our parents shook their heads at us!!

Some great ideas and tips here thanks everyone!

[justme1972]

MAC has a great product that is a "skin glow" product that comes in shades of peach, pink, and other tones.

It's in a compact, and I take a very large powder brush when I am totally done with my make-up, and use it to highlight my forehead, chin and cheeks.

I my dirty make-up secret is I have always had dark circles under my eyes ...and I always keep a light, vanilla eye shadow that I apply with my finger under my eyes, and in the corners of my eye and down the center of my nose...it makes my nose thinner, and brightens my eyes up without having a "reverse" racoon effect.

[charlies]

That was THE look when I was in school and we all thought we were so darned hot

I still think it is hot. Please don't forget the 80's. Many of us grew up then. In my opinion, people have pretty much forgotten, or just don't care to know, how to use make-up. Less is not more. More is more.

hi.

[Sisukas]

when you have interviews at hospitals, walk through the facility the day before, acclimate yourself with the place, and look at what you see the majority of nurses wearing as far as their make up and hair styles. that'll give you the best clue of what is acceptable there. you can also get copies, most of the time, of the dress code from hr before your interview and use it for tips.

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

No pink furry purses. It's very distracting.

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

No pink furry purses. It's very distracting.

LOL!

With all this talk about makeup, I guess I'd throw in my two cents about Bare Minerals. Very natural looking, just like your bare skin only better. Light, doesn't rub off on everything, doesn't sweat off or clog up your face. No lines along your jaw where your makeup begins or ends, no need to swab liquid down into your neck either. Easy to apply, and you won't end up looking like a streetwalker!

End of the infomercial :)

[santhony44, MSN, RN, NP]

Well I just got my hair cut!!! She did an awesome job, and yes I was VERY nervous, as my hair is so curly if they don't cut it right it ends up way too short or just a huge mess! It is now a comfortable layered bob with some volume at the bottom and off my collar. It feels kicky and I could dress it up or down!!

Hold onto the hairdresser at all costs! If you have "difficult" hair that's vital!

If you are talking about an actual job interview, one of your business suits would be best. Dark blue, gray, or black, beige hose, flat or low-heeled pumps, minimal jewelry, conservative make-up, no perfume, conservative nails. I like skirts myself, but a businesslike pantsuit should be fine too.

I once read this advice: dress like the job you're applying for is CEO.

[kukukajoo, LPN]

I was talking about growing up in the 80's

Last I knew the racoon and mimi looks were way out and even if they were in, I would not go there for anything. But then again, I am looking for advice.....

I still think it is hot. Please don't forget the 80's. Many of us grew up then. In my opinion, people have pretty much forgotten, or just don't care to know, how to use make-up. Less is not more. More is more.

hi.

[kukukajoo, LPN]

dress like the job you're applying for is ceo.

whoever gave you this advice was dead on!

[Lilnurse0803, RN]

TraumaRUs,

Your post had me roflmao. I can totally see how something like that would come back to haunt you in more ways that you could imagine.

We need to look and smell our best always. Not made up like we're going to the Academy Awards, but presentable, clean, and feeling good about ourselves. Likemoms would always tell us "wear clean socks and underwear 'cause you never know if someone will ever have to see you in your underwear".

I had to laugh at some of these recent posts:

I worked in our ER for 10 years and was NEVER a patient there. However, I'm on the rescue squad as a volunteer and we got a full arrest call at 2 in the morning, so I trudge on over there in sweats and flip-flops. Well, the paramedics asked that I ride in with them since we are about 45 minutes from the hospital because I could give drugs,etc. (I'm a prehospital RN). Well, we pull up to our ER and voila the whole staff sees me with no bra, sweats, now I'm sweating because we've been doing CPR on and off and shocking, etc. No one ever let me forget it.

I went to a Macy's store one day to look at purses. I'm certainly not wealthy but if I'm looking at it I can afford it. I had on sweats and flip flops that day too. So...I politely ask the clerk if I can look at a purse and she asks if I have a way to pay for it! I was pretty upset but held my temper and walked out.

However, I do not, ever, ever, ever leave my house without a bra and real clothes!!!!

[not now, RN]

With all this talk about makeup, I guess I'd throw in my two cents about Bare Minerals. Very natural looking, just like your bare skin only better. Light, doesn't rub off on everything, doesn't sweat off or clog up your face. No lines along your jaw where your makeup begins or ends, no need to swab liquid down into your neck either. Easy to apply, and you won't end up looking like a streetwalker!

End of the infomercial :)

Yes. I love this stuff. I bought it because I was tired of feeling like I had a thick layer of stuff on my face. So light, so flattering. One container lasts forever. Love it.

[Pumpkin1621]

Yes. I love this stuff. I bought it because I was tired of feeling like I had a thick layer of stuff on my face. So light, so flattering. One container lasts forever. Love it.

Really? I saw the commercials, but I am always reluctant to buy anything on TV. It's that good huh? I'll have to check out the website.