Is it ever okay to wear

P_RN, ADN, RN · Apr 21, 2011

We used to call it church clothes. But not the hat hopefully. Best clothes, pressed and clean Modest, not revealing, no icepick heels, no clown makeup...You understand-of course you do.

psu_213, BSN, RN · Apr 21, 2011

My first job out of nursing school, I was wearing suit and tie. Recuiter said "wow, I usually interview people in scrubs." Not sure if she usually interviewed nurses/aides who already worked there. I have always worn shirt and tie, except once. The recruiter told me to wear scrubs since I had a shadowing experience set up after my interview with her. That was the only time I was not offered a job after the interview. Now I'm guessing my attire did not cost me the job, but I always wore shirt and tie afterward! If you want to portray youself as a professional, I would say to wear something like this (or the female equivalent) :twocents:

tainted1972, ASN, RN · Apr 21, 2011

Personally I think that scrubs are a good idea.

As nurses we are professionals, on the job we are expected to dress professionally and that means wearing scrubs. So why would it be any different during an interview? If I wear scrubs to an interview I am showing the interviewer that I know how to dress appropriately on the job.

I would feel more confident and more comfortable wearing scrubs anyway.

pedicurn, LPN, RN · Apr 21, 2011

Personally I think that scrubs are a good idea.
As nurses we are professionals, on the job we are expected to dress professionally and that means wearing scrubs. So why would it be any different during an interview? If I wear scrubs to an interview I am showing the interviewer that I know how to dress appropriately on the job.
I would feel more confident and more comfortable wearing scrubs anyway.

No scrubs at an interview .... not a good idea. Exception would be an internal interview where you might go for an interview on lunch break.

Turn up wearing scrubs to an interview and the manager might be thinking ... does this nurse go all over the place in her scrubs? To the supermarket? bank? Therefore judgement problem and possibly not the right image for the organisation.

Wearing your own clothes is a better choice

You have an opportunity to display your good judgment (and ofcourse the converse applies)

elprup, BSN, RN · Apr 21, 2011

Dress clothes, suit if you have one.

LongislandRN23 · Apr 21, 2011

I would NEVER wear scrubs to an interview. You do not want to look like a hot mess- its hard to look put together in scrubs. You should wear business casual, some make-up, a hint of perfume. Coco Chanel said : "Before you leave your house take off one accessory." I love Coco but I say put on one more accessory before you leave the house! Maybe its because I'm from Long Island and its all about the Gaudy here :-)

Chin up · Apr 21, 2011

I think you should wear your best pressed and starched scrubs to an interview. To me, it lets the interviewer know what your professional apperance will be. I have seen candidates come in in nice street attire, but they wore their uniform straight from the bottom of the laundry basket. Our home health clients complained!

That is not a good rationale for wearing scrubs to an interview....scrubs are not street clothes, should only be worn on the job and that fact alone tells you, not to wear them to an interview.

New grads looking for a job, please dress in polished business attire, clean, neat, appropriate make-up, little or better yet, no perfume. This makes a good impression, shows your personality and won't get you crossed off the list, as soon as you enter the room. Peace!

carolmaccas66, BSN, RN · Apr 21, 2011

No, no, no, no!

It never ceases to amaze me - literally - that people think they can turn up to interviews however they want!

It's for a PROFESSIONAL POSITION. It's business - you want to look well groomed, well shaven (if male), hair nice and neat (never just hanging loose), wear a nice suit, good shined shoes, a little make up if female and don't dress too loud or pretentious. Use a nice, light perfume or aftershave.

Do YOU honestly think you will impress them turning up in scrubs, no matter how clean they are? My boss used to recruit nurses into the clinical sector, and she used to despair that people would turn up after work in dirty and/or creased, stained uniforms, smelling of BO, hair everywhere, no make-up, etc. It just does NOT look good.

Bet that other woman didn't get the job - unless she was maybe very, very experienced.

Don't follow what other people do! Use your brains and turn up as what you want to be seen as - a professional nurse.

Ashley_RN · Apr 21, 2011

I wouldnt. I was always told to dress professional, simple & clean... Not too much makeup or perfume, hair neatly pulled back or down if done nicely, and simple accessories. I also do not think coming from work or on lunch break should be an exception either. I'm a fairly recent new grad who worked as a CNA.. When I had interviews after or during shifts I always made sure to bring a change of clothing. The managers always seemed impressed by it & commented on it. It takes all in about 5 min to change. The poster above me is right.. In the end, it is a professional position, your CAREER. Can you imagine if all jobs that had uniforms wore their work attire... it'd be very unprofessional and actually a little funny haha Good luck on your interview by the way! :)

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Apr 21, 2011

Dress for the interview, not the job

leslie :-D · Apr 21, 2011

i definitely agree about not wearing scrubs.

but if you must, at least top it with a clean, pressed lab coat...

and make sure your shoes/sneakers are not soiled, clean nails, combed hair...

followed with an apologetic and brief explanation as to why you're wearing scrubs.

leslie

nfdfiremedic, BSN, RN · Apr 21, 2011

I think this would be appropriate with advanced notice to the interviewee that you will be coming from/going directly to work and will be wearing your scrubs. Otherwise, I would say dress in formal wear.