Nursing School Orientation. What to wear!?

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Specializes in PICU, ICU, Transplant, Trauma, Surgical.

Hey all :)

Orientation for new nursing students is on Tuesday at my school. I don't know how to dress! How did you and others at your school's orientation dress? Is it okay to wear a nice top and denim? Should I wear khakis? Dress pants? There was no attire specified and I certainly do not want to be under/over dressed.

Suggestions very welcome!!! Thank you!

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Specializes in start in NICU 7/14/08.

whenever i'm uncertain, i go with business casual, emphasis on business. it is school, afterall, but it is also likely you will meet the faculty and perhaps certain hospital administrators so it's also a chance to make a nice first impression (though imho, not as formal as an interview).

just my :twocents:

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I plan to wear something nice-casual to my orientation next week - not professional attire but also not jeans, something in between - maybe a comfy summer dress with sandals.

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, Emergency, SAFE.

I agree with the No Jeans....but capris/khakis and slacks really arent that overly dressy with the right top and you shouldnt look out of place...

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Specializes in LTC/Skilled Care/Rehab.

A lot of people wore jeans or shorts to our orientation. I wasn't sure how to dress either, but I ended up wearing jeans and a cotton shirt (I wanted to be comfortable since it was all day).

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Specializes in 5th Semester - Graduation Dec '09!.

I have been wonding the same thing. I'm a guy, and was thinking of wearing a pair of khakis and an short-sleeve dress shirt.

I live in Tucson, so it's pretty hot here in August! If I could get away with it, I would wear a pair of shorts and a tee shirt!

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from my experience it didn't matter a whole lot what you wore, most of us dressed kinda dress casual/professional though. you can do jeans, but i would personally suggest slacks and a cute top.

WcBrinkerhoff-i think your plan sounds perfect, i think that's what the guys in my program wore as well.

keep in mind that even though it's hot out the air conditioning could be REALLY high, ours always is and we all freeze.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

My school gave us a dress code: business attire. I don't think I have any business attire left in my wardrobe--I left the business world many years ago--so I'm just going to go with slacks and a nice shirt. No way in hell am I wearing heels, though.

I also agree with the "no jeans/denim" idea, IMO even the nicest pair of jeans or denim skirt still looks way too casual.

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

I agree. You can never go wrong with business casual...

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I believe I wore jeans and a cute top, nothing tacky of course. It is school afterall and you've already been accepted ;) . Everyone else was pretty casual too. Relax, you'll be fine.

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MY school doesn't allow jeans or any type of denim. Anything outside of that you can wear.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

My program recommends comfortable, casual dress, and layers due to inside A/C. I always freeze in the classroom and hate being cold! I am thinking casual/dress capris, cute top, but do not want to wear heels! There is no sense in being miserable all day long. Good Luck!

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