Odd.. Told to wear scrubs for non clinical interview

not2bblue · Dec 20, 2015

There have probably been a lot of people coming in wearing street clothes and they just automatically tell everyone now. I think that wearing scrubs is never a good idea for a job interview, unless it is a mid-shift interview with your current manager for an advancement at the same job.

kbrn2002, ADN, RN · Dec 20, 2015

This is kind of an old post that I ran across so sorry for the delayed response. You were absolutely correct to go with your instincts and choose business casual. I too have never heard of an HR specifying what you should wear to an interview, but when they do it is probably wise to listen. Since this is an older post your interview should be done...so how did it go? Hope it went well for you!

Oedgar · Dec 21, 2015

I wore slacks, blouse, and a sweater. It went very well. The person I spoke with was head of HIM and also patient access. She had the scheduler team lead there as well. A very unexpected thing happened.. as she read through my resume she saw how I had taken two HIM-related classes, as well as a couple of computer classes. (one introduced me to Excel, Word, etc) She asked, "I have one more question for you... why haven't you applied for our clinical data integrity analyst position?" It took me a minute to recall even seeing that job posting. She pulled it up, and read the requirements. It listed RN. Well, I am not an RN, I am an LVN. It listed and/or a 4 yr HIM degree. I was careful to point out that I did not have the degree, only two first-semester classes.

She went through an example of some inconsistent documentation they had recently dealt with. I very neuro-impaired patient, with all of the described in detail... but the next paragraph stated the patient's gait was normal. I did not realize I had rolled my eyes at the error as she was describing this. I was seeing where it was going.

So, I am making sure to inform her I do not have a degree in HIM, she can see I am LVN not RN. But she says, "I can tell you get it.. you rolled your eyes. You could do this. " LOL I never knew I could impress in an interview with a well-placed eye roll. The manager and the scheduler team lead were joking amongst themselves who was going to get me. She walked me back to the HR office and told them to put in my app for the analyst position as well. I am a bit nervous about getting that one. I still think it's above my skill level.

They said it could be a couple of weeks before I hear anything, with the holidays and all.

P.S. The scheduling team leader wore scrubs, so I gather I could wear scrubs in that position, which suits me fine.

Thank you for asking.

kbrn2002, ADN, RN · Dec 21, 2015

Glad the interview went so well. Here's hoping a formal offer comes your way. Happy Holidays!

caliotter3 · Dec 21, 2015

So refreshing to read something positive. That interview goes to show you that you should be encouraged to get an RN license and complete a degree in HIM!

Oedgar · Jan 15, 2016

I thought I would update .... I received the job offer for the clinical data analyst position, and start Feb 1st!!!