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Discussion

Proper Attire

Just wondering what opinions are concerning proper attire while in nursing school, specifically on non-clinical days (b/c we wear our "scrub uniform").

On non-clinical/didactic days we are to wear "business casual" and (sometimes with a lab coat) and am wondering if a tie is OK or too much? I want to be as professional as possible but don't want to seem like I'm trying "too hard."

A couple of nurses I work with thought I might come off as a "physician wannabe." (Please, no flames).

I'm all for raising the bar on professionalism even with basic appearance. I, for one, do not like scrubs.

What say you?

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I assume because you are thinking of wearing a tie you are male. I do not suggest a tie, because they will get in the way during lab hours. I think no jeans or tennis shoes is a given, and a button-down shirt would be fine.

That being said, some of the students in my class dressed very casually for class. I think it is possible that this made a difference in the way *some* of the instructors viewed them, especially later on during clinicals.

If you're going to be in the hospital, i.e., doing pt research the day before clinical, then go with corporate casual and a lab coat. No jeans, no shorts, no t-shirts, no sneakers. As you said, dress like a doctor/PA/NP.

For class only, jeans and a t-shirt are fine. I sometimes even wear socks. Sometimes.

  • Experts

Business casual around here usually means a collared shirt, (polo, buttondown) paired with semi-dress pants, eg khakis, chinos, cords (anything non-denim) and dress casual shoes. No sneakers, jeans, or Tshirts allowed. There's nothing wrong with dressing like a professional even while in school. The private university I attended required that we wear a shirt/tie in the morning, business casual in the afternoons to promote an attitude/image of professionalism. While it was uncomfortable at times, once I was out of school, this mode of dress followed me. While I do wear scrubs to work, I always dress business casual for staff meetings, classes, etc. My mother always said that you should dress one step above everyone else, and you'll always stick out as a professional. When I graduate NP school, I plan to wear business/business casual clothes with a lab coat. Who cares if people assume you are a doctor. It's a shame that they assume that if you are dressed nicely that you must be one, and not a nurse. I think sometimes we place comfort above appearance sometimes. Best of luck! PM me if you have any other questions!

Stephen

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