question about going to hospital and picking up app.

Megsd, BSN, RN · Jul 23, 2007

When I went to hospitals for applications, I always dressed up. You never know who you'll see there, or if later they'll go "Gee, she seemed nice, but did you see what she was wearing?"

I figure there's no reason to not make a good first impression, even to pick up applications. Good luck with the job hunt!

runner19 · Jul 23, 2007

yeah, that makes sense !!! thank you

MikeyJ, RN · Jul 23, 2007

A year or so ago I had seen a position in the paper regarding a position at a LTC facility that would work great with nursing school, and the posting said "Apply at our business office.. blah blah blah". So I put on a nice shirt and tie and slacks and went to pick up an application. I walked upto the front desk and I told her what I was doing there and she actually laughed out loud at me. I just stood there not sure what to say and I proceeded to ask her if I had did something to make her laugh. And her words were "...you put on a shirt and tie to come fill out an application??". Needless to say I decided not to turn in the application as it obviously wasn't a very professional atmosphere.

locolorenzo22, BSN, RN · Jul 23, 2007

When I worked as an Activity Director at a LTC/MI facility....the FIRST thing I did when getting applications was instruct the front office staff that if they filled it out in the facility (which most did), they were asked to give me a call when applicant was done with application....I wanted to see if A)person was serious about job, and had a moment to make a first impression...B)If they responded well to the pressure...and C) could answer spur of the moment interview questions appropriately....

I often got people who showed up in cutoffs and wife-beaters, couldn't drive, wouldn't work with mentally ill, etc......those people were quickly pole-axed....people who couldn't answer a simple question (Do you have your CNA on file? Well, no, I've never been fired though.....) and 1 phone call quickly would disqualify them.....

Go dressy...it never hurts...

natrgrrl · Jul 23, 2007

There was only one place that I applied that had physical applications to fill out. Every other place referred me to their online application, which I could fill out at home or in a little cubicle provided.

But I agree with everyone else, it can't hurt to look professional.

casi, ASN, RN · Jul 23, 2007

I always dressed somewhat nice a pair of casual khakis and a nice shirt. I always brought a nice file with all of my information in it too. Most places expect you to fill out paper applications there.

Although like someone else mentioned, most hospital applications are online now.

azor · Jul 23, 2007

I dont think its neccessary dressing so much for filling out applications.If you dress corporately just to fill out applications,on the interview day,what are you going to wear.Save it for the day but i am not telling you to go in rags.Goodluck.

Azor

WDWpixieRN, RN · Jul 24, 2007

Although like someone else mentioned, most hospital applications are online now.

And those are often difficult to get replies to. Your larger institutions get hundreds of applications and you might wait forever for a response.

Best bet as I've been told: go in person, dress at least business casual (khakis and a nice shirt and closed-toe shoes), and be prepared lest someone wants to talk to you on the spot. Better safe than sorry.

MB37 · Jul 24, 2007

Basically, I think you don't need to stand out as the best dressed applicant who asked for an ap, but you certainly don't want to be remembered as the worst dressed either. You won't get the job because you wore a suit, but you don't want to NOT get the job because you wore cut offs and flip flops.