Wearing scrubs to the interview.

[mr cooper]

So basically I got an offer to interview at a hospital and I was told on the phone I can wear scrubs. The email confirmation said I can wear, or bring scrubs and the one review on glassdoor says they do typically have people wear scrubs to the interview. However, this is a completely new thing for me and I cant help but feel like if I do wear scrubs that I will be judged for it. On the one hand, I was told that it is ok and even expected of me, and not wearing scrubs can be seen as "not listening" or going against the culture. On the other hand..... Ive never worn anything but a suit to an interview. This is my dream job, so the thought of ruining it because of my clothing choice worries me.

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

That's a tricky one. I think given they told you to wear scrubs I would go and buy a brand new pair, solid color- maybe blue? Make sure they're immaculately pressed and fit well. May sure your shows are clean and in good condition. Clearly they are planning on having you shadow on the unit for some period of time, but make those scrubs look as professional as possible.

[Asystole RN]

Unless they demanded you wear scrubs I would default to a suit. I would also bring a new pair of scrubs if needed but always default up to the highest level of acceptable formality.

Scrubs may be a uniform but they are a uniform designed for a purpose and interviews is not one of those purposes. Would the CNO or other nurse leader wear scrubs to an important customer or vendor meeting? If no then choose suit but come prepared.

[Coffee Nurse, BSN, RN]

Since the email said you could wear or bring scrubs, I'd wear good clothes and bring the scrubs. That way you make a good visual impression but also come off as prepared.

[GM2RN]

That's a tricky one. I think given they told you to wear scrubs I would go and buy a brand new pair, solid color- maybe blue? Make sure they're immaculately pressed and fit well. May sure your shows are clean and in good condition. Clearly they are planning on having you shadow on the unit for some period of time, but make those scrubs look as professional as possible.

I would wear scrubs and follow this posters advice. I actually think it's more risky to disregard this and wear a suit given what you've said. It's possible that they want to see how you would present to work and if you have any tattoos that would show. If you do, make sure to cover them until you know their policy regarding tattoos. If you happen to have hair long enough to pull back I'd do so.

Although I have typically worn a suit to an interview, I have also won't scrubs on a couple of occasions. I explained to the manager setting up the interview that I'd be coming straight from work (in the same hospital) and was told that interviewing in scrubs would be acceptable.

[mr cooper]

Yeah, they plan on having me shadow. I think I will wear scrubs because Ill be going straight to the unit and ask for the manager at the nurses station, instead of an office tucked away to do the interview. Then right after the interview Ill shadow. 30 minutes to interview, 30 minutes to shadow. The schedule shows basically no time to change clothes in between the interview and shadowing so it might be awkward and throw off the flow. I generally want to do what is suggested of me, and scrubs were heavily suggested, so I think I'll go with it. But that nagging in my head will not turn off!

[mr cooper]

And my scrubs are already blue . Greys Anatomy to be exact :)

[PedNephNurse]

Oh yes, then wear scrubs. Sometimes it's nice for them to see you in your uniform especially since the scrubs make you look like a nurse. You know what they say, "Dress for the part". I agree with what someone said just look crisp and clean! You'll do well. But remember, if for some reason this doesn't work out it just means there's something better waiting for you around the corner. Good Luck!

[mr cooper]

Thank you very much!

[HeySis, BSN, RN]

Only other thing I can think of is make sure you are wearing the color that their staff with the same licensing wears. In our area the color scrubs RN's wear changes from company to company. I just wouldn't want to shadow for an RN position and find out I'm wearing the color that company has designated for techs, therapy, respiratory or something else.... if that makes sense?

Good Luck!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Yeah, they plan on having me shadow.

If a shadowing arrangement has been made, then there's no question about arriving there dressed in scrubs. Good luck to you.

[bscri4821]

I would wear scrubs. This would allow them to have you do a "tour" on the unit that you will be working, and allow the staff to see you "hands on". You probably won't be doing any specific patient care, but at least you wouldn't be wearing your suit during the walkthrough of the department. I have been a manager, and I have done this before. Wear the scrubs.