What do they mean by street clothes? Quick clarification please :)

[NICU Kristen]

Hi everyone! :redpinkhe

I was just offered a job as a CNA today :) Orientation is next week and they told me to come wearing "street clothes." I immediately thought jeans and nice shirt... but my mom said they meant that I don't have to wear scrubs... hmm so I am confused! What would YOU wear? This is a brand new facility. It specializes in rehabilitation. ... and it is VERY nice. Everyone dresses very nice. I don't want to be over or underdressed. Should I call them to clarify? I don't want to sound silly!

Thanks!

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

The mean not scrubs, but I would NOT show up in jeans, flip-flops or anything like that. I would show up in business casual.

Khaki pants with a blouse and nice shoes, or a semi-casual skirt with the same should be appropriate.

[MassED, BSN, RN]

dress in business casual, if you're unsure. You can't go wrong with trousers/nice slacks and a comfortable blouse with some flats/low pumps. Comfortable but not pretentious.

[kesr]

I agree with your mother, they mean classroom clothes, not patient care clothes. But no jeans on the first day! Nice slacks or skirt, top no more casual that a polo shirt. Then you can get a feel for the business culture. Probably some others will show up in jeans, but I don't think that is ever the first impression you want to make.

[Lennonninja, MSN, APRN, NP]

I would do business casual, but have a pair of scrubs in the car just in case. That way you're completely covered

[mamamerlee, LPN]

For a long time, I wore black slacks and a nice top. Kept a spare set in my car.

But you might just be wearing 'street clothes' while you are in orientation. You will find out more next week.

Some of the upper scale rehab centers have everyone in street clothes so people feel more at home, less in a nursing home.

[NICU Kristen]

We will be wearing navy blue scrubs when we begin working but they said street clothes for orientation. You are right about them not wanting patients to feel like they are in a nursing home. It is upscale, cost 50 mill to build and was built 2 years ago. We are to call patients "guests" and the nurses station is called a "welcoming center." Hmm I will have to get used to this! But it is VERY nice and the GUESTS seem to be happy to call it their home. I have a really great feeling about this place, it has a good atmosphere. :) I will go with the black pants and nice top outfit! Thank you all so much. I am so glad I asked... one day I will get more life experience and I will just know these things already :) Thanks again

[NICU Kristen]

Without my mom and Allnurses I would be lost! Thank God for all of you. You are so very helpful! :redbeathe

[sharpeimom]

good luck!!

i would never wear jeans the first time, even if i had found out others were because cliche as it sounds,

you only have one chance to make a good first impression.

as others have said, black or navy or even khaki pants would be good. don't wear anything that isn't washable because even though it's orientation, accidents do happen....like the time i sat in gum.

wear something comfortable, soyou won't constantly be tugging and pulling at/on your whatever.

something you can just put on, then forget about.

[kae2010]

Business casual 100% - no jeans, no flip flops.

[NICU Kristen]

Thanks guys! I can't believe I even THOUGHT about wearing jeans. Street clothes to me sounded like what I would wear on the street so I immediately thought jeans and a tee! Lol. Glad I avoided the embarassment :) thanks again

[Getreal2011]

I would do business casual, but have a pair of scrubs in the car just in case. That way you're completely covered

I agree with Lennonninja.

Business casual and have a set of scrubs for back up.