What to wear to orientation?

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I know this topic has been covered here, but I'm mostly just fretting. For my general orientation, the new employee booklet stated that professional attire is expected. Scrubs/uniforms are acceptable for those that will be wearing them in their role. What do you wear to your orientation? I instinctively went for my scrubs, but I also don't want to stick out like a sore thumb when it'd be in better taste to dress professionally. I know, I'm just fretting. But other opinions would give me piece of mind. Thanks!

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Specializes in L&D, RNC-OB, now Circulating in the Main OR.

Neutral color slacks, button down and appropriate shoes. Simple accessories (ie wedding ring, and earrings). Bring a professional binder/folder/organizer for paperwork. Don't forget a pen!

Congrats and good luck!

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Specializes in Ambulatory care.

on my orientation I wore white scrubs top and bottom. After all I am a nurse and should there be a need I can go on the floor as orientee which you cannot do if you're in anything but scrubs. Until told otherwise on exact dress code no one can fault you fore wearing whites, its the accepted default nurse uniform.

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I know this topic has been covered here, but I'm mostly just fretting. For my general orientation, the new employee booklet stated that professional attire is expected. Scrubs/uniforms are acceptable for those that will be wearing them in their role. What do you wear to your orientation? I instinctively went for my scrubs, but I also don't want to stick out like a sore thumb when it'd be in better taste to dress professionally. I know, I'm just fretting. But other opinions would give me piece of mind. Thanks!

At my orientation I was with RNs the first day, and I am a PCT. We were all in business/professional attire the first day. We met the HR team, the hospital president, as well as other important people in the hospital.

The second day they allowed scrubs.

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My hospital stated the same as yours for orientation....I think 90% of us wore scrubs and the rest wore slacks and a nice blouse :)

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Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.

We were told business casual, so nice slacks and blouse. Some newbies showed up in jeans and tennis and were given a firm warning. I always default to business casual unless I'm going to be on the floor for orientation.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Business casual, then scrubs if on the floor. :yes:

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Specializes in Medicine.

I even emailed my recruiter the night before orientation because I was nervous about what to wear! And he said "scrubs or business casual, doesn't matter." So I wore business casual the first couple of days then scrubs from there on out. We had a mix of both :)

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

I wore my scrubs and so did the other nurses except one, which was fine. As long as you are wearing "business casual - no jeans, or scrubs." Don't fret and good luck!

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Specializes in Operating Room.

I would say wear scrubs if you are allowed and will be working in a clinical setting. This is what you will most likely have your picture taken with your ID badge, so its always nice to have a professional picture with your medical uniform on in my opinion. If you are doing business, administration, or financial I would wear business professional/casual because it is fitting to your job description. If they allow it be assured other people at your orientation will be wearing both. Try to focus on the position instead of the clothes!

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Follow the direction of the facility. If they gave NONE, then business casual: slacks, shoes (no open anything, no sneakers), a top that fits properly (not short, not tight).

If they said "business casual or scrubs", then it's your call, BUT I'd err on the side of business casual. You'll be wearing scrubs day in and day out once orientation is over, so why not have HR and others see that you are a professional capable of dressing appropriately OFF the floor?

Beyond that....have a folder/notebook and a pen. Turn off your cellphone, for the love of Mike, while you're in session; you don't want to be "THAT person" who has his/her phone ring and disrupt everyone :)

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

I am always amazed at the sheer number of nursing professionals who have NO idea what in the world business casual means!! On our last day of a clinical when I was a student, our instructor told us we could take a break from the hideous all white scrubs since we wouldn't be on the floor at all, but to come in business casual. I was, no lie, the ONLY one not in jeans and half wore a hoodie!!! My instructor "called me out" in a good way, as an example of what BC meant. It was a little embarrasing even though it was being pointed out in a positive way!

We were told business casual, so nice slacks and blouse. Some newbies showed up in jeans and tennis and were given a firm warning. I always default to business casual unless I'm going to be on the floor for orientation.
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