What to wear on a unit where nurses wear street clothes and not scrubs?

[tareija]

Hi all,

I have just been hired for my first job (yay!) I will be working in a psychiatric inpatient unit. The nurses on the unit where street clothes instead of scrubs. This seems to be common for psych units in my area, as I think it's supposed to make the unit feel less institutional and therefore less intimidating for the patients, most of whom are there involuntarily.

Does anyone here work on a unit where scrubs are not worn? If so, any wardrobe advice for a new grad?

[g8sushma, ASN, BSN, MSN]

that sound great to me but keep in mind that you would want to wear clothes that would also protect you from the elements that a psych patient can create. nothing too tight or too loose, and nothing revealing

[elkpark]

Comfortable, casual clothing that you can move around in easily -- nothing seductive (plunging necklines, tight or sheer tops, short skirts), nothing with any kind of logo or slogan (sports teams, alcohol brands, "clever" sayings, etc.). The idea is to be as neutral as possible and not give away any information about yourself, or draw attention to yourself, any more than necessary. Also, keep jewelry to a minimum, both because 1) earrings, chains around your neck, etc., can be used to hurt you and 2) you don't want something you really care about to get inadvertently damaged or broken.

Best wishes!