As a new nursing student, you may be wondering what the dress code is for clinical and school in general. Will you need to purchase a whole new wardrobe? The answer is no! You can likely get away with wearing scrubs most days, but there are a few key items that you’ll want to have in your closet to make sure you look professional and feel confident on those first few days of school.
- Nurses are often seen as compassionate caregivers and patient advocates, and first impressions matter. You want to start off on the right foot with your instructors and clinical instructors by showing that you take the profession seriously. Here are a few recommendations for what to wear to nursing school orientation.
- Dress suggestively It’s best to err on the side of conservatism when it comes to dressing for nursing school. This means avoiding anything that is too low-cut, short, or tight. You want to maintain a professional appearance at all times, both in class and in clinical settings.
- Look clean and pulled together It’s important to look neat and well-groomed for nursing school. Make sure your hair is clean and styled, and that your nails are trimmed and polished. If you wear makeup, keep it natural and understated. Avoid anything that will make you look like you just rolled out of bed. ยท Choose comfortable shoes You’ll be on your feet a lot during clinical rotations, so comfort is key. Consider investing in a good pair of nursing shoes that provides support and cushioning. You may also want to bring a second pair of shoes to change into if your feet start hurting during the day.
- Stick with neutral colors When choosing your clothes for nursing school, stick with neutral colors like black, navy, gray, or brown. These colors are not only professional, but they’re also easy to mix and match into different outfits. You can always add a pop of color with accessories if you want to jazz things up a bit.
- Bring a sweater or jacket Nursing school can get pretty hectic, so it’s always good to have an extra layer on hand in case you get cold or need to cover up for any reason. A cardigan or light jacket will do the trick nicely.Purchasing a whole new wardrobe for nursing school doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming if you stick to classic pieces in neutral colors. With a few key items in your closet, you’ll be able to create multiple outfits that are both professional and comfortable enough to get you through those long days in class or at the hospital.
