My DD has a nursing interview

[WineIsFineAtNine]

Very very proud to say my DD1 has a nursing interview at her first choice university next week!

The issue is we're now unsure what DD should wear. She's 20, 5'11, size 16 and a 34HH bra. She has a long bob hairstyle with blonde highlights.

What should she wear?!
She is more comfortable in flat shoes due to already being tall and likes to have shellac nails but I'm not sure if this is appropriate for a nursing interview. Maybe in a nude colour? Should she have a wash and blow dry for it? DD has very frizzy coarse hair which looks very messy if left unstyled, or should she have it up? Should she take a handbag?

Any ideas would be fab, there isn't a budget :)

[Mama1980]

One of my sil is a nurse/nursing lecturer, she said: smart black trousers, blouse or smart top. Flats are fine. Hair needs to be neat and tidy, but doesn't matter what she does to achieve that. Nails not really a issue for an interview but obviously not appropriate when she would be working.
Attitude and enthusiasm far more important than appearance but smart is the way to go.
Good luck to her, hope she gets in.

[Embolio]

What Mama1980 said ^ (am a nurse). No need for a suit or anything uber-smart. I think for my last interview I wore dark grey wide-leg trousers and a green blouse type top, flats are fine. Nails fine for interview but obviously not in a clinical setting. If a blow dry will make her feel confident go for it, but clean and tidy is fine. I'd take a handbag to put my portfolio/stuff in as it saves carrying papers etc around. Hope it goes well, sending good luck vibes!

[InternationalHouseofToast]

it may sound ridiculous but how is she getting there?

If she's got to get a train then a bus then walk, in February weather, make sure she also has a smarter coat and maybe a hat so she feels confident and can go straight into interview mode when she gets there, rather than staggering through the door feeling like a drowned rat, if the weather's bad.

and good luck to her.

[vanillabeauty]

Not read the other replies as in a rush, I am a nursing student. Was told by someone at Plymouth uni, as long as you are comfortable/clean they didn't take any notice. (But make sure shoes are clean) I think I wore tights 80 denier, dress (just above knee, I think it was grey) and a black Cardi.
Good luck read around the 6'c's and the Francis report/current nursing issues

[ThePortlyPinUp]

I too am a nursing student and wore a wrap dress, opaque tights and flats. I had a large bag as I needed to take lots of important documentation such as passport, birth certificate etc.

[mrssmith79]

IIRC, I wore smart black trousers and a top/ cardi. Smart bag and hair tied back (it's pretty long).
The NHS 5 Year Forward View is very 'in' at the minute, it's available online and only about 30 pages long - well worth a read.

[dressmeinblueplease]

clean and tidy clean and tidy clean and tidy!

I wore a blue cotton broderie anglaise above the knee dress (primark £5) with black tights, black cardi and black pointed flats. I'm sure I had an enormous bag with me as I had to bring all my documents/ statement supporting evidence etc with me.

I made sure my clothes were perfectly ironed (I never iron) and touched up my make up (and deodorant!) when I arrived. I think I wore a fine gold chain and small gold stud earrings. nails weren't painted

[smellysocksandchickenpox]

She will need a large handbag as you are usually asked o bring some documents. One that will fit an A4 file.

I would encourage her to go without the nails (and lashes if she wears them)

other than that, clean tidy neat & comfortable

[ifonly4]

As said clean and tidy. I know she'll have a uniform in time, but I tend dress and present myself exactly how I would if I was doing that role. ie I suggest your DD has her nails how she would if working. Nothing wrong with flat shoes. She should wear something smart/casually smart that she feels comfortable in. Totally acceptable to take a bag, most of us would need one for money, keys, mobile, certificates etc - it can just be hung over back of chair or placed just underneath.

Your DD sounds lovely, I'm sure it'll go well for her.