scrubs: a rant

[gshan]

Maybe it's just an odd pet peeve of mine, but I really dislike seeing medical workers wearing their scrubs in public. Be it sitting on the bus, eating lunch, shopping at the supermarket, or even going home after work. I've even rarely seen shoe covers, hair covers, small blood stains, etc. (uhh...)

Now ok, some people happen to work in an environment that requires them to dress like this without ever being in contact with patients or manditory sanitary environments - but still...it's not reassuring for me to assume.

Aren't there regulations within hospital administrations that forbid wearing sanitary uniforms out in public?

Am I just overreacting, or is it really that hard to change into scrubs after arriving at work - or at least covering them before getting there?

[/rant]

 

[usc goose]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gshan Aren't there regulations within hospital administrations that forbid wearing sanitary uniforms out in public? Am I just overreacting, or is it really that hard to change into scrubs after arriving at work - or at least covering them before getting there?

Scrubs aren't worn to be sanitary. They're worn because they're comfortable, easy to clean and something that you won't mind throwing away if you have to.

Still, I guess I understand your beef. Oh well, doesn't stop me... (sorry)

 

[BPRJam]

Scrubs are worn to reduce bioburden, since they don't give off lint and are dense enough to inhibit human dander from going through them. It was only until the medical community realized that humans are by far the worst source of bioburden did the requirements on keeping scrubs lint-free and sterlized become less important (about 20 years ago).

Plus, they are easy to clean and cheap.

Some areas I have worked in prohibit the scrubs from leaving certain areas (you have to change clothes to leave the building), so that they can clean them in a way that ensure sterilization, and prohibits lint or foreign matter from being deposited on them (like drying them with towels would do, or wearing them into a building under construction). Mostly, I've seen this in medical manufacturing areas and clean rooms, but some of the acute human study centers I've been to do the same thing.

I don't mind seeing people wearing scrubs in public more than I mind anything else. Now, seeing bodily fluids on ANY kind of clothing would gross me out. Let's face it, scrubs are just a uniform. I don't know why I would care if anyone else wore their uniform to or from work.

BPRJam

 

[viator122]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BPRJam I don't know why I would care if anyone else wore their uniform to or from work.

Plus, who would want to wake up in the morning and go PJs->normal clothes->PJs ?

 

[gshan]

Thanks for the info. guys. Much appreciated.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BPRJam I don't know why I would care if anyone else wore their uniform to or from work.

I don't think anyone would disagree with that, but hospital uniforms that are used around sick patients is a whole different matter imho.

 

[GanChan]

What if you were wearing scrubs while eating a hamburger, and ketchup squirted all over you? Bet that would get some looks.

 

[bundee1]

Yeah but arent those people (presumably doctors) in contact with people who are more susceptible to infection? Should they be riding the subway, leaning on dirty counters and walls and eating food with the same clothes they use to treat patients?

 

[Shizelbs]

Scrubs are worn by all types in hospitals. This includes nurses, pharmacists, pharmacy techs, and even housekeeping/janitors. The infectious diseases that you are worried about being transmitted by clothing, are not of concern. For these, additional, disposable paper-like garments are put on as you enter the room, and thrown away as you leave the patient's room.

I don't find scrubs in public wrong.

 

[PSmith08]

It's a bit jarring, and perhaps in questionable fashion taste, but not offensive. Now, wearing them in a movie theater, restaurant, or other, similar place is a bit much.

I don't know and don't care to know the health issues associated from wearing scrubs in public.

 

[EyeAmEye]

I always thought that scrubs were worn in public to impress women

It never bothered me at all. Never really gave it much thought until reading this post.

 

[viator122]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GanChan What if you were wearing scrubs while eating a hamburger, and ketchup squirted all over you? Bet that would get some looks.

Or the opposite:

"Hey Bill, looks like you spilled some ketchup on your shirt."

"No, that's human blood."

 

[BPRJam]

Quote:

Originally Posted by viator122 Or the opposite: "Hey Bill, looks like you spilled some ketchup on your shirt." "No, that's human blood."

LOL!

 

[Stephonovich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EyeAmEye I always thought that scrubs were worn in public to impress women

That was always my assumption as well. Same with any professional that has a uniform of sorts. Or military. Dress uniform = hookups

 

[PSmith08]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EyeAmEye I always thought that scrubs were worn in public to impress women

Well, sooner or later, the lady will discover that there is not only a functional difference between doctors and orderlies, but also a financial difference. Wearing scrubs in public is truly a double-edged sword of Damocles. (unless you are a good-looking doctor)

 

[KYTGuy]

Aaaaand they are worn by Dental Assistants, Beauticians, ahem "nail artists", manicure/pedicure folks, Opticians and their helpers and receptionists...

Now that there are fun prints/patterns, many who are not even in any sort of medical profession or others listed above, are wearing them just cause they are comfy...