To Wear or Not to Wear: Scrubs in Public Wearing scrubs in public can be a mixed experience. There are those that believe that wearing scrubs outside of the workplace can be dangerous to those who are not exposed to what you see day in and day out. You most likely have your own thoughts on this. Dealing with what you do every day, would it be sensible for you to wear your scrubs outside of the hospital? Some serious considerations should be taken before jumping in and wearing your scrubs on your way to and from work. Sterility Do your scrubs need to be sterile? If you are working in a sterile environment like the operating room, it is probably best not to wear your scrubs outside of the work place. If your hospital does not have changing facilities, you might have just to throw them on at home. However, it is always good to be informed about what is going on around you.
Where You Are Going? If you are going to grab a quick bite to eat or are stopping at the grocery store on the way home, it is perfectly acceptable to wear your scrubs. However, if you are going to a party or visiting someone else at a hospital, it may not be completely appropriate.
What Do You Do? What is your job description? If you work with contagious patients regularly, you should probably change. Play it safe by leaving your scrubs at work to avoid contamination. Sometimes you do not even need to come in contact with a patient. Just being in the room can cause pathogens to end up on your scrubs.
Clean or Soiled? Going out in dirty scrubs is a big no-no. It is not only an unattractive outfit but spreading germs can be a giant risk. Plus, it doesn’t make you look like the careful and responsible nurse you are.