What is your thought about wearing scrubs into public places after you've been wearing them at work all day?  I think no matter what line of work you do in the medical field your scrubs should be changed before you leave work if you have to go into a grocery store or anything where you come in contact with other people.  It bothers me a great deal to see this happening.  Who knows whats on those scrubs.  Any comments?

I would not be caught DEAD in SCRUBS in public.... just as I would not be caught DEAD in BDUs or ACUs in public... its tacky.

I stopped wearing scrubs outside of the hospital after I got certified to work in the OR. I had a friend who would strip her uniform off at the door after her shift. You never know what you're bringing home.

I agree with most others, if it's a quick stop on the way home somewhere, it's not a big deal (as long as they don't have blood on them).  It would be unrealistic to have the time to change all the time.

I don't see anything wrong with wearing scrubs outside of the workplace unless there is something gross on them. Some scrubs look really cute.

Jazzy_Future_Nurse says ...

Nures Jenny why do you hate telling people that you are a nurse?

Well the 1st reason is because I really dont like it when people ask me questions. Casue if I tell them I dont know then I look like an idiot. And second because, like the checkout lady for example, I worry they might think I am bragging or looking down on them or something. Silly I know.

Nursejenny1310 says ...

Jazzy_Future_Nurse says ...

Nures Jenny why do you hate telling people that you are a nurse?

Well the 1st reason is because I really dont like it when people ask me questions. Casue if I tell them I dont know then I look like an idiot. And second because, like the checkout lady for example, I worry they might think I am bragging or looking down on them or something. Silly I know.

 

 

Ok now i understand. That's not silly at all. I have never thought of that. Just be proud you are a nurse, I know i will be.

Scrubs are absolutely not appropriate in public after wearing them and picking up airborne infections in the hospital.  Yes, I realize that you can walk out and get something from outside but wearing scrubs that have been around really sick people you are bringing out to the public, whether you washed your hands or not.  OSHA has a policy in place that your work place is responsible for laundry so viruses are not spread so rapidly through clothes.....   I am glad some people are washing their hands.

I work nights in the ER so needless to say I change right when I get home. If I need to run an errand I will do it before work. I do not see any harm in wearing scrubs outside of work if  you are not around infectious people.

That's true about what's out there already.  A good friend of mine had gotten TB from working with another man at a grocery store.  They weren't even working in the same area.  So who's safe?   Why add to it, I change my scrubs, wipe down my shoes with alcohol and wash my scrubs seperate from the rest of my wash.  During a busy day, how can you remember what splashed on you early in the day.  Better to be safe than sorry.  I've had a patient drop a urine cup and splash my pants and shoes.  I've had  patients vomit on the floor splashing my pants and shoes.  I've had people cough at my shirt.  who knows if any flam came out or not.  It can be nasty at work sometimes.  Not to mention any blood or bodyfluids that fly around in an emergency.  Uniform or not, it's a personnel protection cover.  Treat it as if contaminated, even if you thinks it's not.  Isn't that what we were taught?  Universal precautions?   

Generally speaking, I don't change my uniform before I leave for home.  But, as a general rule I don't make any stops on the way, either.  I change as soon as I get home, and often shower.

I wish people who do not work in patient care would not wear scrubs.  Many people wear them as regular clothing beause they are cheaply available.

I wish secretaries in clinics would not wear scrubs.  What are you going to get on your clothing that requires scrubs?  Most people look very unprofessional in them, especially with some of the more flamboyant patterns out there.

The only people in scrubs should be those who take care of patients (human or otherwise).  Their workplaces should set standards for uniforms, including scrubs, that make it easy for people to tell who has what job.

I am required by my employer to wear scrubs although I mostly do managerial/ paperwork for the most part. If we(staff nurses) get our scrubs soiled at work we are offered new ones and leave the soiled scrubs to be washed at work. If the scrubs are not soiled then I see no problem wearing it to run a quick errand. As another person mentioned there are non medical professionals who wear them for comfort all the time.In the past when I did lots of clinical work with patients and still now as a habit I wash my scrubs separately from home clothes although they don't get soiled or come in contact with patients. Everyone has their preferences.If it bothers you to wear them out from work then remove them, but I am sure most nurses are prudent and wouldn't endanger their families or the public.

I don't purposely wear scrubs in public, but as someone posted earlier, sometimes you have to run an errand. Last night after my second 12 hr shift, I stopped to get something for dinner at the grocery. I really hated to stop when I was so tired, but there was nothing to fix at home. I have also made a quick run before work for last minute emegency work supplies such as pens and highlighters.