The Pros and Cons of Wearing Scrubs

There is no single “uniform” that immediately lets an observer know what you do for a living than a pair of medical scrubs. Since the 1970’s, healthcare professionals have traded in the traditional, bright white medical uniforms for a comfortable pair of scrubs.

Think about it, when was the last time you saw a nurse wearing the traditional white uniform and accompanying nurse’s cap, as worn by Florence Nightingale? Here is a quick take on the pros and cons of wearing scrubs.

Pros of Wearing Scrubs

  • Comfort: Is there anyone who will tell you the main reason that scrubs are worn is that they are comfortable? Who doesn’t want to wear pajama-like clothing to work? Today’s scrubs come in a variety of comfortable fabrics, and even better, they are also made in every color of the rainbow and even sport fashionable designs. Let’s face it, the advantages of wearing scrubs clearly outweigh the negatives. Here are some other reasons why health care professionals prefer to wear scrubs.
  • Design: Scrubs are made to provide maximum comfort and maneuverability, allowing nurses and others to perform their tasks without constraints. Scrubs also come in shapes and sizes to comfortably fit any body type. Additionally, colored scrubs make it easier on the eyes under the bright lights of exam rooms and surgical suites.
  • Identification: Many organizations utilize different color scrubs to identify various departments within the hospital or facility.
  • Protection: Scrub manufacturers are able to produce medical scrubs that protect against bacteria and other types of infections. This added protection is beneficial for both patient and staff alike.
  • Patient comfort: Traditional white uniforms presented an air of intimidation and would make patients, especially children, uncomfortable. The all-white uniforms were also notorious for their inability to hide blood or other unseemly stains that upset those receiving care.
  • Laundry: Scrubs are designed with materials that do not easily pick up dirt and grime, but when they do they are easily laundered to sterilize and remove blood stains, and other grime picked up throughout a shift.

Cons of Wearing Scrubs

The cons argument regarding scrubs is more about hygienic practices than issues with the scrubs themselves. How many of us bring an extra set of clothes to work and change at the end of our shift? If not, that means you are still wearing scrubs and potentially bringing part of your work home with you.

A 2012 study published by the Department of Health and Human Services found that bacteria, including MRSA, was present of 7 out of 10 nurse’s scrubs at the end of a single shift. With infection concerns rising many hospital systems are adopting policies to address sterilization and proper handling of worn scrubs. If policies exist, it is easy enough to follow them. When no policies are in place, our own common sense and personal hygiene practices should determine when our scrubs are in a condition where they can be worn in public.

Are you a Supplemental Health Care employee who needs to stock up on your supply of scrubs for work? You are in luck as SHC offers their healthcare professionals a great way to save on their scrub purchases! Contact our experienced recruitment team today to find out more about that, and also to hear about all of the career opportunities we currently have available.