Scrubs are uniforms worn by healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, technicians, and other medical staff. The uniform consists of a white shirt, pants, and a jacket.
Scrubs come in various colors and patterns.
There are several reasons why nurses wear scrubs. First, scrubs are comfortable because they allow them to move freely without worrying about stains or dirt (see also ‘How To Get Ink Stains Out Of Scrubs‘).
Second, scrubs provide privacy for nurses who want to discuss confidential information with each other. Finally, scrubs give nurses a professional appearance.
When Did Nurses Have To Start Wearing Scrubs?
Doctors and nurses began donning scrubs in the early 1900s. In fact, it wasn’t until the 1940s that the need for clean, sterile operation rooms prompted surgeons and doctors to wear scrub suits over their street clothes.
Prior to this, many surgeons and doctors wore apron-like garments over their street clothes to protect themselves while working.
The first medical scrubs were actually loose gowns or draping styles. They were mostly worn by surgeons and surgical staffers during operations.
White was the color of choice because it was supposed to convey cleanness and purity. Unfortunately, the white fabric strained the staff’s vision under the bright lights of the operating room lights.
In 1941, Dr. William H. Davenport, a surgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital, designed the first modern medical scrub suit. He used cotton duck material and added pockets and buttons to make his design easier to use.
This became the standard for most hospitals around the world.
Why Is It That Nurses Wear Scrubs?
Scrubs are generally easier to maintain than traditional uniforms (see also ‘Can Nurses Have Nose Piercings?‘). Unlike traditional uniforms, scrub pants are designed to be worn under regular clothing.
This allows for easy cleaning without having to take off the entire uniform. In addition, scrubs are often machine washable, while traditional uniforms must be hand washed.
This ease of maintenance helps reduce costs. When you consider how much money hospitals spend on laundry every month, it becomes clear why hospital administrators love the idea of saving money by switching to scrub uniforms (see also ‘Why Do Nurses Wear Scrub Caps?‘).
Easier To Identify
Hospitals have long used color coding to make sure that medical professionals know where each patient is located. This helps ensure that everyone knows exactly what they’re supposed to do next.
The colors can vary depending on the hospital, but many use red for emergency rooms, blue for intensive care units, green for operating rooms, yellow for recovery areas, orange for pediatric wards, pink for maternity wards, purple for neonatal ICUs, white for lab technicians, and black for administrative areas.
While there isn’t a standard set of colors, most hospitals use some variation on those listed above.
Staying Hygienic
They’re also hygienic. Traditional uniforms are usually made out of cotton, which is porous and absorbs moisture. This causes sweat stains and odor-causing bacteria to build up inside the fabric, making it difficult to clean.
On the other hand, scrubs are typically made out of polyester, nylon, or microfiber, which keeps everything cleaner and drier.
Finally, scrubs make nursing professionals look good. Compared to traditional uniforms, scrubs offer a modern appearance that fits well into today’s workplace culture.
Plus, they tend to fit better than traditional uniforms, allowing nurses to move freely without feeling restricted.
They Are Budget Friendly
They’re generally made out of cotton, polyester, or some type of synthetic material that lasts a long time and doesn’t require much maintenance. Plus, because they’re inexpensive, you won’t feel guilty about wearing them every day.
Scrub Top Co.’s scrub tops come in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles, making it easy to find something that fits your personal style.
Why Do Doctors Have To Be Wearing Scrubs?
Doctors wear scrubs for a variety of reasons, including safety, hygiene, comfort, and professionalism.
When you see someone wearing scrubs, he or she likely works in a hospital or clinic setting. This includes physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, technicians, administrators, and others.
Like firefighter suits or police uniforms worn by emergency responders, scrubs make it easier for patients and other civilians—including children—to recognize medical professionals.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you don’t know whether someone is a doctor or not, just ask him or her what type of uniform they are wearing. Chances are, they’ll tell you they’re a doctor.
Scrubs are also easy to wash and keep relatively clean. Unlike traditional white lab coats, scrubs are usually machine washable and dry quickly.
In addition, some scrub sets come with special pockets designed specifically for storing items like pens, stethoscopes, and hand sanitizer.
Finally, scrubs help prevent both doctors and patients—and even visitors—from getting infected. Modern scrubs are made with antibacterial materials that kill 99.9 percent of bacteria and viruses.
These fabrics also block germs from entering the skin, preventing colds and flu. Plus, most hospitals require doctors to change out of scrubs into street clothes once they finish seeing patients.
Do Occupational Therapists Have To Wear Scrubs?
Occupational therapists are required to dress appropriately while working in healthcare facilities, such as rehab centers and hospitals.
A professional must wear scrubs whenever it is required, whether the OT works at a facility where scrubs are mandatory.
But what about those occupational therapists who work outside these settings? Do you think they wear scrubs?
If scrubs are not required anywhere the OT is employed, he or she wears a polo shirt with dark-colored pants or scrub bottoms. They usually carry scrubs in a bag or briefcase (see also ‘Best Backpacks For Nurses‘).
Final Thoughts
While there are many benefits associated with wearing scrubs, there are also drawbacks. For example, many people feel uncomfortable when they first put on their scrubs because they aren’t used to them.
Also, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid wearing scrubs unless you have an allergy to latex.
However, if you decide to give scrubs a try, be sure to follow all the rules and regulations regarding your attire. You should always check with your employer before changing your wardrobe.