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Why is it that in the medical field we have to wear scrubs/uniforms?
Is it because of the numerous pockets?
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6 answers
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Bhavna’s Answer
Hello Chelsea,
I can tell you that medical professionals wear scrubs or uniforms for several reasons. One of the main reasons is to maintain a clean and hygienic environment in healthcare settings. Scrubs are designed to protect both the healthcare professional and the patient from the spread of germs and bacteria. They are made of unique fabrics that are easier to clean and can withstand repeated washing, which is important in a setting where cleanliness is a top priority.
Another reason is to provide a clear visual cue to patients and colleagues that the person wearing the scrubs is a medical professional, and it can help to distinguish them from other staff members who might not work directly with patients.
While pockets are certainly a practical feature of scrubs, they are not the only reason why medical professionals wear them. Ultimately, wearing scrubs or uniforms is an important part of maintaining a safe and hygienic healthcare environment.
I can tell you that medical professionals wear scrubs or uniforms for several reasons. One of the main reasons is to maintain a clean and hygienic environment in healthcare settings. Scrubs are designed to protect both the healthcare professional and the patient from the spread of germs and bacteria. They are made of unique fabrics that are easier to clean and can withstand repeated washing, which is important in a setting where cleanliness is a top priority.
Another reason is to provide a clear visual cue to patients and colleagues that the person wearing the scrubs is a medical professional, and it can help to distinguish them from other staff members who might not work directly with patients.
While pockets are certainly a practical feature of scrubs, they are not the only reason why medical professionals wear them. Ultimately, wearing scrubs or uniforms is an important part of maintaining a safe and hygienic healthcare environment.
Updated
Britni’s Answer
Scrubs are a known medical uniform that can help patients identify who is part of the medical team. Also, scrubs allow for maintaining a clean and hygienic environment as well, for some scrubs are even antimicrobial!
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Fred’s Answer
It is going to depend on where you work and what your specific role is as to whether you HAVE to wear scrubs. A physician in an office usually does not wear scrubs.
But the reasons I am aware of as to why you do are:
1) They don't want you bringing in pollens/dirt/etc from outside. When I worked in the OR, we'd show up in street clothes. Then we'd go into the locker room, and they would issue clean scrubs for us to wear all day. When we were done for they day, we'd change and return the dirty ones.
2) Things happen in hospitals. Scrubs are relatively cheap. You don't want to get blood, vomit, or other things on your nice clothes. So you wear scrubs in case that happens, then wash them or just pitch them if they can't be cleaned.
3) Like many jobs, they are a kind of uniform that identify you. Very few non-hospital workers wear scrubs, so if you see someone in them, you have a pretty good idea they probably work there.
There are probably more reasons I'm not aware of, but this is what I recall.
But the reasons I am aware of as to why you do are:
1) They don't want you bringing in pollens/dirt/etc from outside. When I worked in the OR, we'd show up in street clothes. Then we'd go into the locker room, and they would issue clean scrubs for us to wear all day. When we were done for they day, we'd change and return the dirty ones.
2) Things happen in hospitals. Scrubs are relatively cheap. You don't want to get blood, vomit, or other things on your nice clothes. So you wear scrubs in case that happens, then wash them or just pitch them if they can't be cleaned.
3) Like many jobs, they are a kind of uniform that identify you. Very few non-hospital workers wear scrubs, so if you see someone in them, you have a pretty good idea they probably work there.
There are probably more reasons I'm not aware of, but this is what I recall.
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Rita’s Answer
Prior to joining this medical practice, I did not wear scrubs. I wear scrubs because that is their uniform.
While in medical school and residency we would wear scrubs in the operating room. It’s a sterile environment and everything most be clean to prevent infection.
While in medical school and residency we would wear scrubs in the operating room. It’s a sterile environment and everything most be clean to prevent infection.
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Renea’s Answer
I would say its for safety's sake. You would not want everyone including the workers to be walking around in street clothes then you would not be able to tell who is a doctor of what have you. Suppose someone forgot their work I.D. that day and came in your room to treat you as a patient say in an emergency department. How would you know that person even worked there! Also in one hospital in Memphis there is a different color scrub for each position, i.e. the nurses where a certain color, respiratory therapists where a certain color, nursing assistants where a certain color and of course the doctors are in their white doctor's coats. It is more uniform that way also. It is easier for the worker to not have to wear a different, maybe smashing outfit every day! They can just don a scrub set and have some on hand for the whole week and not be late for work looking for something to wear!
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George’s Answer
All the reasons given by the other people in this section are very valid. I can tell you that in one instance, when I was a Resident, I was following an attending doctor from room to room to check post-operative patients. The doctor was wearing street clothes and had a particularly long and loose tie. We were seeing a patient to check a wound. The doctor leaned over the patient's foot and his tie accidentally partially fell into the wound. I am not sure if he even noticed it. Another Resident and I did. That tie could have contaminated that wound or vice-versa if the wound was infected. This could have possibly help spread an infection to other patients he had to check. After the doctor left, we made sure all wounds were cleaned and dressed properly. We should have said something to the doctor but he was very quick to leave to return to a busy practice and, sometimes, Residents can be leary of pointing out "mistakes" to attending doctors. In any case, if that doctor had been wearing clean scrubs or a lab coat, that tie may not have fallen on the wound so easily. Also, we should have said something before that doctor saw other patients so that he removed that tie. In any case, I learned that day why scrubs and lab coats are important. I also learned to speak up when you see something very important, especially if it puts patients or anyone at risk.