Most healthcare workers dress in scrubs, and you should be proud if you’re one of them and you’re wearing one. Wearing scrubs feel as though it’s a part of you and represents who you are as a person.
Regardless of a person’s position or job in the medical field, a medical employee’s scrub sets should be always clean and ready to wear. Whether they like putting on one or not, they can’t refuse to wear scrubs. And if you’re not part of the healthcare sector yet and aspire to be in it, you should know that there are certain dos and don’ts you should follow when donning a medical uniform. Some of them are the following.
Do: Maintain Clean Scrubs
Nobody likes to be seen in public wearing filthy scrubs. Most people already see healthcare institutions as germ reservoirs. Dirty scrubs contribute to that image, and they also convey a message regarding a healthcare employee’s personal cleanliness, whether accurate or otherwise.
Medical personnel should always clean their uniforms on a regular schedule and replace any that begin to show signs of wear. Scrubs with tears or holes should not be kept. Additionally, there are steps they can take to pre-treat their uniforms before entering the workplace to prevent further discoloration and contamination.
If they ruin their uniforms during their shifts and have scheduled public engagements, they should handle the stains quickly to prevent them from setting. Once the stains settle, removing them becomes complicated.
The medical profession is always at risk of biohazards. Physicians, doctor’s assistants, and nursing staff are advised to use personal protective clothing (PPE) to safeguard their uniforms from stains, medical hazards, and splashes. They must put on PPE so their scrubs will have a better chance of remaining tidy.
Do: Sanitize Scrubs Properly
Scrubs face a variety of pathogens on the job, so it’s critical to know how they’re cleaned. Medical professionals are solely accountable for washing and sanitizing their uniforms correctly.
They should also maintain a separate basket for soiled scrubs. And immediately after they return home, they should change to their regular clothes and place the scrubs in a different wash basket.
They also need to use a disinfectant solution to clean their uniforms. While a routine cleaning in hot water with a cycle in the dryer can destroy most germs, it isn’t enough. They should also apply chlorine bleach rather than oxygen-based ones to clean white cotton uniforms.
Do: Bring Extra Sets Of Scrubs
Bringing an extra pair of scrubs to the workplace is a common guideline for anybody employed in the medical industry. They should always change before going out in public to appear neat and presentable. This is also to avoid transmitting germs from outside the hospital.
However, health professionals who don scrubs to work should change from the ones they’re wearing and into new ones before visiting the operating room or dealing with people with compromised immune systems.
Do: Keep Comfort In Mind
Healthcare employees need to be as comfortable as possible throughout their shifts. They should think about which uniforms are by far the most pleasant to work in and consider their role in choosing comfortable scrubs. After all, they may spend the whole day transferring patients, lifting heavy materials, and bending or crouching.
Do: Choose The Right Size
Scrubs communicate a great deal about who wears them. Their fit communicates with colleagues, patients, and supervisors. Scrubs that are overly saggy or too tight might make medical staff seem incompetent.
Healthcare professionals should always try on scrubs before purchasing them. If necessary, they need to select the stretchy type to guarantee a relaxed yet formal fit. The last thing they would want to happen when they reach down is a torn pair of trousers.
Do: Wear Comfortable Shoes
A nice pair of shoes complete an ensemble, but it doesn’t have something extra stylish. It’s more vital to choose footwear that is comfortable than they’re fashionable. But it doesn’t mean medical workers can’t choose one that meets both criteria.
They should look for sturdy shoes with a roomy outsole and arch support. There are several sports shoes on discount throughout the year, but notably during the winter.
Don’t: Wear Coloured Undergarment With White Scrubs
Certain hospitals compel employees to wear white uniforms. Alternatively, some employees might like them for their clean appearance and quality. Whichever purpose they have for wearing white scrubs, they should understand what to put beneath. For one, undergarments with patterns or bright colours should be avoided.
Don’t: Wear Revealing Scrubs
Scrub shirts may be somewhat revealing, particularly when bending over. Medical employees should maintain a professional appearance, which implies no plunging V-necks or exposed undergarments.
Women aren’t the only ones who should shun scrubs with plunging necklines. Male chest hair poking out from underneath a scrub shirt is likewise frowned upon. A major clothing mistake when it concerns scrubs is attempting to make them seem indecent. Therefore, it’s critical to find a scrubs shirt that fits properly. However, they can opt to wear a sweater beneath if they wish to keep and wear their loose scrubs.
Don’t: Buy Cheap Scrubs
Scrubs are more than pieces of clothing. They create a thin barrier between medical staff and patients, which protects both parties from contracting diseases. This is the reason why high-quality scrubs are needed, especially if one works in a very busy hospital or clinic. Aside from having better protection, high-quality scrubs are made from moisture-wicking fabrics.
Don’t: Wear Scrubs In Public
Medical professionals should avoid wearing their uniforms before reporting to work or while on breaks. They should always put in their scrubs just after they get to the workplace to prevent contamination. If they need to exit the facility for meals or an appointment, they should change to their regular clothes first.
Conclusion
While practicing as a healthcare professional requires prioritizing function above style, there are several methods to look visually nice while still performing your finest. It’s just a matter of understanding what you must and mustn’t do with a medical uniform.