As someone who wears scrubs to work on a regular basis, you already know that they’re pretty great. They’re comfortable, durable, easy to care for … The list goes on and on. While you may already have a deep appreciation for your scrubs, you may not be fully aware of just how many benefits they offer. There are plenty of reasons why scrubs have been the work “uniform” of choice for people working in the medical field since the 1970s, though.
If you have never stopped to think about just why medical professionals have been choosing these simple garments for five decades, keep reading to discover a few of the many benefits of scrubs.
Employee Identification
There is no other uniform in existence that instantly enables others to determine the wearer’s profession. While they may not necessarily be able to distinguish between a nurse, phlebotomist, or radiologist, a patient immediately knows that anyone who is wearing scrubs is a healthcare professional.
This may not seem like a big deal, but think about this: If you were in an emergency situation and needed help in a crowded hospital, wouldn’t the common knowledge that medical professionals wear scrubs make it easier for you to identify someone who could help?
Some facilities take the identification aspect a bit further by requiring that employees working in certain roles or departments wear specific colors. Doctors may wear navy blue scrubs while nurses wear pink ones, for example.
Affordability
People who work in healthcare professionals are often exposed to bodily fluids and other things that can ruin clothing. One of the great things about scrubs is that they are affordable enough to throw away and replace without breaking the bank.
The affordability of scrubs also makes it easy for workers to stock up on several pairs. This ensures that you won’t run out during your workweek, and it enables you to have extras on hand in case of extra-messy shifts.
Comfort
Nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals work long shifts. They are almost always on their feet and spend large parts of their day going from one place to another. Under those circumstances, comfort is extremely important.
Modern scrubs are made from durable, comfortable materials that move freely and feel great against the skin. They also come in a variety of cuts and styles to ensure comfort for individual wearers.
In some ways, scrubs cans provide comfort to patients, too. Fashion scrubs come in a wide range of colors and vibrant designs. If you are someone who works with children, scrubs featuring hearts, flowers, or other cute designs could help put the little ones in your care at ease. Even if you are working with adult patients, scrubs tend to be less intimidating than the crisp white uniforms that were once worn in medical settings.
Accessibility
While scrubs come in a variety of different styles, most include pockets. The most efficient styles have lots of pockets that make it easy for workers to carry the multitude of tools and equipment they need during their shifts. Some scrubs even have bungee loops or other features to make it easy to carry gear. With the right scrubs, you can carry and have easy access to things like bandages, penlights, gloves, scissors, notepads, writing utensils, and more.
For those who need even more pocket space than what’s available in a pair of scrubs, scrub jackets are a good option. They provide extra storage space for tools and supplies, and they can be real lifesavers in chilly healthcare facilities! Scrub jackets also work great in situations where you may find yourself working in different environments throughout the course of your shift.
Cleanliness
Scrubs are designed to withstand intense laundering procedures. They can be washed using the cleaning chemicals and hot water needed to eliminate contaminants with little risk of damage. And, of course, if scrubs do fall apart in the washer, their affordability makes them easy to replace.
Unlike many other types of clothing, scrubs are only worn once before being washed. Many facilities also prohibit their employees from wearing their scrubs outside of work, to prevent exposure to outside contaminants. Great care is taken to ensure that scrubs are kept much cleaner than the average piece of clothing. There are even options that are made from antimicrobial fabrics.
Personal Safety
Scrubs are designed to help keep the people who wear them safe, too. They are made from strong, durable fabrics that shield the wearer’s skin against all sorts of contaminants. While blood and other fluids may quickly seep through other fabrics, most nursing scrubs are designed to repel liquids rather than absorb them. The fabric is also typically thicker than the fabric used to make “normal” clothing. Combined, these features limit the wearer’s exposure to bacteria, pathogens, germs, etc.
Variety
As mentioned above, scrubs come in a wide range of styles. There are various designs and styles to suit any taste. There are also countless colors and designs to choose from. Regardless of which options you personally prefer, scrubs are designed to move with you and not restrict your range of motion.
Scrubs can be made from a number of different fabrics, too, and they come in sizes to fit any body type. The options are virtually limitless, which makes it easy to find scrubs that you will love even during your longest shifts.
The Bottom Line
Whether you are a doctor, a nurse, or even a vet tech, being required to wear scrubs to work is definitely not a bad thing. Scrubs have been the medical uniform of choice for around 50 years, and for good reason. They’re comfortable, affordable, and make it easy for patients to identify medical professionals. If you’ve ever thought that wearing scrubs feels like donning a pair of pajamas before heading into work, just remember all of the remarkable benefits they offer!