Do you shower right after your shift?

[CharlieTaco]

When I was in nursing school I showered as soon as I got home. Now as a nurse I need to just sit down when I get home from work and watch a little TV and have a snack before I shower. I do take off my scrubs as soon as I get home. Some other nurses I know who have been working longer take off their scrubs and go straight to bed without showering and I'm afraid it could one day be me. Just wanted to know peoples opinion on this and if this is sanitary or even dangerous?

[NurseAndLovinIt, BSN, RN]

Before nursing, I used to work as a waitress, grill cook, and more at a restaurant. When I would grill cook, I finished my shift with grease all over me. My face would be shiny with it. I would take a shower the moment I got home. The funny thing is, now that I work in a hospital, I feel twice as dirty at the end of the day than I ever did as a grill cook. I feel dirty with all the work I did, the smell of all the patients I took care of, my own smell (lol), poop, pee, everything! I can't stand it when I get home and I MUST shower immediately. I would also never wear the same scrubs more than once without washing them. Its weird. We work in the "cleanest" environment; but for some reason it just does not feel like it. Well whatever your habit is after work is fine. Just dont go to work again without showering atleast imo. Oh and if you DON'T smell at the end of the day, you didnt work hard enough!! Hahaha

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

Eww, I cannot imagine wearing the same scrubs again. Oh shoot me now! The only way that would happen would be a disaster or something and I had to spend the night at the hospital and they denied me scrubs.

[Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN]

I shower BEFORE I go to work.

[RNperdiem, RN]

I like to shower after work. I'm not a hygiene fanatic, but it feels good to relax under hot water and change into pyjamas.

[JB2007, ASN, RN]

Yes, I take a shower when I get home. I stink and I know it after working all night long.

[linearthinker, DNP, RN]

of course

[scg08rn]

being a zombie after 7p-7a, i still take a shower. with dial soap.

[GM2RN]

tokmom said:

Eww, I cannot imagine wearing the same scrubs again. Oh shoot me now! The only way that would happen would be a disaster or something and I had to spend the night at the hospital and they denied me scrubs.

Yeah, me too! There were some young female students in my graduating class that would wear their scrubs to clinicals at least twice before washing them. It grossed me out when they told me.

[regularRN]

Most of the germs we encounter at work are the same as the ones we are exposed to at home, at school, in the supermarket, at the pool, at the gym, in the park etc. So a certain level of personal hygiene seems prudent, regardless.

As for scrubs, a clean pair every day is essential... I can't imagine not wearing clean scrubs every day (even though mine are all the same).

[Alnitak7]

I always shower after my shift.

It gives me the creeps to think some health workers don't.

With no shower I can't sleep no matter how tired I am.

I have encountered many highly contagious things at work including a visiting dog with mange.

I told my preschooler, "Don't come near, Mummy is covered with germs." Then I go to the shower immediately.

[learninmama]

I shower before I go to work & as soon as I get home.....I figure I don't need to bring anything my kids might give me to my patients & I don't need to bring my kids home anything from my patients. My kids know not to hug or kiss mommy until she's showered.

[linsmirn]

I feel dirty after I leave the hospital, yes remove your scrubs, but its still on your face, your hair and other places not covered. If you have kids please take a shower.