Doing away with Scrubs

Nurses Professionalism

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Hey everyone, I don't know if its just me having this issue in my state or if everyone is having it. I currently work in long term care and they did away with scrubs saying that it was too "sterile and clinical" that we were providing a service to the patient just like their hair dresser or server was. My friend works in Hospice they did away with her wearing scrubs and now she is required to dress business professional....Here is my take on it WHY???? I am sorry but I don't want to be get my nice business clothes dirty taking care of clients and I feel like going through nursing school I have earned the right to wear scrubs. I am just seeing this more and more places I go and it kinda makes me sad. I feel pride when I put on my scrubs is something I am very proud of. To me it would be like telling the army or marines they couldn't wear their uniforms. So I was just wandering what others opinions and thoughts were on the topic

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Specializes in OR/PACU/med surg/LTC.

I would be upset if they did away with scrubs where I work. Most of the time my position on LTC is giving out meds and doing paper work so business wear would be okay with that. But I'm also doing lots of dressings and treatment. I don't think I could do my work dressed like that.

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That's what I am saying... I think administration doesn't really understand what we nurses do and not to mention how would be distinguished from outsiders visiters etc just by a name badge I think that could lead to serious safety risks too

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Where I work we have a choice. I at the moment choose not to wear scrubs but I do wear black or grey trousers/slacks etc with brightly coloured tops. These I wear separately to my normal clothes

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You know, I can remember a time when waitresses and hairdressers wore uniforms... and the hairdressers, in particular, wore white like nurses. Oh, pooh... I'm just time traveling here

Anyway, I don't like the idea of moving away from uniforms. I feel they are practical and look very professional (if you do it right).

I work on a geri-psych unit and I can either wear business casual or scrubs. Well, I pick scrubs! I just gave an enema! It was messy! I can wash my scrubs in the hottest water and even use a wee dollop of bleach. I can't do that in my business casual.

Also, I'm fussy about my scrubs. I buy them with a more tailored look so they aren't saggy. I actually will starch and iron. My shoes are clean. I wear my hair up.

Now, I know the street clothes are supposed to make the pts feel more comfortable/less "institutionalized", but I've never had a problem. I've gotten plenty of compliments for looking professional... which is great, because I need a professional look to make up for the fact that... um... I'm not above using my med scanner as a microphone, while I "sing" and do bad dance moves in the dayroom :nono:

No way, I'm giving up my scrubs.

I also have another job with the elderly in a daytime program. Absolutely no scrubs allowed there. We are not medical and we call ourselves "a club". I'm okay with that, but I still have clients who have the occasional toileting accident. I'm the nurse, I have to clean it up (no problem)... but in nicer clothing? It feels so wrong.

I have always been proud to wear my uniform/scrubs... even my very first uniform which was dress with an apron on the front... man, that makes me feel old!:eek:

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

Yes and no. I see their point in that it is supposed to be "home" and not such a medical thing. And yet it is just wildly impractical for the hands on nursing staff.

On the side of irony.................everyone and their brother wears scrubs now everywhere so they have no meaning as a "clinical personnel" identifier.

They need to make scrubs that look like business casual I guess. That way the problems are both solved.

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They need to make scrubs that look like business casual I guess. That way the problems are both solved.

Oh no!

That makes me think of khakis and a polo shirt... :dead:

And if I had to wear that, I would quit.

I've seen this way too much as a uniform.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

you are a professional nurse, not a hairdresser, and should dress for the job. I would not want to work there.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I can sort of understand the idea in LTC. Not wearing scrubs might provide a more casual and home like environment for the residents. It's not practical to me though. Scrubs are more functional than street clothing and look professional. Who wants to get c-diff diarrhea on their blue jeans or dress pants, throw them in the wash, then forget which pair got nasty? Ew.

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Ummm you do realize nurses in LTC are doing feeds, wound care, enemas and dealing with bodily secretions all day long. So, NO, business attire would not be understandable. In fact it's down right ridiculous!

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I'm a school nurse and I wear scrubs!

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I worked at an Assisted living facility where we had to wear the polo shirt and khaki pants. I hated that uniform especially when I was on my cycle.

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