Have you ever worn scrubs off the job?

[Wanna_BA_Nurse]

I really want to be a nurse, and when I see people in scrubs I assume they are nurses (but this is a stupid thing to do on my part) and I wave at them or say "thanks for helping people" or "we need more people like you.".

Has anyone said anything to you? If so, what?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I try to avoid wearing scrubs outside work, specifically because I don't want to be bothered with people asking me for medical advice or directions to a certain hospital. If I am seen wearing scrubs in public, it is because I recently ended my shift at work and decided to pick up some groceries, pump some gas into my vehicle, or get some takeout dinner before I go home.

If someone says something to me in public as the result of my scrubs, it is usually to ask for directions to XYZ Hospital or to try to conjure up some free medical advice from me.

Also, don't be so quick to assume that everyone who wears scrubs in public is a healthcare professional. Everyone at my workplace wears scrubs, including housekeeping staff, laundry staff, dietary workers, porters, van drivers, maintenance floor techs, receptionists, business office managers, and staffers.

[bethem]

I'll often duck in to the shops on my way to or from work with my scrubs on, but they're not as commonly worn in Australia so not many people recognise that I am a nurse. I like it that way.

[Vegas RN, MBA]

Just if I have to stop for gas or something on the way to/from work. Here in Vegas everyone in the medical field wears scrubs, not just nurses. Medical assistants, patient transporters, receptionists that work at a doctor's office, etc. I've never been told thanks, but I was once stopped by a patient I didn't remember in a grocery store while buying a bottle of wine. That was odd.

[nursing student 101]

As a nursing student I am always told that If we are caught wearing our scrubs to the hospital or after we are in BIG trouble. It is a big infection control thing at my Hospital, you must come and leave in different clothes. Just not your scrubs. I think most people get away with not changing their footwear except in the winter.

Let me know what you guys think. If my instructors are insane or it is a good idea and good nursing practice.

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

I don't wear scrubs out in public unless I'm getting something at the grocery store on the way home. Usually I am so tired I just go straight home. Nobody's ever said thanks that I can remember when they see me in my scrubs. It's okay....usually by that time I am too tired to be upset about it. :)

Whether or not we can wear scrubs back and forth to the hospital depends on what hospital you are in and what department you are in. I wear scrubs back and forth. Other departments like OR and Labor & Delivery where there is a high chance of body fluid spills wear hospital-provided scrubs. We're on our own with shoes.

[madwife2002, BSN, RN]

Nope I never wear scrubs out of work, it would be far too complacated especially if there was an emergency.

Plus I cannot imagine what kind of germs are on my uniform. you know when I see people walking around the supermarket all I can think of is where have those scrubs been today!!!!!!! I avoid buying foods they have looked at.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

I've seen a doctor in the gym wearing a t-shirt and srub pants...guess he's comfortable like that.

Personally, I don't wear scrubs outside of work.

I don't think it's safe to assume the people you see out and about in scrubs are nurses. Nowadays lots of people wear srubs. :)

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

I don't wear scrubs to work these days but when I did whether I'd dash into the store in them depended a lot on my shift. If "d just cleaned up someone with explosive diarrhea, um, no. Straight home and into the laundry with them and the shower with me. But a normal shift on nights? I never thought twice.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

As a nursing student I am always told that If we are caught wearing our scrubs to the hospital or after we are in BIG trouble. It is a big infection control thing at my Hospital, you must come and leave in different clothes. Just not your scrubs. I think most people get away with not changing their footwear except in the winter.

Let me know what you guys think. If my instructors are insane or it is a good idea and good nursing practice.

I think they're insane. But then, aren;t all nursing instructors?

[nursing student 101]

You are so right!

Yea in nursing school I suppose we are getting down and dirty, so I understand.

I heard some places like palliative you may sit and watch a movie and all is quiet at night. I suppose there you could get away with going home in scrubs! :)

[Clear Morning]

I have noticed a lot of the teachers at my son's daycare (mostly infant classrooms) have begun to wear scrubs. I imagine they get a lot of baby fluids on their clothes.