Hygiene After Hospital Shift

What Members Are Saying (AI-Generated Summary)

Members are discussing the potential risks of exposure to germs in public places, particularly in grocery stores and restaurants. There are anecdotes shared about improper hygiene practices observed in healthcare settings and concerns about the overuse of antibacterial products leading to resistant organisms. Some members question the extent to which everyday exposure to germs actually impacts health, highlighting the importance of balance in hygiene practices.

I'm wondering how you (if you're a nurse or a student in clinicals) take care of YOUR personal hygiene after a hospital shift. Do nurses usually change out of their scrubs in hospitals, are there locker rooms available, etc.? Does anyone take any particular precautions like showering with anti-bacterial body wash afterwards? Do you always wash your hair after each shift?

Although I am absolutely going forward with pursuing a career in nursing, the potential to catch something still scares me so I am wondering how you all take precautions to protect yourselves after you are done with your shift.

Specializes in Surgery.

Yes, shower when I get home. I can't get over feeling like I have a germy film on my skin and begin to cook dinner for my family like that, but that's just me :-)

Specializes in ICU.

I wash my fruit and vegetables because of pesticides, E-coli, etc.

Specializes in Critical care.

I come home take off my scrubs, put pajamas on. Go to bed. Take shower in am.

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