OR scrubs and where do you put your junk

Nurses Uniform/Gear

Published

Hello I work in a unit and we often wear OR scrubs to go to OR or PACU but it isn't the whole shift but changing back and forth is a pain so if I change to OR scrubs I usually stay but it makes me crazy because there is one breast pocket so I have no where to put things. I get hot easy so I can't keep track of a jacket to save my life. So idk where to put my phone, pens, chapstick, report sheet and anything else I may need because I have one pocket that is so small and when I bend over everything falls out plus it looks funny due to the location.

Specializes in Surgical, quality,management.
Pick-Pocket Nurses Pouch, Nurses Belt and Nurses Bag, Pick Pocket Bag I'm in Australia but sure there are local options. We tend to wear them on the hip.
Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

OK- I took 'junk' to mean something COMPLETELY different......carry on.

OK- I took 'junk' to mean something COMPLETELY different......carry on.

I had the exact same thought! And I have the exact same problem. I guess you are supposed to bend down elegantly, like the Queen of England, bend at your knees with your back straight, which I never do, I bend over and everything falls out.

The annoying part is scrub tops come both ways. One pocket on upper right and two pockets down low on each side.

A rumor was the one pocket tops were designed for men, slightly broader at the shoulder, so hospitals order only this style. They could easily order scrubs with two pockets on each side eliminating the problem.

Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
Pick-Pocket Nurses Pouch, Nurses Belt and Nurses Bag, Pick Pocket Bag I'm in Australia but sure there are local options. We tend to wear them on the hip.

This would actually go against the standards of the OR. Bags from "outside" should not be brought into the environment. Does it happen? Yes (and anesthesia is the worst of the offenders), but it shouldn't.

OP, do you truly need all that "junk" when going into the OR? My bet is not, in which case, leave it in the locker with your non-OR scrubs. Additionally, long sleeve jackets (because what facility actually buys long sleeved scrubs) are also the standard as human skin is one of the highest risks for contamination. Arms should be covered at all times unless scrubbing. Therefore, not being able to keep track of a jacket shouldn't be an issue- it should be on you. It's not about your comfort.

Actually it's not about the OR I said if I change into OR scrubs for say a C section I don't want to spend have my shift changing clothes so I may as well stay in my OR scrubs until my shift is over however I don't want to wear my jacket (which may be required in the OR at my job) but is not in the warm NICU or at the nurses station as I don't like to be hot so no I'm not going to wear a jacket once I don't have to. I'm sure dripping sweat frowned upon. We have to scrub before touching a patient for regular cares at the beginning of the shift so everything below the elbow is scrubbed even if not going to OR we have to scrub before we start the shift

I do actually need my pens, inasurf dosage cards, and such in the OR. How else can I write down birth time, VS, weight, etc or even more important time of meds given and dose if an infant needs resuscitated. I need the inasurf and other cards in case I need to admin those drugs on a the few and far between and neeed the dose right for the tiny humans I am tasked with keeping alive. Also yes once I leave th OR I have to have chapstick and gum in my pocket to last my shift. I also may not have time to change again to my regular scrubs until I leave work so I'm looking for something reasonable.

It may not be about my comfort but if I get too hot I will vomit and or pass out so I think most parents would rather me not wear my jacket on the unit than have the only NICU nurse as often there is just one at night passed out or vomiting because of a jacket.

Also yes if something is laundered by the hospital and doesn't leave it can go into the OR.

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