One set of scrubs?

Kikikins · Aug 24, 2012

I went ahead and purchased multiple sets because we are required to wear them daily. I made it through a Massage Therapy program with only one set of scrubs since we only had to wear them twice a week. I think it can be done but don't be shy about shopping around. When I put my order in for scrubs today I took down the item numbers and went comparison shopping -- surprisingly my brick and mortar store had better prices! I did find one site that had ICU scrub pants for $4! Just need to keep an eye peeled for the deals!

Summers_Off · Aug 24, 2012

I think one is fine. My school recommended two because we wear them twice a week back to back. But, honestly, I still could have gotten away with one since I wash my uniform immediately upon arriving home. Still a germaphobe, I can't help it. Good luck in your program.

QuarterLife88, MSN, RN, NP · Aug 25, 2012

I have one set and I have clinical twice a week, back to back. When I get home I strip immediately and put them in the wash on blazing hot water lol

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Aug 25, 2012

Never would have worked for me because I was in clinical multiple days per week. Plus, when I was living at college I didn't always want to do a load of laundry just to wash my scrubs.

But if you're really only going once per week then you can get by with one set, provided they don't get stained/ripped, etc. I'd start out with one set and try to slowly save to buy a second set.

I never brought an extra set of scrubs to clinical. I never had an issue with getting them that dirty, but if I did I suppose I would have had to borrow scrubs from the hospital supply or go home.

country73 · Aug 25, 2012

One set should be fine for you, since you are only wearing them one day a week. The biggest thing I would tell you is to wash them every time you come home! Never wear dirty scrubs. It is nasty, I bought two pairs because of that. Since my clinicals are two days a week, I bought two sets, a clean one for each day.

BMorgan · Aug 25, 2012

My school also recommended two pairs of both clinical and lab scrubs. I plan on just buying one pair of each for now being that we will only have lab/clinical 1-2 times a week until later in the year. When the time comes that we have many consecutive clinical days I will buy another pair.

RainbowDash · Aug 25, 2012

I would recommend two sets. I attended a prior program that also required scrubs that I didn't finish, and I must tell you that they are easily damaged, stained, and one of my tops actually tore apart at the armpit (luckily they exchanged it after I had a slight hissy fit at the bookstore over their "absolutely NO returns" policy the top was about 30 minutes old and the correct size...)

Plus, in clinicals, you always run the risk of the angry PT who throws the bedpan at you, or the IV removal that conveniently decides to become a geyser in the split second it takes to apply pressure... I've seen it happen, it's nuts! ..so a second pair is probably a good idea. But if it's really not in the cards for you financially (and trust me, I feel you there), try to make do with one and see how it goes. Hopefully they're not white!

Good luck to you!!!

edit: a Tide pen is your friend for sure!!!

squidbillies · Aug 25, 2012

I think that depends on how often you are required to wear them, but it really seems like 2 sets would be ideal. Perhaps you can purchase (or even get free ones) from former students? People's size change frequently (especially while in school) and it is incredibly likely there are plenty of sets just laying in someones closet. Perhaps you can put up a sign on a bulletin board. I bought several sets for $4 (2 per piece) this way. Good luck with everything.

kandamom · Aug 25, 2012

Our instructor reccommened having a second set just in case something gross happens and we need to change!

Abigail612 · Aug 25, 2012

I personally would have two just because if you were to forget and get behind on laudry or they get damaged and you need a secound set you will want to have them. I always keep a spare set in the car because I never know when i may need to change, in the last 4 years that I have worked as a CNA I have had to change my uniform at work about 4 times so it does happen.

Stephalump · Aug 25, 2012

I know a couple of people who only have ore set of scrubs, for financial reasons, I'm sure. If you think you're up to washing every week, I see no harm in it.

I know my weaknesses, and I'd wake up at 3am on a clincal day in terror after realizing I forgot to wash my uniform. Then I'd probably only have time to wash and I'd be at clinicals in a semi-wet uniform.

Worse, my top is white and my bottom is turquoise, so they technically have to be washed separately...

So, yes, I have two :)