OR Locker Rooms

[runningbarefoot]

Hi, I have been a med/surg nurse for many years and finally got an OR job (literally just found out a few minutes ago) which I have wanted for a long time. Something I realized I totally forgot about was the locker room. I have awful eczema, and many ugly scars from it. When I'm wearing scrubs you can't tell but once they come off its very visible. I have been very self conscious about it all my life.

I'm wondering if typically there are any private areas to change in an OR locker room? Are you able to change in the bathroom? I know the easier/simpler answer would be to stop being self conscious but its hard to break something that easily when its something I've been emotional about my whole life.

Thanks

[brownbook]

Every locker room I have worked in, and it hasn't been that many, has had the female's bathrooms, and or a shower area, in the locker. room. As long is you don't take forever a quick change in the bathroom should be fine.

I am so sorry, about the eczema. It is soooo easy for me to say, just tell your co-workers, they won't care or give it a second thought. But I know there are things in my life I hide about myself and you would say to me......how crazy, no one cares about that!!!!!

[oceanblue52]

Should be a bathroom stall to change in, and I think it is very reasonable for you to seek some privacy to change. Come in early on your first shift so you can scout the situation out and not feel rushed about changing. Congrats on the new job too!!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

One of the things you're going to find out about the OR locker rooms is that... nobody watches anyone else changing. Seriously. It's so crowded with everyone trying to get dressed at the same time it's literally throw the street clothes in the locker, throw the scrubs on, get out. If your locker room is anything like mine, you aren't going to want to be in the bathroom area without shoes- it's amazing how disgusting some women can be, although I do hear that the men's is worse- apparently they intentionally aim above the urinals. Instead, what about coming in a little early and changing before the crowd arrives?

[RobtheORNurse]

I think you will find that no will pay attention to it. I have worked in the OR for many years and after seeing the things in the OR, the locker room is no big deal.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Just another thought: changing in a bathroom stall is likely to draw more attention to you as well- it's much more noticeable.

[runningbarefoot]

Thank you to everyone who responded!! I think I will just arrive early, I'm already in the habit of showing up 30-40 mins before the start of my shift so hopefully I can just count on some privacy.