Surgical gowns/scrub caps outside the OR?

[Philly85]

In addition to being in Nursing School, I also work administratively at a major hospital. I often see either surgeons or OR nurses or scrub techs in the cafeteria or just walking around the hospital or out in the courtyard wearing their scrub caps (disposable ones) or surgical gowns.

I'm confused by this...what is the point of wearing it once the case they were in previously is completed? It's not like they can reuse the cap or gown. Wouldn't it just be easier to take it off once they have completed the case?

Please help me understand...thanks.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

There is some disagreement currently between AORN and Joint Commission. AORN recommends keeping the hat on to prevent shedding of hair onto the scrubs (Joint Commission hasn't caught up with that yet and expects staff to remove prior to leaving the surgical department). Staff do not routinely change scrubs unless they become soiled. Those gowns would not have been worn during the surgery itself- they would either be warmup jackets that are longer or cover gowns meant to keep outside "stuff" off the scrubs.

[ChryssyD]

Rose Queen: Yes. When I worked PICU, we were scrupulous about covering our scrubs when we left the unit for lunch or a smoke break (breathing treatment). The idea was to minimize contamination of our clothing to help protect our little patients.

Of course, I had 3 dogs and 2 cats at the time, so it was kind of silly of me to worry about additional contamination when I was coming from a germy, super-allergenic environment to start with. But when I would don an isolation gown to go outside, at least my heart was in the right place. :)