I went to the gym today and saw a male nurse lifting in his scrubs. I was a little bothered by it because I would think it would be unsanitary for someone to be working out in their hospital uniform, so I approached him and this is what I said:
me: excuse me, wouldn't it be unsanitary to wear that working out?
him: oh they're clean. who are you?
me: oh, I'm just a student
After I tell him this he kind of chuckles and rolls his eyes and goes on with his work out.
Besides being rude, do you think this was wrong? How would another gym go-er know that it is clean if he did not tell them? For all I know it could have MRSA or some other pathogen he came into contact with. I realize people go in their uniforms to subway or whatever restaurant to eat, but this is the gym - where I'm lying down on the same bench as him. Am i overreacting or was this unprofessional of him?
I know this thread is about two months old. Anyways I understand where you're coming from, but it really isn't that big of a deal. There might have been times where you have gone to your gym and used a piece of equipment (not knowing that someone 20 minutes before you in pathogen covered scrubs) used it, and you were fine. My point is that, whether you see a guy/gal in dirty scrubs at the gym working out on a weight lifting bench or whatever, it wont change the fact that you'll be exposed to pathogens. because you'll never know who used it before you.
If what I said doesn't make sense, then take a look at the BART system in San Francisco. All their seats are covered in MRSA and other harmful bacteria, and people sit on them everyday. They go into their cars and sit on the drivers seat. They go home and sit on their sofa, etc.. most are fine.
Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.
I work-out at the medical center campus gym at my place of employment (great place, employee discount on membership). Sign on the wall specifically states only work-out attire is allowed within the exercise areas which excludes jeans, sandals, scrubs, etc. The medical center gym itself is open to the public for membership but I see attendings, residents, nurses, PCA's, RT's who I work with at the gym and not a single time do I see anyone wearing scrubs while working out.
Haha. I go grocery shopping, hang out at the mall (like its 1999), dog park...pretty much anywhere in my scrubs. They're comfortable. I just get used to them. They're always clean.
Maybe this guy was wearing clean scrubs?
Personally I don't work out much because I hate tight fitting spandex filled workout gear. Can't say I blame him. But that's just the thought of a lady PCT of 2+ years and last semester nursing student.
I do zumba in my clean scrubs. The scrubs were purchased by me, and they are not designated for work use. If someone approached me while I was working out to determine if they were clean, I would laugh too.
I do zumba in my clean scrubs. The scrubs were purchased by me and they are not designated for work use. If someone approached me while I was working out to determine if they were clean, I would laugh too.[/quote']
I would laugh and then say "please find gym clothes as comfortable AND cheap as these scrubs and I will change to please your whims"
OP don't work at a hospital if your worried about germs.
you're SUPPOSED to worry about germs in a hospital. do you not wear gloves, masks, etc for protection against germs? I realize exposure to germs is inevitable in the setting, but being cautious to minimize it is important.
seanynjboy, BSN
225 Posts
hahahaha this one cracked me up!! :)