Do Nurses Wear the Same Scrubs in the OR as They Wear to Work?

Working in the hospital, it is a common question to wonder about the attire of individuals involved in different departments. My experiences have highlighted some key points regarding this topic, particularly focusing on the scrub clothing in the operating room (OR).

Personal Experiences from Various Hospitals

Each hospital has its own specific policies, and my experiences at multiple hospitals have provided me with valuable insights. In some instances, hospitals provide scrubs for their staff, while in others, it is a personal responsibility to ensure proper attire. Let's explore more about the specific protocols and guidelines observed.

At one hospital I worked, it is strictly against the employment contract to wear scrubs in or out of the hospital. This ensures that staff maintain a professional image and adhere to hygiene and infection control standards. However, some hospitals allow or even expect staff to change into their hospital-issued scrub clothes directly upon arrival.

Common Practices across Most Hospitals

In the majority of hospitals in the United States, there is a clear distinction between the attire of operating room (OR) staff and other hospital personnel. This is especially true when it comes to the level of precaution and hygiene required in the OR.

Hospital-Supplied Scrubs for OR Staff

OR staff, including doctors, nurses, and technicians, typically wear hospital-supplied and laundered scrubs. These scrubs are laundered to a specific level of disinfection set by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) to ensure they meet the rigorous standards required for infection control in the OR. It is a common practice for these scrubs to be laundered within the facility and dropped off at the end of the shift.

Personal Scrubs for Floor Staff

On the other hand, non-OR staff, such as nurses working on general floors, typically wear personally owned scrubs. These scrubs must be decontaminated before being laundered, which often requires bringing them to a specific area within the hospital.

Scrubs in the OR Environment

The operating room environment requires a high level of hygiene and sterility. This is why hospital-supplied scrubs are typically used, ensuring that any potential contaminants are removed before entering the operative area. However, dressing into these scrubs in the OR is also a common practice, especially for staff who have multiple shifts in a single day. As these scrubs can become soiled or contaminated, changing into clean scrubs after each procedure is standard practice.

Specific Practices for OR Staff

Most OR staff members arrive at work in regular clothes and dress into their specialized OR scrubs once they enter the facility. It's important to note that some staff, especially early morning shifts, may show up in pajamas, change into their OR scrubs, and may switch scrubs throughout the day as they become contaminated. The end of the shift often involves a thorough shower and a change into personal attire before heading home.

Other Personnel Involved in the OR

It's also worth noting that not all individuals working in the OR are nurses or doctors. Operating assistants and anesthesia technicians, while working in a sterile environment, are not nurses. Their attire may differ, and they often wear different types of scrubs or have specific attire mandated by their role.

General Guidelines and Recommendations

In summary, while some nurses may wear regular scrubs from their general floor duties into the OR, the most reliable and safe practice is to change into clean OR scrubs before entering. This not only ensures compliance with hospital policies but also maintains the highest level of hygiene and infection control measures.

Overall, the correct attire plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe and sterile environment, which is essential in healthcare settings. Understanding these protocols ensures that all staff members take the necessary precautions and adhere to best practices.