subject: Why Medical Scrubs Matter [print this page] In any given area of professional care and services, from a simple local barber shop or nail salon to the most complex university research facilities and extended care hospitals, there is much that goes on behind the scenes. While the hidden world of what is required to make a professional facility, regardless of the nature, is not necessarily intentionally hidden, it is not discussed because in all reality is not particularly relevant and in many cases would simply take a lot of time to explain. From the way in which certain things are worded when they are communicated to those receiving services to the way that service providers are dressed when they treat patients, there is a reason for pretty much everything that you notice and even those you dont notice when you go places. This is particularly true in health care facilities such as hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care clinics, and private practitioners offices. For instance, you may not give a second thought to the medical scrubs that the nurses and specialists who treat you are wearing, but they are required specifically for many reasons.
To the casual observer, it may appear that scrubs are simply being worn because they are comfortable, and that this is appropriate for those in the medical field because they are highly comfortable. Unfortunately, some people may misconstrue this comfort for a lack of professionalism, as because it appears that the comfortable clothes are akin to wearing casual lounge clothes in ones workplace. This could not be further from the truth, as medical scrubs are highly functional, and yes, the comfort is part of their functionality. Comfort is crucial not only because of long shifts in which one may have to work for hours and hours with no breaks or relief, but also because this comfort allows for maximal reach, range of motion, and other factors that greatly influence job performance. And when the job being performed is potentially saving someones life it is crucial to make sure that nothing gets in the way of comfort being provided.
Medical scrubs are also unique in that they provide a defense against potential contamination. Ideally, medicine would be practiced in a perfectly sterile environment, as this would eliminate the potential of infections. While perfectly sterile environments are likely impossible, making rules such as the requirement to wear scrubs helps ensure the safety of patients and doctors.
