“Most of us are not wearing hospital-issued scrubs. We're wearing the scrubs that we own and leave the house in every morning.” - 3boysmom3

There is a misconception that hospitals provide medical scrubs to medical professionals. Most hospitals do not have provided lockers and changing areas!

“The only time I can remember having to change clothes was when I worked In Neuro ICU or in the OR. All other areas you get to wear your scrubs outside the hospital. Part of the problem is that hospitals don't provide areas for staff to change.” - enfermera1

Medical professionals do not have the luxury or time to bring a change of clothes back and forth, and as stated before, no designated area in the hospital to change. It's definitely circumstantial as to whether or not hospital provides certain amenities to make changing into their medical scrubs possible.

“Most hospitals now days don't supply scrubs for the employees, unless they are OR or OB/Peds. I wear my scrubs to and from work. When I am involved in a procedure that I may be exposed to bodily fluids or airborne infections, I gown, glove and mask.” - boopestrada

In the past, it may have been more of the norm for many hospitals to provide this for their workers. In recent times however it is not typical of most hospitals. It also depends on the department of the hospital, whether or not changing rooms are included. In addition, the lifestyle of most medical professionals is very demanding, and changing in and out would not fit into such a demanding schedule.

The medical community surely sees it as the norm to transition from home to work in medical scrubs. It could be looked at as a part of the culture. It is also thought by some that hospitals are providing medical scrubs for each worker, when in actuality, they are purchasing their own scrubs just as any normal clothes. Most medical workers have the responsibility of keeping a full scrub inventory in their own closet.

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