If you’re a healthcare pro, you already know that the superheroes of our profession wear scrubs instead of capes. Scrubs are the heavy-lifters that keep us calm, cool and comfortable when the pressure’s on — all while helping us do our job to the best of our ability. But did you know that there are multiple different kinds of scrubs, all of which have their own benefits and features? In this guide, we’ll cover a few common types of medical scrubs to help you determine which option is best for you. In reality, many medical professionals wear a combination of scrub types depending on the weather, environment or where they’re scheduled.
1. Nursing Scrubs
Nursing scrubs are probably what you think of when you picture modern scrubs in your head. Typically, they come with two pieces, a T-shirt and pants, and are worn by virtually all modern medical workers. A quality scrubs uniform is made to provide nurses with a comfy day-to-day ensemble that helps them stay focused on the task at hand — taking care of patients — so finding the right one is crucial. Here’s what a good pair of nursing scrubs should have:
- A flexible, stretchy fit. Nursing requires a lot of moving around, lifting patients and operating heavy machinery, which means their scrubs need to move with them. There is also a subcategory of nursing scrubs for pregnant women, called maternity scrubs. These are specifically designed for doctors, nurses and other medical pros who are pregnant, to keep up with a growing belly.
- Easy-to-clean fabric. There’s no denying it: Nurses get dirty, and dirty scrubs can be a health hazard. Easy-care fabrics are essential in demanding healthcare environments.
- Plenty of pockets. Nurses have a ton of cargo, and they need a place to stash it. Nursing scrubs often have ample pockets as well as a place to display a badge. Layering up with a scrub warm-up jacket is a great way to add some extra pockets!
- Stylish and positive. Modern nursing scrubs have come a very long way from the calf-length white gowns of yesteryear. Today’s nurse scrubs feature bright colors, fun patterns and even characters to help show some personality and lift the mood.
2. Surgical Scrubs
Surgical scrubs are specifically designed for surgeons to wear in the operating room. They differ from other kinds of scrubs in that they’re a bit looser so that surgeons can freely move throughout the operating room. They are often accompanied by a surgical cap and mask, which help prevent injuries and the spread of germs in the O.R. Surgical scrubs tend to have the following features:
- Green or blue fabric. If you’ve ever watched a medical drama or have been in surgery yourself, you know that surgical scrubs are usually a greenish-blue color. There’s a good reason for that. In part, it’s because the color helps doctors see better while in the operating room and because it pops out against colors like red. It may also be because blue is seen as a color of calm, competence and trustworthiness, which can help put patience and co-workers at ease.
- A comfortable, stretchy fit. The fit of surgical scrubs is crucial because a set that’s too tight could be restrictive, preventing a surgeon from moving around or doing their job, while a set that’s too loose could get caught in medical equipment or surgical devices.
- Sterile and easy to clean. Surgeons are required to come to work in street clothes and change into sterile scrubs while in the operating room. This helps prevent bacteria from entering the environment and contaminating the patient. They are also likely to get stained with all kinds of bodily fluids, so the ability to clean them easily is essential.
- Easy to put on and take off. Since surgeons have to put on and remove their scrubs more often than nurses in order to keep things sterile, they should be easy to don and remove as needed.
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3. Lab Coats
Lab coats are the top layer worn by doctors, nurses, lab techs and other professionals while running routine tests, such as taking blood or testing lab samples. Lab coats are generally waist- or knee-length in order to protect clothes beneath. They also feature a convenient button front, which allows them to be put on and taken off easily as needed. While lab coats are usually white, it’s becoming more and more common to see doctors and nurses sporting colored and patterned options as well. These are the primary features of lab coats:
- Fire- and chemical-resistant. Since they are consistently exposed to harsh chemicals and hazards, lab coats are typically designed to be fire-resistant to prevent accidents.
- Easy to clean. The lab is messy, and the coat’s sole duty is to protect you and your clothes from staining. That means it should be sturdy, protective and easy to clean, no matter what kinds of spills and splatters are thrown at it during the day.
- Easy to put on and take off. Like surgical scrubs, lab coats must be easy to remove and don as needed because they really should stay in the lab in order to prevent cross-contamination. They should have easy-to-use fasteners and have a loop for hanging on a hook in the lab.
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Which Type Is Best?
So, which kind should you wear? For most medical professionals, nursing scrubs are the standard. Plus, they come in hundreds of different fits, styles and sizes with features for virtually every medical environment, from the emergency room to the veterinary office. With that said, surgical scrubs are ideal for the operating room, while lab coats are ideal for labs. To determine which scrubs are right for your position, consult with your healthcare system’s dress code or inquire with other employees about their preferred style.
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