Uniforms and clothing are essential in any healthcare industry. They protect employees from contaminants and make their job easier. Each outfit serves its own purpose, but scrubs are mainly worn as a uniform in any caregiving facility.
Beyond creating a better way to protect against contaminants and making the caregiving job easier, there are many reasons scrub outfits are necessary for a patient’s private residence or independent living communities. Here are some reasons why caregivers should wear scrubs.
1. Enhance sanitation and reduce cross-contamination
The primary function of a scrub is to enhance sanitation. Bacteria are bound to stick to your clothes as you care for the patients, increasing the risk of contamination and pathogens transmission.
Scrubs from reliable suppliers such as Blue Sky scrubs are made from a thick material, ensuring your skin is protected from getting into contact with accidental spills or other fluids a caregiver may encounter while caring for residents.
Scrubs that are specifically designed for healthcare professionals can help reduce cross-contamination risk. Preventing the spread of potentially contagious infections and viruses is essential for the retirement home resident’s well-being, particularly those with weakened immune systems. Disease outbreaks can also reduce the ratings of a senior living facility.
2. Provide comfort and range of movement
Caregivers have one of the most demanding jobs, spending all the time moving to and from to help patients. A caregiver might spend a whole shift on their feet or may only get to sit for a short time. In such a case, scrubs offer comfort to the caregiver who has to spend hours standing, moving around, bending, or sitting. Their movement is not limited, like when a caregiver wears casual attire, making brisk and continuous movement much more comfortable.
Due to the differences in shapes between medical scrubs for men and women, the outfits are usually designed to fit whoever is wearing them. Scrubs are also typically made of polyester, cotton, and spandex. This results in a breathable and flexible fabric, comfortable on the skin without being heavy or thick to the wearer.
Different brands use diverse combinations, but all scrubs are generally designed to maximize mobility while allowing the skin to breathe. Some scrubs also have special moisture-wicking fabrics that help eliminate the wearer’s sweat.
3. Enhance convenience
Convenience is always the top priority when designing medical scrubs. When looking after a patient, a caregiver should easily access the necessary tools, such as a pen or smartphone. Scrubs usually come with multiple pockets to store things safely. Some even have zippers to secure the caregiver’s essentials, to ensure they are within reach in a busy environment. Normal clothing doesn’t offer the same storage capacity as scrubs.
4. Identification purposes
Like any company uniform, scrubs offer easy identification of the healthcare professionals. Senior living facilities have different color dress codes for caregivers, nurses, doctors, and other facility staff. These color codes help patients identify and differentiate between a caregiver and a doctor, making it easier to reach out to the right person in their time of need. However, the color of scrubs that caregivers wear usually depends on the facility and the caregivers’ dress code policy. Scrubs also help create a professional business image that is alluring to current and potential residents.
5. Economic efficiency
Scrubs are designed for the best possible use and cost-efficiency. They are made from high-quality materials and cuts of pure ergonomics, making them both economical and practical. In addition, they can withstand even the most rigorous cleaning processes, meaning they can last for years of wash and wear and are also easy to replace.
6. Ease of cleaning
Scrubs are perhaps the easiest clothing to clean with a single top with no collar or buttons. In addition, their colors make stains, including amniotic fluid or urine, less obvious, especially after several washes.
Avoid washing your scrubs with regular laundry since bacteria can be transmitted from your clothing to other surfaces. To help prevent shrinking, it’s recommended to clean your scrubs in cold water on a delicate cycle. The cold water also helps prevent stains from setting into your scrubs while in the wash.
Endnote
It’s always a good idea to wear medical scrubs when at work, whether a caregiver or a nurse. Scrubs are very useful in curbing the risk of being exposed to bacteria and viruses as you likely wear and remove them within the confines of a healthcare facility. If you get high-quality scrub outfits, this clothing can certainly give you much protection and enhance your work experience.
