nursing scrubs Archives | Nursepective

When and How Often Should You Replace Your Pediatric Nursing Scrubs?

Yasmine Seidu — Sun, 06 Mar 2022 18:47:40 +0000

Scrubs are the standard uniform for all healthcare professionals, no matter their job role. So whether you are a nurse, doctor, lab technician, or manage the front desk, you must wear a pair of pediatric nursing scrubs every day to work.

Your scrubs are a simple, no-nonsense piece of clothing that protects you from various infectious substances you might catch in the hospital environment. They also ensure that you stay comfortable during long and intense shifts.

Since you wear scrubs daily to work, they are exposed to excessive wear and tear. So, it becomes essential to replace your scrubs at regular intervals. It will ensure that you stay protected and have an immaculate appearance.

This brings us to our main question: when and how often should you replace your scrubs?

Well, there is no fixed answer to this question, as the lifespan and durability of your scrubs depend on several factors.

And that’s what we are going to talk about in this article. Today, we will walk you through some key factors determining when and how often you should replace your medical scrubs. So, let’s get started!

The Nature of Your Job

One of the most significant factors that determine the lifespan of your scrubs is your job role. For example, if you are a nurse, who spends a considerable part of your day working in the trauma room or the ER, your scrubs would be exposed to bodily fluids like blood more frequently than someone working in the lab.

It also means that you’ll have to disinfect and wash your scrubs more frequently. Thus, they will have a shorter lifespan and need frequent replacement.

Similarly, if you work as a receptionist at a medical facility, you and your scrubs won’t come in contact with chemicals and infectious bodily fluids that frequently. So, they won’t require a lot of intense washing and will stay durable and last much longer.

Your Work Hours

If you work full-time every day, it’s natural that your scrubs will get worn out faster than someone who works part-time or only on weekends.

When you wear your pediatric nursing scrubs for ten to twelve hours shifts every day, you’d need to wash them regularly and more frequently. But unfortunately, this will cause the fabric to lose its appeal and be ineffective in protecting you from contaminants.

Therefore, if you are a full-time healthcare professional, it is recommended to use high-quality scrubs and replace them once every year.

Furthermore, if you work full-time in a trauma room or ER, where your scrubs regularly get soiled with blood, urine, chemicals, etc., you must replace them every six to seven months. For part-time workers and temps, replacing your scrubs every two or so years is sufficient.

Quality of The Fabric

How often you need to replace your scrubs depends on the fabric and their overall quality. Usually, low-quality scrubs made from inferior materials get worn out quickly and require frequent replacements.

On the other hand, high-quality scrubs are durable and can easily last for more than a year despite regular use.

As far as the fabrics go, linen and polyester are generally more durable and last longer than cotton in the long run. However, cotton is more comfortable, soft, and breathable.

So, the kind of scrubs you should go for depends on the nature of your job and your specific preferences.

It is advisable to choose superior and well-built scrubs rather than cheap ones. Better quality scrubs are way more expensive than the cheap ones, but they are worth every penny.

Further, we recommend you opt for dark-colored scrubs as they don’t fade as quickly as the lighter shades like pink and blue.

Exposure to Infectious Elements

If your job role requires you to work in the surgical department, you will be exposed to the patients’ bodily fluids every day. In this case, you’ll need to change your scrubs several times a day or after every surgery to maintain good hygiene.

Similarly, if you work with patients having highly infectious diseases, you’ll need to change and disinfect your scrubs more frequently. This will help you avoid the risk of catching the same infection.

Consistent disinfecting or washing takes a toll on your scrubs. It causes the fabric to lose its shine and texture. Regular washing also causes the threads to become weaker and more prone to breaking, thereby creating a need to replace the scrubs.

Therefore, if your scrubs are exposed to harmful contaminants, it’s recommended to replace them at least twice a year, even if you disinfect them daily.

You Should Also Replace Your Pediatric Nursing Scrubs if They are Uncomfortable or Ill-fitted

Working as a medical professional is not easy. It is a demanding job where ten to twelve-hour shifts are pretty standard. So, it is essential to have super comfortable clothes that don’t hinder your work.

Therefore, if your pediatric nursing scrubs are uncomfortable or they don’t fit you correctly, you must replace them as soon as possible. No matter how new a pair of scrubs is, you should avoid wearing them to work if they are uncomfortable.

They will distract you and won’t let you perform your job perfectly. And you cannot afford to do that when you are in charge of the well-being of so many patients.

Additionally, if you notice signs of wear and tear like loose threads, fading, or holes in the fabric, it is a clear sign that you need to replace your scrubs.

The Bottom Line

Your medical scrubs are an integral part of your life as a healthcare worker. And thus, it is crucial to replace them in time and ensure that you always wear good-quality scrubs to work.

There is no standard answer to how often you should buy new scrubs. But paying close attention to them will help you figure out the proper schedule for replacing your pediatric nursing scrubs before they start looking too worn out and old.

FAQs

How long do scrubs last?

The average scrub will last between 3 and 6 months, but this varies depending on how often you use it and how well you take care of it.

To make your scrub last as long as possible, make sure to rinse it off after each use and hang it to dry.

Avoid leaving it in a moist environment, as this can cause the fabric to break down prematurely.

How many pairs of scrubs should you own?

As many as you can get your hands on! Kidding, kidding I would say a minimum of 1-2 pairs, but 3-4 would be great if you could swing it.

The main reason you want to have multiple pairs of scrubs is always to have a clean pair to wear. If you’re like me and tend to spill things or sweat a lot during your workday, then having multiple pairs is vital! And if one pair happens to get stained or too smelly for comfort, you don’t have to go through the hassle of washing them – swap them out for another pair.

Can you wear scrubs more than once?

The answer to this question is a resounding yes! There are many ways that you can wear your scrubs more than once.

One way to wear your scrubs more than once is to wash them in cold water and then hang them to dry.

This will help to preserve the color and fabric of your scrubs. You can also air-dry your scrubs by hanging them outside on a clothesline. If you have access to a clothes dryer, you can also dry your scrubs in there on the low heat setting.

Should scrubs fit tight?

There’s no right or wrong answer to this question; it all depends on what you’re comfortable with. Some people feel more confident and stylish in skin-tight scrubs, while others prefer a looser fit. Ultimately, it’s up to you!

What to know when buying scrubs?

When buying scrubs, it’s essential to know what you’re looking for. Firstly, always look for comfortable and well-fitting scrubs. You’ll be wearing them all day, so you’ll want something that’s not too tight or too loose.

Secondly, make sure the fabric is high quality and breathable. You don’t want to be sweating in your scrubs all day long.

And lastly, choose a style that you like. There are many different styles and colors to choose from, so find something that you’ll feel good wearing every day.

Are there plus-size scrubs available?

There are plus-size scrubs available! And not just for XXL folks, but for those up to size 5XL. You can find a wide variety of flattering and comfortable styles online or in stores. Just be sure to measure yourself carefully to get the best fit.

What scrub material is best for nurses?

Nurses need a scrub material that is absorbent and durable. A good scrub material should soak up blood and other body fluids without leaving stains.

It is also essential that the material withstands wear and tear so that you can use it multiple times. Some materials that meet these criteria are cotton, rayon, and polyester.

The post When and How Often Should You Replace Your Pediatric Nursing Scrubs? appeared first on Nursepective.

7 Key Reasons Why Scrub Material Matters

Yasmine Seidu — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 23:13:04 +0000

WHY SCRUB MATERIAL MATTERS

Are you thinking of getting a new pair of scrubs and wondering which scrub material you should buy your scrubs in? Here are some of the best tips to help you choose your nursing scrubs efficiently. This guide will help you find and buy scrubs that will last you a long time while being a good as new.

This post contains all the best tips to help you choose the best scrub material for your nursing scrubs.

This post may contain some affiliate links. This means I will be receiving a small commission at no cost to you if you purchase through my link. Access the full disclosure here.

Table Of Contents

What do Nurses Look for in Scrubs?

What Material are Scrubs Made of?

Types of Scrub materials

1. Scrub Material Determines Comfort-Level

2. It Affects the Durability and Lifespan of Your Scrubs

3. It Determines Safety

4. High-Quality Material Enables You to Tackle Difficult Jobs More Easily

5. Scrub Material Can Enhance or Spoil Your Looks

6. Boosts Your Confidence

7. Make You Look Professional

FAQs

What material are scrubs usually made of?

What fabric is best for making scrubs?

Are all scrubs antimicrobial?

Are scrubs breathable?

Which scrubs are the softest?

Summing Up

Nursing scrubs provide a protective barrier between your skin and anything that you come in contact with while working. As nurses, we know that scrub material choice matters to us because of the kind of pathogens and contaminated material we come in contact with.

As a standard protocol, most medical professionals wear scrubs to their workplace especially if they work in the hospital. So, whether you are a surgeon, a dentist, or a lab technician, you would be wearing scrubs to work. This is why finding the right material choice for scrubs is very crucial.

While scrubs are simple two-piece clothing, including a comfy shirt and pants, selecting the perfect one is not so simple! You need to consider multiple things before buying a pair of scrubs for yourself. This includes the fabric, the color, the quality, and so on.

What do Nurses Look for in Scrubs?

Each individual nurse has their own preference in what they like their scrubs to look and feel like. Generally speaking though, most nurses prefer their scrubs to have some key properties. These may include but are not limited to:

Fit and Comfort: Nurse scrubs should fit well and be comfortable to wear. You don’t want them to be too tight or too loose, and they should allow for freedom of movement.
Fabric: Look for a fabric that is soft and doesn’t make noise when you move around. It should also be breathable, which helps with air circulation.
Color: Choose a color that is easy to wear under other nurse clothing such as your white coat if you wear one. You don’t want anything too bright or distracting because this could cause people to lose focus in the hospital setting.
Style: The style of the nursing scrubs should be a good balance of practical, durable and trendy. You don’t want to have to worry about your scrubs falling apart or looking out of date after just a few washes. Additionally, you should also aim to look good while you are at it.

Amongst all these things, your scrubs’ material is one of the most important factors determining their overall comfort and practicality which is what we will be focusing on.

In this blog post, we will discuss why it is important to choose your nurse scrub material wisely. Read on!

What Material are Scrubs Made of?

It wont be fair to talk about about scrub materials without first breaking down the types of material commonly used in making scrubs.

In recent years, most of these fabrics are used in combination of each other or with other types of fabrics to offer health care professionals the best.These fabric blends helps scrubs companies to make up for the deficiency of one fabric by combining it with another that has exactly what the first fabric is lacking.

Some of the leading names in scrubs have incorporated super cool technologies to give healthcare workers even better nurse scrub properties and experiences.

Jaanuu scrubs and Figs scrubs for instance feature Silvadur antimicrobial technology that adds a layer of protection to prevent nurse scrubs from picking up all the pathogens nurses encounter while working.

figs

FIGS scrubs are always ANTI-WRINKLE, RIDICULOUSLY SOFT, MOISTURE-WICKING and feature FOUR-WAY STRETCH and SILVADUR ANTIMICROBIAL TECHNOLOGY for odor control and fabric durability.

Types of Scrub materials

The base material or fabric used in making scrubs are Rayon, Cotton, Polyester and Spandex. Modern day scrubs are usually made with a combination of these base fabrics. Each fabric's unique quality determines the preference of a scrub company's fabric in manufacturing their line of nursing scrubs. Below are some of the unique characteristics that makes these scrub materials preferred over another.

property	Breathable	easy to clean	Durable	Moisture absorbing
Cotton	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Rayon	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Spandex	No	Yes	No	Yes
Polyester	Yes	Yes	Yes	No

1. Scrub Material Determines Comfort-Level

Wearing comfortable clothes is essential when working in the medical industry, which is known to be super-intense and grueling. When you are in charge of ensuring the well-being of so many patients, your comfort should be a priority. Because when you feel uneasy in your clothing, you will naturally be distracted and won’t be able to do your job in the best possible manner.

As I said before, medical scrubs come in varied materials, and different materials offer different comfort levels. For example, while cotton is the most comfortable and breathable fabric, it gets wrinkled and shrinks faster than other fabrics.

On the other hand, materials like polyester don’t shrink quickly, but they aren’t sweat-absorbent. Thus, synthetic or polyester scrubs might feel uncomfortable to many people, especially during the hotter months. Therefore, it is advisable to analyze your requirements, personal preferences, and physical activity at work before buying your medical scrubs.

2. It Affects the Durability and Lifespan of Your Scrubs

The material of your scrubs plays a significant role in determining their durability and lifespan. High-quality and expensive scrubs generally last almost twice as long as the cheaper ones. Additionally, high-quality scrubs can prevent contaminants and infections from harming you.

As a healthcare professional, you will have to work in a contagious environment, and scrubs act as your protective gear. So, naturally, they will have to undergo regular washing and disinfecting. So, they should be made from a material that can withstand intense washing and is good enough to be worn several times.

Therefore, it is essential to choose a quality-oriented material that is easier to wash and dry. Cotton is a superior fabric that is not only durable but super-soft and lightweight too. It can also easily withstand multiple uses, intense washes, and chemical-cleaning products like heavy-duty detergents. The only downside of choosing cotton scrubs is that they shrink, lose shape, and fade quickly.

Materials like linen, poly-cotton, and rayon can act as excellent alternatives to cotton.

3. It Determines Safety

When working in a medical facility, you don’t only have to work with highly contagious diseases, you also have to handle sharp tools and equipments. Your scrubs act as your armor in such an environment.

It is therefore crucial to choose the material that repels foul odors, prevents chemical stains, and doesn’t get torn easily. A thin and delicate fabric would just end up getting caught in several things and make your work harder.

While purchasing scrubs, always go for durable and slightly thicker materials. Materials like polyester-cotton blend, polyester-spandex blend, etc., are tough by nature and can withstand long working hours. In addition, they are flexible, tear-resistant, stretchable, and are easy to wash and maintain.

4. High-Quality Material Enables You to Tackle Difficult Jobs More Easily

Superior quality, soft, and comfortable scrub material empowers you to tackle your job in a more efficient way. As a healthcare worker, you have hundreds of things to worry about, and your scrubs shouldn’t be one of them!

When on duty, your complete focus should be on treating your patients. Therefore, your clothing shouldn’t distract you from doing so.

While high-quality materials like linen and cotton are way more expensive than the likes of polyester, they are worth the investment. This is because these materials are not only highly durable but will also provide you with a high level of comfort.

5. Scrub Material Can Enhance or Spoil Your Looks

The fabric of your scrubs has the power to enhance and spoil your whole appearance and looks. Gone are the days when the majority of scrubs followed the standard round-neck and white-colored pattern. Modern-day scrubs are both chic and comfortable. Therefore, you can still make a style statement in your medical uniform.

Today, scrubs are available in various attractive shades like blue, violet, pink, green, etc. They also come in multiple elegant designs like the V-neckline, slit hems, zipper detailing, belt loops, and so on!

Apart from designs and colors, material plays a vital role in deciding the overall appearance of your scrubs. A soft and lightweight material looks more attractive than a thick one. Moreover, you should also try to go with wrinkle-resistant, moisture-wicking, and easy-to-maintain fabric.

6. Boosts Your Confidence

Depending on what material or fabric used for making a nurses' scrubs, the scrubs can come out looking super stylish and chic helping to boost a nurses confident. Theres nothing better than a competent and confident nurse at the bedside. Looking good is feeling good and feeling good is being able to provide the best care for your patients.

A not so good fabric will yield a not so good scrub set. If you are left conscious about how you look while you work, it can shift your concentration from the things that actually matter at that point in time.

To prevent this, finding a nursing scrub with a good material and hence a good fit will make all the difference in. your day.

7. Make You Look Professional

After talking about the confidence you will have in yourself, it will be fair to also hit on the confidence your patients will have in you.

Looking professional has a lot to do with your mannerism and how you look outwardly. Wearing poorly fitted, wrinkled scrubs makes you look very unprofessional.

When we go in to see our patients as nurses, first impressions matter in creating that initial rapport with them. You don't want to be the nurse that will look unprofessional in the eyes of your patients even before you get the chance to care for them. Having the right scrub fabric will help you look professional and hopefully win your patients confidence in you.

FAQs

What material are scrubs usually made of?

Nurse scrubs are typically made of cotton, polyester, rayon or spandex and sometimes a blend of any these fabrics. Whatever the fabric of choice is, it should be lightweight and durable, making it comfortable to wear all day long.

Additionally, the material is should be easy to care for and can be machine-washed and dried. It should also be lightweight and breathable, to help prevent sweating.

What fabric is best for making scrubs?

There are many different types of fabric that can be used for making scrubs. While some nurses may prefer a certain type of fabric, the best choice is usually a blend of different key fabrics like the ones discussed in this blog.

To make things interesting, get the best of all these fabrics and more with recent technologies like the ones from Jaanuu and Figs to help protect you can your family.

Are all scrubs antimicrobial?

No. Not all nurse scrubs are antimicrobial.

A nurse scrub material that is not antimicrobial will only give basic protection from bacteria, germs etc., so it is important to note this when purchasing your scrubs

If your nurse uniforms are plain cotton (non -antimicrobial), they should be changed and washed on a regular basis.

Are scrubs breathable?

Yes! Most nurse scrubs in the market today are made from breathable materials to ensure the comfort of healthcare professionals. Nursing scrubs made from cotton, rayon and many others are super breathable and made with natural fibers.

Breathability is important as it prevents the sucking up of moisture from the skin, but instead wick away sweat from your body to the outside of the fabric where evaporation can take place. This allows for optimum comfort in high-heat situations.

Which scrubs are the softest?

Generally speaking, scrubs made from cotton are soft and breathable and will keep you cool in summer months. This is because cotton has natural moisture-wicking properties that are great for keeping you cool and dry.

However, there are other materials used to manufacture scrub which can be just as soft or even softer than cotton scrubs.

Scrubs made from modal, rayon & bamboo have similar wicking abilities but these fabrics also boast incredible softness. Modal and rayon are made from beech trees while bamboo is a grass plant which means they're super environmentally friendly!

Summing Up

So, that was all about the importance of scrub material for healthcare professionals. Each material has its pros and cons, and the final choice will always depend upon your preferences and job requirements. No matter what, always ensure to go for the material that is comfortable, breathable, easy to wash and maintain.

Share 0

Tweet 0

The post 7 Key Reasons Why Scrub Material Matters appeared first on Nursepective.