Doctors tucked, everyone else untucked?

[deleted74029]

Random observation: I have noticed that even without a coat I can spot doctors by whether they tuck in their scrubs or not. Anyone know why this is?

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[aggie08]

Random observation: I have noticed that even without a coat I can spot doctors by whether they tuck in their scrubs or not. Anyone know why this is?

Half my class tucks in their shirts in Anatomy lab, because we're doctors.

Kidding, kidding. Docs do seem to tuck the scrubs more than others.

 

[Bacchus]

I've noticed this in anatomy lab and it seems more prevalent among those that had to wear scrubs previously. In my case, my scrubs are too big so my pants sag a bit too much to tuck in, woops.

 

[chman]

"So Lupe, that will be one tuck, and one no tuck."

You will either think this is funny or have no idea what I am talking about.🙂

 

[seelee]

love seinfeld

I am just guessing but could it be because docs clip their pager to their scrub pant?

What I want to know is why lady doctors don't wear print scrubs.

 

[dukemed22]

"So Lupe, that will be one tuck, and one no tuck."

You will either think this is funny or have no idea what I am talking about.🙂

One of the best shows ever created

 

[armybound]

I think med students look like tools with their scrubs tucked in, fwiw.

 

[mmmcdowe]

Docs tuck in the scrubs to hold in the gut they build up.

 

[ProtonatedAlchy]

One of the best shows ever created

Classic

 

[chicubsfan]

What I want to know is why lady doctors don't wear print scrubs.

So they don't look like nurses?

 

[Longshanks]

So they don't look like nurses?

For realz.

I haven't noticed much tucking in, maybe I haven't looked. I feel like the younger ones don't for some reason.

 

[NoMoreAMCAS]

I think med students look like tools with their scrubs tucked in, fwiw.

This. Man it looks dumb.

 

[riceman04]

Docs tuck in the scrubs to hold in the gut they build up.

so how soon are you going to start tucking?

 

[coldweatherblue]

I tuck in my scrubs. always have, always will. it looks better, especially on-service with a white-coat (ER). don't care about people who say it's toolish because I've seen enough physicians who I respect and admire who tuck in their scrubs as well. I have no problem saying that I want to be like them and will emulate work fashion trends to match. 😎

 

[armybound]

I tuck in my scrubs. always have, always will. it looks better, especially on-service with a white-coat (ER). don't care about people who say it's toolish because I've seen enough physicians who I respect and admire who tuck in their scrubs as well. I have no problem saying that I want to be like them and will emulate work fashion trends to match. 😎

if you're in the clinic, that's one thing. I'm talking about the guy who wears scrubs first year on days when he is NOT dissecting.

 

[Dannyw]

My first day shadowing a Urologist he told me to tuck in my scrubs. I've done it ever since. I think people look like slobs when they aren't tucked.

 

[Hoody]

Random observation: I have noticed that even without a coat I can spot doctors by whether they tuck in their scrubs or not. Anyone know why this is?

Did a quick survey of the ICU/PACU/Pre-Op this morning. Only one nurse was tucked out of like 10. All of the Dr's as well as the CRNAs were tucked.

Then I debated if I should tuck. I decided not. I always wear a hoody so it doesn't matter anyway. 😛

 

[coldweatherblue]

if you're in the clinic, that's one thing. I'm talking about the guy who wears scrubs first year on days when he is NOT dissecting. he even puts his cell phone on his waist like it was a beeper or something.

cool I get what you're saying now. 👍

 

[KeyzerSoze]

if you're in the clinic, that's one thing. I'm talking about the guy who wears scrubs first year on days when he is NOT dissecting. he even puts his cell phone on his waist like it was a beeper or something.

Sounds like tucking in his scrubs is the least of his problems.

 

[aggiedoc2010]

Sounds like tucking in his scrubs is the least of his problems.

Compensating for the size of his uh... brain right??

 

[RogueUnicorn]

nurses don't tuck because we need our pockets to hold lots of things. the two front pockets are invaluable.

 

[Omni]

tucked in shirt (where appropriate) gives off a sense of authority.

 

[MossPoh]

Tucked scrubs tends to be for better access to one's pager and phone. It also keeps things form flowing around too much and getting in the way of some things. That being said, I've never been ABLE to tuck in my scrub top. They are always too short regardless of the size. I know they make long ones, but I've never been supplied them and I'm not going to pay.

 

[sustentacular]

I tuck in my scrubs. always have, always will. it looks better, especially on-service with a white-coat (ER). don't care about people who say it's toolish because I've seen enough physicians who I respect and admire who tuck in their scrubs as well. I have no problem saying that I want to be like them and will emulate work fashion trends to match. 😎

I disagree, unless you want to wear your pants up above your belly button. I don't find scrub shirts to be long enough to be tucked into pants without seeming ridiculous. I know plenty of fine Docs who don't tuck in their scrubs.


Edit: Second what MossPoh said above.

 

[Depakote]

If you're scrubbing in, you're supposed to tuck your scrubs (especially the draw-string)


I'm not 100% sure about the reasoning behind it, less stuff flopping around to contaminate anything, I guess. You definitely don't want a scrub string hitting something when you're trying to get gowned up. Either way, it's what they taught us in my surgery rotation and it seems to be universally accepted.

The pager/cell phone argument makes sense as well.

 

[chman]

So they don't look like nurses?

That might be true if all nurses were still female.

 

[howelljolly]

Tucking in the scrub top is part of "O.R. Etiquette". Thats why you see doctors, and not a whole lot of others doing this. If as a medical student, you walk into the OR of a particularly observant attending with your top untucked, you'll be shouted at, kicked out of the OR until you've fixed yourself... or maybe for the whole case. So, its probably a good habit to get into.

The rationale is that while you are working on and around the patient prior to the sterile drapes being applied, and you gowning up... the lower edge of your top can brush across the things in the room which are sterile, as you walk past them, or catch on to things... and suchlike.

Learn it here, and get into the habit. I worked with a student who learned it the hard way after having done surgery for 3 months.... by getting kicked out of the OR. A lot of attendings might not notice or care. Then you'll run into the one attending who is a stickler for OR Etiquette, and you'll be in trouble.

 

[njbmd]

If you are scrubbed, your scrub top needs to be tucked in. Nurses usually wear tunic tops without ties (don't need to be tucked) but the shorter V-neck top that most surgeons, male or female, wear needs to be tucked in.

If you are not scrubbed in the OR, you can wear your top any way that you like.

 

[aggie08]

love seinfeld

I am just guessing but could it be because docs clip their pager to their scrub pant?

What I want to know is why lady doctors don't wear print scrubs.

Nurses are the only ones who wear print scrubs.
I think print scrubs are weird, I wouldn't even wear them when I was a med tech. They are too busy.

 

[chman]

Nurses are the only ones who wear print scrubs.
I think print scrubs are weird, I wouldn't even wear them when I was a med tech. They are too busy.

For real. They are too stimulating, they put patients at risk for seizures.

 

[riverjib]

Random observation: I have noticed that even without a coat I can spot doctors by whether they tuck in their scrubs or not. Anyone know why this is?

Interesting observation. I've worked in the OR and ED for 10 years, and I never noticed this.

 

[howelljolly]

Interesting observation. I've worked in the OR and ED for 10 years, and I never noticed this.

Notice it. The first day a med students enters the OR, they are taught how to scrub in, change positions around the table, how to sneeze properly, and other OR etiquette. That includes the rule that scrub tops must be tucked in.

 

[just one]

if you're in the clinic, that's one thing. I'm talking about the guy who wears scrubs first year on days when he is NOT dissecting.

While I do agree with this, it is just so tempting to wear scrubs over the other choice in the dress code of slacks (I know some schools don't have a dress code but some do)

 

[mvenus929]

Nurses are the only ones who wear print scrubs.
I think print scrubs are weird, I wouldn't even wear them when I was a med tech. They are too busy.

I wear printed scrubs as a phleb, as do the majority of my coworkers (the three men who work with me either wear the standard issue scrubs or other solid colors). Most CNAs I know where printed scrubs, and so do the female med techs in the back. The male techs mostly wear street clothes under their lab coats. The environmental services people also where printed scrubs. So, you'd be very confused if you came to my hospital.

But I agree with what someone said above... most female docs don't wear printed scrubs because it'd make them too likely to be considered nurses. All the female docs I see in the hospital (note that I don't think we have any female surgeons or anesthesiologists on staff) are wearing business clothes under their white coats, if they wear the white coat at all.

 

[Law2Doc]

...while you are working on and around the patient prior to the sterile drapes being applied, and you gowning up... the lower edge of your top can brush across the things in the room which are sterile, as you walk past them, or catch on to things... I worked with a student who learned it the hard way after having done surgery for 3 months.... by getting kicked out of the OR. ...

This. You are at risk to contaminate things if your scrubs top is flapping about. The pager access is also true but definitely a secondary reason.
So yeah, there's reasons for doctors to tuck if they have OR duties or are carrying a pager. Nobody else really needs to.

 

[Jolie South]

This. You are at risk to contaminate things if your scrubs top is flapping about. The pager access is also true but definitely a secondary reason.
So yeah, there's reasons for doctors to tuck if they have OR duties or are carrying a pager. Nobody else really needs to.

Yea, when you're freshly scrubbed the last thing you want is your top getting in the way while drying off or gowning.

The only surgery attending I've seen untucked is an ungodly tall monster of a dude who can't get scrubs long enough. I'm tall for a female and my tops are a little short and hard to tuck, but I got nothing on this guy.

 

[organdonor]

As a CNA (I actually just got back from my shift, still wearing my scrubs) My job would be impossible if I had to tuck in my scrubs. The pockets are essential, since I can't wear a labcoat or anything, and pants pockets usually aren't big enough/numerous enough/easy enough to get to. I only had two shadowing experiences (weird huh?) and the ER doc was wearing a scrub top and jeans (not tucked) and while I was in the operating room, before the orthopedic surgeon came in, I was told by a scrub tech that I would look better if I tucked, so I did.

As a side note, to all that are speaking of print scrubs, noone does/can wear them at my hospital. At first it may seem unnecessarily strict, but we have a system that makes identification of ANYONE nearly foolproof. All scrubs are solid colors:

blue=nurse
maroon=CNA/secretery
red=lab
raspberry/khaki=environmental services
black (morbid isnt it?)=central transport.

I think a system like this is a good idea for any hospital.

 

[Hoody]

As a CNA (I actually just got back from my shift, still wearing my scrubs) My job would be impossible if I had to tuck in my scrubs. The pockets are essential, since I can't wear a labcoat or anything, and pants pockets usually aren't big enough/numerous enough/easy enough to get to. I only had two shadowing experiences (weird huh?) and the ER doc was wearing a scrub top and jeans (not tucked) and while I was in the operating room, before the orthopedic surgeon came in, I was told by a scrub tech that I would look better if I tucked, so I did.

As a side note, to all that are speaking of print scrubs, noone does/can wear them at my hospital. At first it may seem unnecessarily strict, but we have a system that makes identification of ANYONE nearly foolproof. All scrubs are solid colors:

blue=nurse
maroon=CNA/secretery
red=lab
raspberry/khaki=environmental services
black (morbid isnt it?)=central transport.

I think a system like this is a good idea for any hospital.

As a nurse, I know exactly where you are coming from regarding the pockets. My mom sews all my tops now, but they have started coming out with some more form fitting ones. In certain settings, you do carry a lot of stuff....but other settings not so much. In the ICU, my station is about 10 feet from the Patient. And the rooms are always plenty stocked.

Personally, as mentioned earlier, I dont tuck. Most of the time I dont wear a scrub top, but rather scrub bottoms, a form fitting tee and a sweatshirt. Im also lucky that my work is lax on dress code. Generally people know whats kosh and whats not. The only thing that tends to get in my way during codes is my damn name tag. Lanyards are terrible...and a hazard. gar.

 

[Practitioner]

To OP, I noticed this too initially. Then I was talking with someone who works a lot with a general surgeon about resident's incompetence and she was exclaiming how they are arrogant mostly and few of them are humble in their first year because they just get their MD and think that's it. So, anyways, she tucks and I replied "come now, you were once a resident too" (assuming she was a fellow) and she responded "I'm a PA!"

Then I started to pay a little more attention to who is tucked and began to realize it's mostly surgeons who tuck (not all though). And some of them only on their OR days.

Didn't know it was part of OR etiquette as stated here, but guess it makes sense a little bit.

black (morbid isnt it?)=central transport.

I think a system like this is a good idea for any hospital.

But black scrubs are the only kind that I like!

 

[Jolie South]

To OP, I noticed this too initially. Then I was talking with someone who works a lot with a general surgeon about resident's incompetence and she was exclaiming how they are arrogant mostly and few of them are humble in their first year because they just get their MD and think that's it. So, anyways, she tucks and I replied "come now, you were once a resident too" (assuming she was a fellow) and she responded "I'm a PA!"

Then I started to pay a little more attention to who is tucked and began to realize it's mostly surgeons who tuck (not all though). And some of them only on their OR days.

Didn't know it was part of OR etiquette as stated here, but guess it makes sense a little bit.


But black scrubs are the only kind that I like!

You, as a pre-med, were judging a resident's competence?

 

[J1515]

There are two types of students who tuck. Either you will be going into the OR (completely valid tuck) or you are a tool and thinks it makes you look "cool" (as per tool mentioned above). Those *****s who tuck for no reason need a backhand across the face. If you're a resident you can do whatever you want, as you've attained tucking privilages at all times. If you're just a med student, you're still someone's bi%ch and your attempt to make yourself look cool is lame. If you are a pre-med and tucking you need two backhands across the face.

 

[howelljolly]

To OP, I noticed this too initially. Then I was talking with someone who works a lot with a general surgeon about resident's incompetence and she was exclaiming how they are arrogant mostly and few of them are humble in their first year because they just get their MD and think that's it. So, anyways, she tucks and I replied "come now, you were once a resident too" (assuming she was a fellow) and she responded "I'm a PA!"

Then I started to pay a little more attention to who is tucked and began to realize it's mostly surgeons who tuck (not all though). And some of them only on their OR days.

Didn't know it was part of OR etiquette as stated here, but guess it makes sense a little bit.

But black scrubs are the only kind that I like!

A little bit?

Don't go trying to make sense out of OR etiquette... just follow it.

Also, while youre tucking your scrub top in, tuck the drawstrings of the waistband inside the pants.

And what has that backstory got to do with anything?

 

[howelljolly]

There are two types of students who tuck. Either you will be going into the OR (completely valid tuck) or you are a tool and thinks it makes you look "cool" (as per tool mentioned above). Those *****s who tuck for no reason need a backhand across the face. If you're a resident you can do whatever you want, as you've attained tucking privilages at all times. If you're just a med student, you're still someone's bi%ch and your attempt to make yourself look cool is lame. If you are a pre-med and tucking you need two backhands across the face.

are you serious?

 

[Practitioner]

You, as a pre-med, were judging a resident's competence?

Yes. While I have a tremendous amount of respect for medical training, that's not everything. And I certainly hope if I ever make it into residency I won't assume I am more competent than everyone around me, and certainly not in all matters. That kind of arrogance does no one any good.

A little bit?

Don't go trying to make sense out of OR etiquette... just follow it.

Ok... 😳

And what has that backstory got to do with anything?

[edit] - never mind, got it now. Nothing -,-

 

[Jolie South]

Yes. While I have a tremendous amount of respect for medical training, that's not everything. And I certainly hope if I ever make it into residency I won't assume I am more competent than everyone around me, and certainly not in all matters. That kind of arrogance does no one any good.

A resident tucking scrubs makes them arrogant? That's what you do when you go to the OR.

If the entire preclinical curriculum and my measly experience thus far on rotations has taught me anything, it's how little I know and that I'm not in any position to judge anyone's competence. And yes, by definition, being a resident should make one more competent than people with less training. Have you passed any board exams, graduated from medical school, or gotten your license yet? I haven't.

I've also yet to encounter any resident that walks around with an arrogant attitude where I work. They start doing that and they get knocked down a peg by their seniors.

 

[Practitioner]

This is why howelljolly's point of my mentioning the back story was irrelevant is well taken.

The point was I thought the PA was a doctor cause she tucked.

The resident was arrogant because the PA (at my request) specifically asked none of the residents to talk to the family and he ignored us because "he was the doctor", pissed off the family who were, in turn, pissed off at me.

I won't say more on that because it's way off topic and I was wrong to give that bit of it to begin with.

 

[howelljolly]

This is why howelljolly's point of my mentioning the back story was irrelevant is well taken.

The point was I thought the PA was a doctor cause she tucked.

The resident was arrogant because the PA (at my request) specifically asked none of the residents to talk to the family and he ignored us because "he was the doctor", pissed off the family who were, in turn, pissed off at me.

I won't say more on that because it's way off topic and I was wrong to give that bit of it to begin with.

ooohhhhh..... PA... tucked... got it.

Well, your brief summary of what happened.... that's not arrogance. There are probably explanations that you may not understand at this point. For starters, there is a definite "hierarchy" of responsibility and liability on the team. And the senior resident on the team is responsible for everything that happens, and is directly under the Attending. Neither you, nor the PA can "request" that the resident not notify the family of something in a timely manner. Keeping families informed is part of his responsibilities. Rather than explain this, he probably said that "I am the doctor", in an irritated and condescending tone.... perhaps expecting the PA to understand.

The patients family can be pissed at him, you, or whoever they want.... but ultimately, the resident and Attending are responsible for what was happening.... not you. Physicians dont have the luxury of being diplomatic and kind all the time... they have to do what is legal and ethical, even if that means making things "worse" temporarily. So they can come off as being rude at times.

Arrogance.... It happens all the time, and its a lot worse than what you described. Off the top of my head, things Ive seen....
residents not getting out of bed to see emergencies
attendings throwing entire racks of charts across the hall
attendings calling the Nursing supervisor and demanding that another ICU room be created for their patient... in a totally full ICU.

Anyway.

 

[Jolie South]

Well, your brief summary of what happened.... that's not arrogance. There are probably explanations that you may not understand at this point. For starters, there is a definite "hierarchy" of responsibility and liability on the team. And the senior resident on the team is responsible for everything that happens, and is directly under the Attending. Neither you, nor the PA can "request" that the resident not notify the family of something in a timely manner. Keeping families informed is part of his responsibilities. Rather than explain this, he probably said that "I am the doctor", in an irritated and condescending tone.... perhaps expecting the PA to understand.

The patients family can be pissed at him, you, or whoever they want.... but ultimately, the resident and Attending are responsible for what was happening.... not you. Physicians dont have the luxury of being diplomatic and kind all the time... they have to do what is legal and ethical, even if that means making things "worse" temporarily. So they can come off as being rude at times.

You said what I didn't have the time or energy to say.👍

 

[chman]

ooohhhhh..... PA... tucked... got it.

Well, your brief summary of what happened.... that's not arrogance. There are probably explanations that you may not understand at this point. For starters, there is a definite "hierarchy" of responsibility and liability on the team. And the senior resident on the team is responsible for everything that happens, and is directly under the Attending. Neither you, nor the PA can "request" that the resident not notify the family of something in a timely manner. Keeping families informed is part of his responsibilities. Rather than explain this, he probably said that "I am the doctor", in an irritated and condescending tone.... perhaps expecting the PA to understand.

The patients family can be pissed at him, you, or whoever they want.... but ultimately, the resident and Attending are responsible for what was happening.... not you. Physicians dont have the luxury of being diplomatic and kind all the time... they have to do what is legal and ethical, even if that means making things "worse" temporarily. So they can come off as being rude at times.

Arrogance.... It happens all the time, and its a lot worse than what you described. Off the top of my head, things Ive seen....
residents not getting out of bed to see emergencies
attendings throwing entire racks of charts across the hall
attendings calling the Nursing supervisor and demanding that another ICU room be created for their patient... in a totally full ICU.

Anyway.

Well said. I still remember my first time shadowing in the ER. A couple trauma cases came in and I blended into the background. At first it struck me that the doc was being "rude" to everyone as he barked orders. I later thought about it and realized that being polite is secondary when every second counts and there is little room for error. I also think part of the reason it struck me was that the doc was such a nice guy and I was a bit surprised.

When it comes down to it though, I would want that kind of doc to be working on me if I am the code blue everyone is working on.

 

[Morsetlis]

In the trauma ER I volunteer at we have body armor!

Well, the lead tunic that blocks X-Rays, anyway.