#326

I broke one of my cardinal rules today...I wore scrubs home. Not only did I wear my scrubs home, I "borrowed" an extra pair from the OR locker room. Working in the Cardiac Care Unit, scrubs are a must because you never know when a code will happen. Unfortunately, I've been locked out of the surgical OR since my surgery rotation ended last August. Most mornings I hover around the OR door, hoping for someone to let me in. Usually the do (I'm in my white coat and all), but I still get dirty looks. There are many indignities you put up with as a medical student, but being denied scrubs is one I will no longer stand for. Sure, my education costs twice what I pay in tuition. But I pay a lot in tuition, and no one's reimbursing me for bloody clothes. I think I'll "borrow" my scrubs, then.

Of course, I hate scrubs. They just feel so sloppy, and if I'm in a generous mood, disrespectful to the patient. They announce you as part of the medical team, but they also state that your time is split between your patient and the next emergency, making it seem like you are never fully present. Furthermore, they are cut all wrong for a woman's body! They are straight through the hip and thigh, making the small size a dicey proposition. The newer smalls might fit, but the older ones are certain to have been shrunk to child's size. So you go with the medium, which must be rolled down at the top and tied tight, tight, tight and you put up with a rise that is too long and chafes your inner thighs. Oh the indignity. And if you forget to wear an undershirt and bend forward just so, everyone can get an eyeful down your v-neck (size small, even). (And don't even get me started on how much I hate my white coat...)

Walking home today I felt like a true physician. Three more weeks until 4th year (my last). I think I'm starting to feel ready.