I had to deal with the scrub distribution people today  as 3 pairs of mine seem to have disappeared in the hospital laundry, which reminded me of an event from June.

I made plans to meet a friend for dinner before work at 7 one night.  I had my period, but didn’t pay it much mind.  I left dinner and thought I should make a bathroom stop but figured it could wait the 5 blocks to the hospital. About a block later, I realized this was the WRONG decision.

I arrived at the hospital and didn’t even pass go, I just headed directly to the OR scrub room - the only place clean scrubs are available.  I asked the OR unit clerk for the scrub key, as the room is unstaffed after 4 PM.  She refused, stating that since my scrubs were not provided by the OR that I had to call central supply for a new pair (which would mean they would arrive approximately 2 days later, based on my previous attempts to get supplies from them).  While this is plausible, I’ve needed clean scrubs several times during residency (trauma or procedure-related, not this same problem) and the OR scrub room has always willingly handed me a pair without discussion.  At this point it was 6:55 PM.  I had 5 minutes to get into clean scrubs or risk committing the mortal residency-related sin of being late to relieve the day team.  (My behavior when this happens to me is quite mature and includes staring at the clock, rolling my eyes, sighing loudly, and refusing to do anything that is not life-saving after the designated sign out time. I also pointedly look at the clock when my late replacement arrives.)  I decided it was time to throw my pride on the line and tell the (thankfully female) unit clerk WHY I needed a clean pair of scrubs. Surely she would recognize my predicament and hand over the key.  And…no dice.  As I stood there, becoming more and more desperate, one of my friends, who also happens to be an anesthesia resident AND the holder of an OR scrub locker key walked by.  Thus, I was granted a new pair of scrubs and 4 minutes to change into them before the clock chimed 7.

I still thank that unit clerk should rot in hell.  Seriously, who refuses clean scrubs to someone facing a 14 hour shift?