How to Concealed Carry In Scrubs - Holsters, Carry Positions, and More

Table of Contents:

• First - SHOULD you carry in scrubs?
  • Carrying at work vs company policy
• Choosing the right holster for scrubs
• Best carry position for scrubs
• Enhancing concealment with visual and social camouflage
  • Social and behavioral techniques for concealed carry in scrubs
  • Practicing concealment techniques and testing your setup
• How are other people carrying in scrubs? Examples and reviews

Before making the decision to carry a firearm in scrubs, it’s essential to evaluate both physical and professional risks. Doing a formal risk assessment will help you determine whether concealed carry is a good idea for you and inform how you select your concealed carry holster and other concealment strategies.

A Risk Assessment Matrix is an excellent tool for objectively analyzing workplace threats based on their likelihood and severity. Begin by identifying possible threats within your work environment, such as active shooter incidents, harassment or physical assault by patients, interactions with aggressive visitors, or even risks that stem from personal situations, like an ex-partner who may attempt contact at your workplace.

Once these threats are identified, break them down by likelihood and potential impact. High-severity incidents might include those with potential for serious injury or death, whereas medium-severity risks may affect your quality of life or require time off. Low-severity threats tend to be inconvenient but not harmful.

Additionally, consider your workplace's existing security plan and physical layout. For instance, an emergency room receptionist will have a higher exposure to certain risks than a nurse working within a secure operating suite with keycard access. Consider how your personal circumstances may affect these risks; if you have experienced prior threats or incidents, this should weigh into your assessment.

After categorizing the threats, analyze patterns and determine which risks justify carrying a firearm. In some cases, alternative safety measures, such as pepper spray or a tactical flashlight, may be sufficient. Understanding your risk profile provides a framework for selecting an appropriate concealed carry holster and deciding on concealment techniques that suit your needs.

In addition to physical risks, it’s crucial to consider the potential legal and professional repercussions of carrying a firearm in scrubs. Some states may have more restrictive laws for concealed carry in medical facilities, so be sure to research your state laws and city ordinances. Even if it's legal to carry in your healthcare facility, many companies enforce strict policies on weapons, and violating them can have serious consequences. Even a well-concealed, legally carried firearm may lead to disciplinary action if discovered, impacting both your current position and future employment.

Start by reviewing your workplace’s firearms policy in detail. Some healthcare settings explicitly prohibit weapons, while others may have ambiguous language. If the policy is unclear, consulting with a lawyer can help ensure you understand the implications. Knowing the exact guidelines ahead of time enables you to make an informed decision about concealed carry at work.

Consider the potential professional consequences of being discovered carrying a firearm. Could you face termination, disciplinary action, or other career setbacks? Would being known as the “armed nurse” or “gun-carrying doctor” affect your reputation and relationships with colleagues? Additionally, think about your specific role. Direct-care staff, such as nurses or medical assistants, are often in close contact with patients and have higher chances of detection compared to administrative roles. Balancing the need for personal safety with the potential impact on your career is essential.

The choice is yours, and so are the consequences.

Once you’ve evaluated your physical and professional risks, the next step is to choose a concealed carry holster that meets the unique requirements of wearing scrubs. Without belt loops or sturdy waistbands, scrubs require a holster setup that works independently of your clothing. For most medical professionals, achieving “deep concealment”—where the firearm is almost undetectable without physical contact—is ideal. You may consider carrying all or part of the gun entirely below the waistband, which has particular safety and concealment considerations. We discuss deep carry in detail on our comprehensive Concealment Mechanics page.

For carrying in scrubs, a safe holster is a primary consideration. The holster you choose MUST have good trigger protection and retention. When you're busy on the job, you won't have time to constantly adjust an unstable holster, so these factors are especially critical. We have a full primer on holster safety, and you may also appreciate this video from Tessah Booth on how to avoid wasting money on junk holsters.

There are many holster options for carrying without a belt. We don't review other holster brands due to conflict of interest, but we can make some general recommendations:

• Look for holsters that fully protect the trigger of the gun from both sides with rigid material.
• Avoid holsters that clip directly to your clothing. Most scrubs lack the structure to properly support and conceal a gun. Even scrubs with drawstrings aren't stable enough, nor do they provide enough belt pressure to make use of holster concealment features like wings and wedges.
• If you choose a bellyband holster, we recommend using a kydex holster inside it for safey, or a kydex trigger guard that is molded to fit your specific firearm.
• Avoid "universal" or multi-fit holsters, as they are usually not secure or stable enough to be safe.

The ideal carry position is a highly individual decision. Each body is unique in shape and composition, so just because a carry position is popular for others doesn't mean it will work for you. Luckily, though, we've got a simple process you can follow to find the best carry position for YOUR body, with a lot less trial and error. Our comprehensive carry position guide will walk you through the steps to finding your ideal carry position:

• Identify your body's peaks and valleys
• Look for areas of clothing drape
• Determine your comfort boundaries

Even though all bodies are different, we can make some general recommendations. For carrying in scrubs, appendix carry is often the best position, as it allows the firearm to follow the body’s natural contours, minimizing the chance of printing during common movements like bending or sitting. It also allows you to protect the gun from incidental or deliberate physical touch more easily, since the gun is in front of you.  

Once you’ve selected a concealed carry holster, test the setup with an unloaded gun using the poke and check method. Lightly press on the firearm’s outline through the scrubs and observe for any noticeable bulges or shapes that might give it away. If printing is an issue, try adjusting your carry position slightly, or adding concealment features like wedges or wings, which can help press the firearm closer to your body. Concealment wings convert pressure from the belt (or the Enigma system) into grip rotation, pressing the firearm inward. Holster wedges change the angle of the firearm, creating a more discreet profile. These accessories can make a substantial difference in achieving a secure and effective setup.

Beyond choosing a good concealed carry holster, visual camouflage is crucial for maximizing concealment in scrubs. Simple adjustments to your attire and appearance can help mask the firearm’s outline and draw attention away from your waist.

Consider layering a fitted tank top or camisole under your scrubs to smooth any hard edges. This base layer minimizes accidental exposure if your scrubs shift during movement, while also helping reduce visible outlines. Choose scrubs that fit loosely but comfortably—tight scrubs may reveal the firearm’s outline, while looser scrubs allow for a more natural drape over the firearm.

The color and pattern of your scrubs can also make a difference. Darker colors and subtle patterns are ideal for breaking up silhouettes and reducing the chance of printing. If your scrubs have front pockets, try positioning the firearm behind a pocket line. This added layer of fabric can further obscure the outline, making detection less likely -- just make sure any items in your pocket don't make sounds when they hit the holster!

Beyond choosing a good concealed carry holster, visual camouflage is crucial for maximizing concealment in scrubs. Simple adjustments to your attire and appearance can help mask the firearm’s outline and draw attention away from your waist.

Consider layering a fitted tank top or camisole under your scrubs to smooth any hard edges. This base layer minimizes accidental exposure if your scrubs shift during movement, while also helping reduce visible outlines. Choose scrubs that fit loosely but comfortably—tight scrubs may reveal the firearm’s outline, while looser scrubs allow for a more natural drape over the firearm.

The color and pattern of your scrubs can also make a difference. Darker colors and subtle patterns are ideal for breaking up silhouettes and reducing the chance of printing. If your scrubs have front pockets, try positioning the firearm behind a pocket line. This added layer of fabric can further obscure the outline, making detection less likely -- just make sure any items in your pocket don't make sounds when they hit the holster!

Social and Behavioral Techniques for Concealed Carry in Scrubs

In a healthcare setting, social camouflage is just as important as physical concealment. Managing behaviors and social cues that could reveal you’re carrying a firearm helps maintain a low profile.

A simple but effective strategy is to avoid drawing attention to your waist. If you feel the firearm shifting, resist the instinct to adjust it publicly. Frequent adjustments or fidgeting near your waistband can raise suspicion, so wait for a private moment to make any necessary changes. Engaging others in conversation or making gestures that draw attention upward—such as adjusting your glasses or using natural hand gestures—can help direct attention away from your waistline.

Close physical contact with patients is a frequent occurrence in healthcare, which can increase the risk of accidental detection. Be proactive in managing patient interactions by guiding their hands or suggesting they hold onto stable objects during physical support tasks. For instance, when helping a patient stand, instruct them to place their hands on your shoulders or a nearby handrail rather than your waist. This minimizes their likelihood of bumping into your concealed carry holster.

Finally, a patient may inadvertently bump into your firearm. If this happens, redirect attention by casually pulling a visible item from a nearby pocket, such as a phone or pager. This can create a plausible explanation for any perceived bulk or shape, preventing suspicion.

Practicing Concealment Techniques and Testing Your Setup

Confidence in your concealed carry setup requires practice and refinement. Start at home by simulating the range of movements you perform daily—sitting, bending, reaching, and even light physical tasks. Observe how well the firearm remains concealed during these actions and make adjustments as necessary.

Protip: Use your phone to record yourself from all angles. Check for any visible printing or cues that might reveal the gun's presence. This can help you identify areas for improvement and test minor adjustments to enhance concealment. Additionally, practicing in realistic scenarios—such as after light exercise or a short walk—can reveal how the firearm setup holds up under minor physical strain.

If you work in a high-contact role, practice managing patient interactions in a way that minimizes the risk of detection. For instance, if a patient accidentally touches your concealed carry holster, redirect attention with a casual action, such as pulling out a phone or medical pager. This can provide a reasonable explanation for what they felt, preventing suspicion, and saving you from having to make up an excuse on the spot.