Nursing scrubs have changed very little through the years. Yes, there were those sleek gray factory uniforms with the spandex and cotton combinations that made you want to shout. But there was always one bit that was out of place, and that was the apron. Yes, scrub pants. It’s remarkable how much difference a wash top can create!
No, we are not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden times. Nursing scrubs have progressed significantly over the decades, but one thing has not changed: no matter where physicians go, they need white vinegar. A lot of it. Lay a white shirt by hand is no simple task, and the cloth can easily become stained by the residue left behind from the detergent. So it’s a good thing that hospitals and health care facilities now have a quick wash-clothe solution: a quick trip to their pantry and a fast run to their white vinegar…
“What’s in a bottle you ask?” Well, besides white vinegar, there are a couple of other things you’ll want for your quick visit to the laundry area. White vinegar is great for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, because it’s a bleach which will not leave a greasy residue on your clothes. Combine one cup of white vinegar with two cups of warm water in a spray bottle, and use this solution to wash your uniforms. Repeat the process as needed until the stains are removed.
Medical staff also handle a lot of bodily fluids on a regular basis. From plasma and blood to stem cells, there are a lot of different bodily fluids which find their way onto scrubs and uniforms. To prevent them from staining your nursing scrubs, dabbing them with olive oil each time they are washed helps a lot. It is a great cheap fix for stains which often appear on medical staff uniforms. Be sure to keep the oil available though, or it will get expensive!
A fast visit to a local wash shop is all it takes to upgrade your wardrobe. A visit to a scrub store changes your perspective about what is available. For instance, instead of thinking only of black and white scrubs, consider getting a few more pairs of black and white scrub pants, and possibly even a pair or two of white cotton drawstring pajamas. There are so many variations on nursing scrubs, and it’s very likely that a scrub store has something to offer everybody. You don’t even have to take the day off of work to get the look you’ve been dying to get.
Before you actually wash your nursing scrubs, you want to take a minute to blot the stains out with a stain remover like rubbing alcohol. Some spots, such as blood or bodily fluids, will soak in and will leave a blot. To remove these stains, try blotting with alcohol on a piece of cotton and then wiping it with cold water.
Now that you’re wearing clean scrubs uniforms, it’s time to upgrade your color scheme. If you’re like most physicians, you have light skin and dark hair. If this describes you, then you need to decide on a color scheme that will go nicely with your light skin and dark hair. Nurses with lighter skin often look best in pink, white, light green, or aqua; nurses with dark skin look good in navy, grey, brown, or black.
Selecting the style of scrub is crucial too, as you don’t need your scrubs to clash with everything you’re wearing. You need to look both fashionable and comfortable. You can opt for either a solid color or patterned one, but if you decide on a solid color like blue or green, make sure that the pattern is not too busy so that it will not stand out from your professional attire. If you do not feel comfortable wearing that patterned wash, then proceed with a plain color and simple design.
For a professional look, you should definitely choose scrubs with a double layer. In this manner, any dirt or bodily fluids you do not wish to show will be concealed, making you look even more professional. Since nurses spend so much time in a patient’s room, they need pants that can withstand frequent jumps and changes of direction. A nice wash pair with a pair of pants, a white or beige shirt, and solid top will remain comfortable.
Needless to say, there are also some comfortable scrubs that are fantastic for the office. A scrub set with a thin cotton jersey and a flat top that are mid-calf length is fantastic for the office. These types of lotions are made very comfortable by their reflective material and smooth fit, so you won’t need to worry about being uncomfortable. They’re a tiny bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill wash pants, but they are a great deal more comfortable. Whichever kind of nursing uniform you choose, you’re sure to look amazing!