Nursing scrubs have changed very little over the years. Yes, there were those sleek gray factory uniforms with the spandex and cotton combinations that made you want to scream. But there was always one bit that was out of place, and that was the apron. Yes, scrub pants. It’s amazing how much difference a wash top can make!
No, we are not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden times. Nursing scrubs have progressed significantly over time, but one thing hasn’t changed: regardless of where nurses go, they need white vinegar. A whole lot of it. Washing a white shirt by hand is not an easy job, and the fabric can easily become stained by the residue left behind from the detergent. So it’s a good thing that hospitals and health care centers now have a quick wash-clothe alternative: a quick trip to their pantry and a fast run to their white vinegar…
“What is in a bottle you ask?” Well, besides white vinegar, there are a few other things you’ll want for your quick visit to the laundry room. White vinegar is fantastic for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, because it’s a bleach that won’t 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 blood and plasma to stem cells, there are a whole lot of different bodily fluids which find their way onto scrubs and uniforms. To keep 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 that often appear on medical staff uniforms. Be sure to keep the oil on hand though, or it will get expensive!
A fast visit to a local scrub store is all it takes to update your wardrobe. A trip to a scrub store changes your perspective about what’s available. As an example, rather than thinking only of black and white scrubs, consider getting a couple 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 need 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 moment to blot the stains out with a stain remover like rubbing alcohol. Some stains, such as blood or bodily fluids, will soak in and will leave a blot. To remove these stains, try blotting with alcohol onto a piece of cotton and then wiping it with cold water.
Now that you’re wearing clean scrubs uniforms, it’s time to update your color scheme. If you’re like most physicians, you have light skin and dark hair. If this describes you, then you need to pick a color scheme that will go nicely with your light skin and dark hair. Nurses with lighter skin tend to look best in white, pink, light green, or aqua; physicians with dark skin look good in navy, grey, brown, or black.
Selecting the kind of scrub is crucial as well, because you don’t want your scrubs to battle with everything you’re wearing. You want to look both comfortable and fashionable. You can opt for either a solid color or patterned one, but if you decide on a solid color like green or blue, be sure the pattern isn’t too busy so that it will not stand out from your professional attire. If you do not feel comfortable wearing that patterned wash, then go with a plain color and simple design.
For a professional appearance, you should definitely choose scrubs with a double layer. In this manner, any dirt or bodily fluids you don’t wish to show will be concealed, making you look even more professional. Since nurses spend as 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 always be comfortable.
Needless to say, there are also some comfortable scrubs that are perfect for the office. A scrub set with a thin cotton jersey and a flat top that are mid-calf length is perfect for the office. These types of scrubs are made very comfortable by their reflective material and smooth fit, so that you won’t have to worry about being uncomfortable. They’re a little bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill scrub pants, but they are a great deal more comfortable. No matter which type of nursing uniform you choose, you’re guaranteed to look amazing!