Nursing scrubs have changed very little through the years. Yes, there were those glossy 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, which was the apron. Yes, scrub pants. It’s amazing how much difference a scrub top can create!
No, we are not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden times. Nursing scrubs have improved significantly over the decades, but one thing has not changed: no matter where physicians go, they want white vinegar. A whole lot of it. Lay a white shirt by hand is not an easy job, and the fabric can quickly become stained by the residue left behind by the detergent. So it’s a fantastic thing that hospitals and medical care facilities now have a quick wash-clothe solution: a quick trip to their pantry and a quick run to their white vinegar…
“What’s in a jar you ask?” Well, besides white vinegar, there are a couple of other things you’ll need for your quick trip to the laundry area. White vinegar is great for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, since it’s a bleach which won’t leave a greasy residue on your clothing. Combine 1 cup of white vinegar with two cups of warm water in a spray bottle, and use this solution to clean your uniforms. Repeat the process as needed until the stains are removed.
Medical staff also deal with a great deal of bodily fluids on a regular basis. From blood and plasma to stem cells, there are a whole lot of different bodily fluids that find their way onto scrubs and uniforms. To keep them from staining your nursing scrubs, dabbing them with olive oil every time they are washed helps a lot. It is a great cheap fix for stains that often appear on medical staff uniforms. Make certain to keep the oil available though, or it will get expensive!
A quick trip to a local scrub store is all it takes to update your wardrobe. A trip to a wash shop changes your perspective about what is available. For instance, rather than thinking only of black and white scrubs, think about getting a couple more pairs of black and white scrub pants, and maybe even a pair or two of white cotton drawstring pajamas. There are a lot of variations on nursing scrubs, and it is likely that a scrub store has something to offer everyone. 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 need to take a moment to blot the stains out with a stain remover like rubbing alcohol. Some spots, like blood or bodily fluids, will soak in and will leave a stain behind. To remove these stains, try blotting with alcohol on a piece of cotton and then wiping it with cold water.
Now that you are wearing clean scrubs uniforms, it’s time to upgrade your color scheme. If you’re like most nurses, you have light skin and dark hair. If this describes you, then you certainly want to decide on a color scheme that will go nicely with your light skin and dark hair. Nurses with lighter skin tend to look best in pink, white, light green, or aqua; nurses with dark skin look great in navy, gray, brown, or black.
Choosing the style of scrub is crucial as well, as you don’t want your scrubs to clash with everything you are wearing. You want to look both fashionable and comfortable. You can opt for either a solid color or patterned one, but if you choose a solid color like green or blue, make sure that the pattern isn’t too busy so that it doesn’t stand out from your professional attire. If you do not feel comfortable wearing that patterned scrub, then proceed with a plain color and simple design.
For a professional appearance, you should definitely choose scrubs that have a double layer. In this manner, any dirt or bodily fluids you do not want to show will be hidden, which makes you look even more professional. Since nurses spend so much time in a patient’s room, they want pants that can withstand frequent jumps and changes of direction. A wonderful scrub set with a pair of trousers, a white or beige shirt, and solid top will remain comfortable.
Needless to say, there are also some comfortable scrubs that are perfect for the office. A wash set using a thin cotton jersey and a flat top that are mid-calf length is fantastic for the office. These kinds of lotions are made very comfortable by their reflective material and smooth fit, so you won’t have to worry about being uncomfortable. They are a little bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill wash pants, but they’re a great deal more comfortable. Whichever kind of nursing uniform you choose, you’re guaranteed to look amazing!