Nursing scrubs have changed very little over 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 piece that was out of place, which was the apron. Yes, scrub pants. It’s amazing 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 improved significantly over time, but one thing has not changed: no matter where physicians go, they need white vinegar. A whole lot of it. Washing a white shirt by hand is no easy task, and the fabric can easily become stained by the residue left behind from the detergent. So it’s a fantastic thing that hospitals and health care facilities now have a quick wash-clothe solution: a quick trip to their pantry and a fast run for their white vinegar…
“What’s 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 area. White vinegar is great for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, since it is a bleach that won’t leave a greasy residue on your clothing. Combine one cup of white vinegar with two cups of warm water in a spray bottle, and use this option to wash your uniforms. Repeat the process as needed until the stains are removed.
Medical staff also handle a great deal of bodily fluids on a regular basis. From blood and plasma to stem cells, there are a lot of different bodily fluids that 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’s a great cheap fix for stains that frequently appear on medical staff uniforms. Make certain to keep the oil on hand though, or it will get expensive!
A quick visit to a local scrub store is all it takes to upgrade your wardrobe. A visit to a wash shop changes your perspective about what’s available. As an example, rather than thinking only of black and white scrubs, consider getting a few more pairs of white and black scrub pants, and possibly even a pair or two of white cotton drawstring pajamas. There are so many variations on nursing scrubs, and it is very likely that a scrub store has something to offer everyone. 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 clean your nursing scrubs, you need 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 stain behind. 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 is time to update your color scheme. If you’re like most nurses, 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 tend to look best in pink, white, light green, or aqua; nurses with dark skin look good in navy, grey, brown, or black.
Choosing the style of scrub is crucial too, as you don’t need your scrubs to battle with everything you are 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 blue or green, make sure that the pattern isn’t too active so that it will not stand out from your professional attire. If you do not feel comfortable wearing that patterned scrub, then go with a plain color and simple design.
For a professional appearance, you should definitely choose scrubs that have a double layer. This way, any dirt or bodily fluids you don’t wish to show will be hidden, which makes you look 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 scrub set with a pair of trousers, a beige or white shirt, and solid top will remain comfortable.
Needless to say, there are also some comfortable scrubs that are fantastic for the office. A wash set using 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 need to worry about being uncomfortable. They’re a little bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill wash pants, but they are a lot more comfortable. Whichever type of nursing uniform you choose, you are sure to look amazing!