Nursing scrubs have changed very little over the years. Yes, there were those glossy gray factory uniforms with the spandex and cotton mixtures 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’re not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden days. Nursing scrubs have improved significantly over the decades, 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 no simple task, 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 fast wash-clothe alternative: a quick trip to their pantry and a quick run for their white vinegar…
“What is in a bottle you ask?” Well, besides white vinegar, there are a couple of other things you’ll want for your quick trip to the laundry room. White vinegar is fantastic for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, since it’s a bleach that will not 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 necessary until the stains are removed.
Medical staff also deal with 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 that find their way onto scrubs and uniforms. To prevent 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 which frequently appear on medical staff uniforms. Make certain to keep the oil on hand though, or it will get expensive!
A quick trip to a local scrub store is all it takes to upgrade your wardrobe. A trip to a scrub store changes your perspective about what is available. For instance, instead of thinking only of black and white scrubs, think about 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 a lot of variations on nursing scrubs, and it’s likely that a wash shop has something to offer everyone. You don’t even have to take the day off of work to get the look you have 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 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 certainly want to decide on a color scheme that will go well with your light skin and dark hair. Nurses with lighter skin tend to look best in pink, white, light green, or aqua; physicians with dark skin look great in navy, grey, brown, or black.
Selecting the style of scrub is crucial as well, because you don’t want your scrubs to clash 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 choose a solid color like blue or green, make sure that the pattern isn’t too busy so that it will not stand out from your professional attire. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing that patterned scrub, then proceed with a plain color and simple design.
For a professional look, you should definitely choose scrubs that have a double layer. This way, any dirt or bodily fluids you do not want to show will be concealed, making you look more professional. Since nurses spend as much time in a patient’s room, they want pants that can withstand frequent jumps and changes of direction. A wonderful wash pair with a pair of pants, 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 kinds of lotions are made very comfortable by their reflective material and smooth fit, so you won’t need to worry about being uncomfortable. They are a little bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill wash pants, but they’re a lot more comfortable. Whichever kind of nursing uniform you choose, you are guaranteed to look amazing!