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 shout. 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 scrub top can create!
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: no matter where physicians go, they need white vinegar. A whole lot of it. Washing a white shirt by hand is not an easy 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 fast wash-clothe alternative: a quick trip to their pantry and a quick 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 room. White vinegar is fantastic for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, since it is 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 clean your uniforms. Repeat the process as needed until the stains are removed.
Medical staff also deal with a lot of bodily fluids on a regular basis. From plasma and blood 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 each time they are washed helps a lot. It is a great cheap fix for stains which frequently appear on medical staff uniforms. Be sure 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 trip to a scrub store changes your perspective about what’s available. For instance, instead of thinking only of white and black scrubs, consider getting a few more pairs of white and black scrub pants, and maybe even a pair or two of white cotton drawstring pajamas. There are so many variations on nursing scrubs, and it’s 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 wash your nursing scrubs, you want to take a minute to blot out the stains with a stain remover like rubbing alcohol. Some spots, like 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 is 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 certainly 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; physicians with dark skin look good in navy, grey, brown, or black.
Choosing the style of scrub is crucial as well, because you don’t want 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, be sure the pattern is not too busy so that it doesn’t stand out in 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 with a double layer. In this manner, any dirt or bodily fluids you don’t wish to show will be hidden, 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 wonderful scrub set with a pair of pants, a beige or white shirt, and solid top will remain comfortable.
Of course, 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 kinds of lotions are made very comfortable by their reflective material and smooth fit, so that you won’t have to worry about being uncomfortable. They are a little bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill scrub pants, but they’re a great deal more comfortable. Whichever type of nursing uniform you choose, you are sure to look amazing!