Nursing scrubs have changed very little through the years. Yes, there were those glossy gray factory uniforms with the spandex and cotton mixtures that made you want to scream. But there was always one piece that was out of place, which was the apron. Yes, scrub pants. It’s remarkable how much difference a scrub top can create!
No, we’re not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden times. Nursing scrubs have progressed significantly over the decades, but one thing has not changed: regardless of where nurses go, they want white vinegar. A lot of it. Lay a white shirt by hand is not an easy task, and the fabric can easily become stained by the residue left behind by 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 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 great for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, since it’s a bleach that will not 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 option to clean 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. Be sure to keep the oil on hand though, or it will get expensive!
A quick visit to a local wash shop is all it takes to update your wardrobe. A visit to a scrub store changes your perspective about what’s available. For instance, rather than thinking only of black and white scrubs, consider getting a few more pairs of black and white scrub pants, and maybe 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 have been dying to get.
Before you actually clean your nursing scrubs, you want to take a moment to blot out the stains 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 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 physicians, you have light skin and dark hair. If this describes you, then you certainly want to pick a color scheme that will go nicely with your light skin and dark hair. Nurses with lighter skin often look best in white, pink, light green, or aqua; physicians with dark skin look good in navy, grey, brown, or black.
Choosing the kind of scrub is crucial too, because you don’t need your scrubs to clash with everything you are wearing. You need 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 the pattern is not 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 don’t want to show will be concealed, which makes 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 nice scrub set 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 fantastic 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 that you won’t have to worry about being uncomfortable. They’re a tiny bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill wash pants, but they’re a great deal more comfortable. Whichever type of nursing uniform you choose, you are sure to look amazing!