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, and that was the apron. Yes, scrub pants. It’s amazing how much difference a scrub top can make!
No, we’re not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden days. Nursing scrubs have progressed significantly over time, but one thing hasn’t changed: no matter where nurses go, they need white vinegar. A lot of it. Lay a white shirt by hand is not an simple 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 centers now have a fast 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 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, because it’s a bleach that won’t leave a greasy residue on your clothes. 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 necessary until the stains are removed.
Medical staff also deal with a great deal 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 every time they are washed helps a lot. It’s a great cheap fix for stains that often appear on medical staff uniforms. Be sure to keep the oil on hand though, or it will get expensive!
A fast visit 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, instead of thinking only of white and black scrubs, consider 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 so many variations on nursing scrubs, and it’s 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 have 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 stains, 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’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 need to pick a color scheme that will go well 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, gray, brown, or black.
Choosing the style of scrub is crucial as well, because you don’t want your scrubs to battle with everything you’re 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 green or blue, be sure that the pattern is not too active so that it will not 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 wish to show will be concealed, which makes you look 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 nice scrub set with a pair of trousers, a white or beige shirt, and solid top will remain comfortable.
Of course, 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 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 tiny 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’re sure to look amazing!