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 scream. 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 wash 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: regardless of where nurses go, they want white vinegar. A whole lot of it. Washing a white shirt by hand is not an 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 health 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 is 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 wash your uniforms. Repeat the process as necessary until the stains are removed.
Medical staff also handle 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 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. As an example, instead of thinking only of white and black scrubs, think about getting a couple 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 everybody. 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 need to take a moment 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’s time to update your color scheme. If you are like most physicians, you have light skin and dark hair. If this describes you, then you certainly need to pick 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; nurses with dark skin look good in navy, grey, brown, or black.
Choosing the kind of scrub is crucial too, as you don’t want your scrubs to battle with everything you’re wearing. You want to look both fashionable and comfortable. 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 isn’t too active so that it doesn’t stand out in your professional attire. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing that patterned wash, 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 want to show will be hidden, which makes 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 nice wash pair with a pair of pants, a white or beige shirt, and solid top will remain comfortable.
Needless to say, there are also some comfortable scrubs that are perfect 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 types of lotions are made very comfortable by their reflective cloth and smooth fit, so that you won’t have to worry about being uncomfortable. They are a tiny bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill scrub pants, but they’re a lot more comfortable. Whichever type of nursing uniform you choose, you are guaranteed to look amazing!