Nursing scrubs have changed very little through the years. Yes, there were those glossy 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 scrub top can make!
No, we are not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden days. Nursing scrubs have progressed significantly over the decades, but one thing hasn’t changed: regardless of where nurses go, they want white vinegar. A 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 quick wash-clothe solution: 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 need for your quick trip to the laundry area. White vinegar is great for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, because it’s a bleach which 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 clean your uniforms. Repeat the process as needed 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 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 that frequently 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 visit 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 few more pairs of white and black 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 is very likely that a scrub store has something to offer everybody. 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 need to take a moment to blot out the stains 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 upgrade your color scheme. If you are like most nurses, you have light skin and dark hair. If this describes you, then you 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; 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 are wearing. You need 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 blue or green, be sure 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. This way, any dirt or bodily fluids you do not want to show will be hidden, which makes you look even 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 scrub set 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 fantastic for the office. A scrub set with a thin cotton jersey and a flat top that are mid-calf length is perfect for the office. These types of scrubs are made very comfortable by their reflective material and smooth fit, so 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 are a lot more comfortable. No matter which kind of nursing uniform you choose, you’re guaranteed to look amazing!