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 piece that was out of place, and that 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 days. Nursing scrubs have progressed significantly over time, but one thing has not changed: regardless of where physicians go, they want white vinegar. A whole lot of it. Washing a white shirt by hand is no simple 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 medical care centers now have a fast wash-clothe alternative: 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 area. White vinegar is great for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, since it’s a bleach that won’t 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 solution to wash your uniforms. Repeat the process as necessary until the stains are removed.
Medical staff also deal with a lot of bodily fluids on a regular basis. From blood and plasma 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’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 fast visit to a local scrub store is all it takes to upgrade your wardrobe. A visit to a wash shop changes your perspective about what’s available. For instance, instead of thinking only of black and white scrubs, consider getting a couple more pairs of black and white scrub pants, and possibly even a pair or two of white cotton drawstring pajamas. There are so many variations on nursing scrubs, and it’s very likely that a wash shop 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 clean your nursing scrubs, you need to take a moment 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 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 is 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 need to pick a color scheme that will go nicely 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, gray, brown, or black.
Choosing the style of scrub is crucial too, as you don’t need your scrubs to battle 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 that the pattern is not too active so that it doesn’t stand out in your professional attire. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing that patterned scrub, then go 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 do not wish to show will be concealed, which makes you look even more professional. Since nurses spend so 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 trousers, a beige or white 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 fantastic for the office. These types of lotions are made very comfortable by their reflective material and smooth fit, so you won’t have to worry about being uncomfortable. They are a tiny bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill wash pants, but they’re a lot more comfortable. No matter which kind of nursing uniform you choose, you’re guaranteed to look amazing!