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 piece that was out of place, and that was the apron. Yes, scrub pants. It’s remarkable 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 improved significantly over the decades, but one thing has not changed: no matter where nurses go, they need white vinegar. A whole lot of it. Washing a white shirt by hand is no easy job, and the fabric can easily become stained by the residue left behind from 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 fast run for their white vinegar…
“What is in a jar you ask?” Well, besides white vinegar, there are a couple of other things you’ll need for your quick trip to the laundry room. White vinegar is great for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, because it is 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 option to clean 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 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 which 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 trip to a wash shop changes your perspective about what is available. As an example, rather than thinking only of white and black scrubs, consider getting a few 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 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’ve been dying to get.
Before you actually clean your nursing scrubs, you need to take a minute 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 update your color scheme. If you are like most nurses, 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 pink, white, light green, or aqua; nurses with dark skin look great in navy, gray, brown, or black.
Choosing the kind of scrub is crucial too, as you don’t need your scrubs to battle with everything you are wearing. You want 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 from your professional attire. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing that patterned wash, then proceed with a plain color and simple design.
For a professional appearance, you should definitely choose scrubs with a double layer. This way, any dirt or bodily fluids you don’t wish to show will be hidden, making you look more professional. Since nurses spend as much time in a patient’s room, they need pants that can withstand frequent jumps and changes of direction. A wonderful wash pair with a pair of pants, 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 wash set using a thin cotton jersey and a flat top that are mid-calf length is perfect for the office. These types of lotions are made very comfortable by their reflective cloth and smooth fit, so you won’t have to worry about being uncomfortable. They’re a little 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 sure to look amazing!