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 shout. But there was always one bit that was out of place, and that was the apron. Yes, scrub pants. It’s remarkable how much difference a wash top can make!
No, we are not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden times. Nursing scrubs have progressed significantly over the decades, but one thing hasn’t changed: no matter where nurses go, they want white vinegar. A lot of it. Lay a white shirt by hand is not an easy job, and the cloth can quickly become stained by the residue left behind by the detergent. So it’s a good thing that hospitals and medical care facilities 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 bottle you ask?” Well, besides white vinegar, there are a few 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, since it is a bleach which will not 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 option to wash your uniforms. Repeat the process as needed 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 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 which often appear on medical staff uniforms. Make certain to keep the oil available 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 scrub store changes your perspective about what’s available. For instance, instead of thinking only of white and black scrubs, think about 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 is very likely that a wash shop 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 clean your nursing scrubs, you want 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 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’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 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 white, pink, light green, or aqua; nurses with dark skin look great in navy, grey, brown, or black.
Selecting the style of scrub is crucial as well, because you don’t need your scrubs to battle with everything you are wearing. You want to look both fashionable and comfortable. You can opt for either a solid color or patterned one, but if you decide on a solid color like green or blue, make sure that the pattern isn’t too busy so that it doesn’t stand out from your professional attire. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing that patterned scrub, then proceed with a plain color and simple design.
For a professional look, 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 hidden, which makes you look 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 wash pair with a pair of trousers, a white or beige shirt, and solid top will always be 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 lotions 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 wash pants, but they are a great deal more comfortable. No matter which kind of nursing uniform you choose, you’re sure to look amazing!