Nursing scrubs have changed very little through the years. Yes, there were those glossy gray factory uniforms with the spandex and cotton mixtures 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’re 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: no matter where physicians go, they need white vinegar. A whole lot of it. Lay 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 good thing that hospitals and medical care centers now have a fast wash-clothe solution: a quick trip to their pantry and a quick run to their white vinegar…
“What is in a jar you ask?” Well, besides white vinegar, there are a few other things you’ll want for your quick trip to the laundry room. White vinegar is fantastic for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, since it is a bleach which 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 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 prevent 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 quick trip to a local scrub store is all it takes to upgrade your wardrobe. A trip 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 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 want to take a minute to blot the stains out 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 onto a piece of cotton and then wiping it with cold water.
Now that you are wearing clean scrubs uniforms, it’s time to upgrade your color scheme. If you are like most physicians, you have light skin and dark hair. If this describes you, then you want to decide on a color scheme that will go well 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, gray, brown, or black.
Choosing the kind of scrub is crucial too, as you don’t need your scrubs to battle with everything you’re 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, be sure the pattern is not too busy so that it will not stand out from your professional attire. If you do not feel comfortable wearing that patterned wash, then go with a plain color and simple design.
For a professional look, you should definitely choose scrubs with a double layer. In this manner, any dirt or bodily fluids you don’t wish to show will be hidden, making 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 nice wash pair with a pair of pants, a white or beige shirt, and solid top will remain comfortable.
Of course, 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 lotions are made very comfortable by their reflective cloth and smooth fit, so you won’t need to worry about being uncomfortable. They are a little bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill wash pants, but they’re a great deal more comfortable. No matter which kind of nursing uniform you choose, you’re guaranteed to look amazing!