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 shout. But there was always one piece that was out of place, which 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 progressed significantly over time, but one thing has not changed: no matter where nurses go, they need white vinegar. A lot of it. Lay a white shirt by hand is no easy job, and the fabric can quickly become stained by the residue left behind by the detergent. So it’s a good thing that hospitals and health care centers now have a fast wash-clothe alternative: a quick trip to their pantry and a quick run for their white vinegar…
“What’s in a jar you ask?” Well, besides white vinegar, there are a couple of 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, because it’s a bleach that 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 solution to clean your uniforms. Repeat the process as needed until the stains are removed.
Medical staff also handle 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 every time they are washed helps a lot. It’s a great cheap fix for stains that often appear on medical staff uniforms. Be sure to keep the oil available though, or it will get expensive!
A fast visit to a local wash shop is all it takes to update your wardrobe. A trip to a wash shop changes your perspective about what is available. As an example, instead of thinking only of black and white scrubs, think about getting a few more pairs of black and white scrub pants, and maybe 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 everyone. You don’t even need 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 moment 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 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 are wearing clean scrubs uniforms, it’s time to update your color scheme. If you’re like most nurses, you have light skin and dark hair. If this describes you, then you certainly want to decide on 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, because you don’t want your scrubs to battle with everything you’re wearing. You need 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 blue or green, make sure the pattern is not too busy so that it will not stand out in your professional attire. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing that patterned wash, then go with a plain color and simple design.
For a professional appearance, you should definitely choose scrubs that have a double layer. In this manner, any dirt or bodily fluids you do not want to show will be hidden, making 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 wash pair with a pair of trousers, a white or beige shirt, and solid top will remain comfortable.
Needless to say, there are also some comfortable scrubs that are perfect 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 kinds of scrubs are made very comfortable by their reflective cloth and smooth fit, so that you won’t have to worry about being uncomfortable. They are a tiny 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 sure to look amazing!