Nursing scrubs have changed very little through the years. Yes, there were those sleek gray factory uniforms with the spandex and cotton combinations 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 scrub top can make!
No, we’re not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden times. Nursing scrubs have progressed significantly over time, but one thing has not changed: no matter where physicians go, they want white vinegar. A whole lot of it. Lay a white shirt by hand is no simple task, and the cloth can easily become stained by the residue left behind by the detergent. So it’s a good thing that hospitals and health care facilities now have a quick wash-clothe solution: a quick trip to their pantry and a fast run to their white vinegar…
“What’s in a bottle you ask?” Well, besides white vinegar, there are a couple of other things you’ll want for your quick visit to the laundry room. White vinegar is fantastic for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, because it’s a bleach that will not 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 needed until the stains are removed.
Medical staff also deal with a lot of bodily fluids on a regular basis. From plasma and blood to stem cells, there are a whole lot of different bodily fluids which 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 is a great cheap fix for stains which frequently appear on medical staff uniforms. Make certain 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. As an example, rather than thinking only of black and white 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 a lot of variations on nursing scrubs, and it’s 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 need to take a moment to blot out the stains with a stain remover like rubbing alcohol. Some spots, 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’re wearing clean scrubs uniforms, it is time to upgrade your color scheme. If you’re like most nurses, you have light skin and dark hair. If this describes you, then you certainly need 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 pink, white, light green, or aqua; physicians 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’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 that 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 scrub, then proceed 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 don’t want to show will be concealed, 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 wash set using 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 that 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 are a lot more comfortable. Whichever kind of nursing uniform you choose, you are guaranteed to look amazing!