Nursing scrubs have changed very little over 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 remarkable how much difference a wash top can create!
No, we are not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden times. Nursing scrubs have improved significantly over time, but one thing has not changed: no matter where physicians go, they need white vinegar. A whole lot of it. Lay a white shirt by hand is not an easy task, and the cloth can easily become stained by the residue left behind from the detergent. So it’s a fantastic thing that hospitals and medical care centers now have a quick 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 great for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, since it is a bleach that will not leave a greasy residue on your clothes. Combine one 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 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 whole lot of different bodily fluids which find their way onto scrubs and uniforms. To prevent 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 that often appear on medical staff uniforms. Be sure to keep the oil on hand though, or it will get expensive!
A fast trip to a local wash shop is all it takes to update your wardrobe. A trip to a scrub store changes your perspective about what is available. For instance, instead of thinking only of black and white scrubs, think about getting a couple 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’s very likely that a scrub store has something to offer everyone. 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 spots, 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’re wearing clean scrubs uniforms, it is time to update your color scheme. If you’re like most physicians, you have light skin and dark hair. If this describes you, then you certainly want to pick 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, grey, brown, or black.
Choosing the style of scrub is crucial too, because you don’t need your scrubs to clash 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 decide on a solid color like blue or green, make sure that the pattern is not too busy so that it doesn’t stand out in your professional attire. If you do not feel comfortable wearing that patterned scrub, then go 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 want to show will be hidden, which makes you look more professional. Since nurses spend so much time in a patient’s room, they need pants that can withstand frequent jumps and changes of direction. A wonderful scrub set 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 perfect 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 cloth and smooth fit, so that you won’t need to worry about being uncomfortable. They are a tiny 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 are guaranteed to look amazing!