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 bit that was out of place, which was the apron. Yes, scrub pants. It’s remarkable how much difference a wash top can make!
No, we’re not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden times. Nursing scrubs have improved significantly over the decades, but one thing has not changed: no matter where nurses go, they want white vinegar. A lot of it. Washing a white shirt by hand is not an easy task, and the fabric can quickly become stained by the residue left behind by the detergent. So it’s a fantastic thing that hospitals and health care facilities now have a quick wash-clothe solution: a quick trip to their pantry and a quick run for their white vinegar…
“What is in a jar you ask?” Well, besides white vinegar, there are a couple of other things you’ll need for your quick visit 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 clothing. 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 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 every time they are washed helps a lot. It is a great cheap fix for stains which 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 upgrade your wardrobe. A visit to a wash shop changes your perspective about what’s available. As an example, instead of thinking only of black and white scrubs, consider getting a couple more pairs of white and black 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 very likely that a wash shop has something to offer everyone. 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 wash your nursing scrubs, you need to take a minute to blot out the stains with a stain remover like rubbing alcohol. Some spots, like 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 are wearing clean scrubs uniforms, it is 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 certainly want to decide on 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; physicians with dark skin look good in navy, grey, brown, or black.
Selecting the style of scrub is crucial too, as you don’t need your scrubs to clash 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 choose a solid color like green or blue, be sure that the pattern is not too active so that it will not stand out from your professional attire. If you do not feel comfortable wearing that patterned wash, then proceed 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 do not wish to show will be concealed, which makes 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 nice scrub set with a pair of trousers, 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 perfect for the office. These kinds of lotions 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 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 are guaranteed to look amazing!