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 create!
No, we’re not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden days. Nursing scrubs have improved significantly over the decades, but one thing hasn’t changed: regardless of where nurses go, they want white vinegar. A whole lot of it. Lay a white shirt by hand is not an easy task, and the fabric can easily become stained by the residue left behind from 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 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 want for your quick trip to the laundry area. White vinegar is fantastic for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, since it’s a bleach that won’t leave a greasy residue on your clothing. Combine one 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 handle a lot of bodily fluids on a regular basis. From plasma and blood to stem cells, there are a 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 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 available though, or it will get expensive!
A quick 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’s available. For instance, rather than thinking only of black and white scrubs, consider getting a few 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 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 clean 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 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 is time to update your color scheme. If you are like most nurses, you have light skin and dark hair. If this describes you, then you need 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, gray, brown, or black.
Selecting the style of scrub is crucial too, as you don’t need your scrubs to battle with everything you’re wearing. You need 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 isn’t too busy so that it will not stand out from your professional attire. If you don’t 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 want to show will be hidden, making 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 wash pair with a pair of trousers, 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 fantastic for the office. These kinds of lotions are made very comfortable by their reflective material and smooth fit, so you won’t have to worry about being uncomfortable. They’re a little bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill scrub pants, but they’re a great deal more comfortable. Whichever kind of nursing uniform you choose, you’re guaranteed to look amazing!