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 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 scrub top can make!
No, we’re not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden days. Nursing scrubs have improved significantly over time, but one thing hasn’t changed: regardless of where physicians go, they want white vinegar. A whole lot of it. Washing a white shirt by hand is not an easy job, and the cloth can quickly 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 alternative: a quick trip to their pantry and a fast run to their white vinegar…
“What is in a bottle you ask?” Well, besides white vinegar, there are a few 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’s a bleach which won’t 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 wash your uniforms. Repeat the process as needed until the stains are removed.
Medical staff also deal with a great deal 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’s a great cheap fix for stains that often 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 update your wardrobe. A trip to a wash shop changes your perspective about what is available. For instance, instead of thinking only of white and black scrubs, consider 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 everybody. 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 out the stains with a stain remover like rubbing alcohol. Some stains, like blood or bodily fluids, will soak in and will leave a stain behind. 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’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 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 great in navy, grey, brown, or black.
Choosing the style of scrub is crucial as well, as you don’t need your scrubs to clash with everything you’re 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 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 wash, 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 wish to show will be concealed, 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 nice wash pair with a pair of trousers, a white or beige shirt, and solid top will always be comfortable.
Of course, 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 fantastic for the office. These types 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 tiny bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill wash pants, but they’re a great deal more comfortable. Whichever kind of nursing uniform you choose, you are sure to look amazing!