Nursing scrubs have changed very little over the years. Yes, there were those sleek 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 make!
No, we are not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden times. Nursing scrubs have improved significantly over the decades, but one thing hasn’t changed: regardless of where physicians go, they want white vinegar. A lot of it. Lay a white shirt by hand is no easy task, and the fabric can quickly become stained by the residue left behind from the detergent. So it’s a good thing that hospitals and medical care facilities now have a quick wash-clothe alternative: a quick trip to their pantry and a fast 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 visit to the laundry area. White vinegar is great for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, since it is a bleach which won’t 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 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 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 frequently appear on medical staff uniforms. Be sure to keep the oil available though, or it will get expensive!
A fast trip to a local wash shop is all it takes to update your wardrobe. A visit to a wash shop changes your perspective about what is available. For instance, instead of thinking only of black and white scrubs, consider 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 so many variations on nursing scrubs, and it is very likely that a scrub store has something to offer everybody. You don’t even have 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 moment to blot the stains out with a stain remover like rubbing alcohol. Some spots, like 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 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 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 as well, because you don’t want your scrubs to battle 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 decide on a solid color like green or blue, be sure the pattern is not too active so that it doesn’t stand out from your professional attire. If you do not 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, which makes you look even more professional. Since nurses spend as 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 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 kinds of scrubs are made very comfortable by their reflective cloth and smooth fit, so that 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 are a lot more comfortable. Whichever type of nursing uniform you choose, you’re sure to look amazing!