Nursing scrubs have changed very little over the years. Yes, there were those glossy gray factory uniforms with the spandex and cotton combinations that made you want to shout. But there was always one piece that was out of place, and that was the apron. Yes, scrub pants. It’s amazing how much difference a wash top can create!
No, we are not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden days. Nursing scrubs have progressed significantly over the decades, but one thing has not 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 cloth can quickly become stained by the residue left behind by the detergent. So it’s a fantastic thing that hospitals and medical care centers now have a fast wash-clothe alternative: a quick trip to their pantry and a quick run to their white vinegar…
“What’s 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, because it’s a bleach that will not leave a greasy residue on your clothes. 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 necessary until the stains are removed.
Medical staff also handle a lot of bodily fluids on a regular basis. From blood and plasma 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 available though, or it will get expensive!
A quick trip to a local scrub store is all it takes to upgrade your wardrobe. A trip to a wash shop changes your perspective about what is available. As an example, instead of thinking only of black and white scrubs, think about getting a few 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 is 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’ve 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, 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’re wearing clean scrubs uniforms, it’s 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 decide on 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 good in navy, grey, brown, or black.
Choosing the style of scrub is crucial as well, as you don’t need 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 blue or green, make sure the pattern isn’t too active so that it will not stand out in your professional attire. If you don’t 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, which makes you look 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 pants, a beige or white shirt, and solid top will remain comfortable.
Of course, 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 types of lotions are made very comfortable by their reflective material and smooth fit, so 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. Whichever kind of nursing uniform you choose, you’re sure to look amazing!