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 times. Nursing scrubs have improved significantly over time, but one thing has not changed: regardless of where physicians go, they need white vinegar. A lot of it. Lay a white shirt by hand is not an easy task, and the cloth can easily 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 fast wash-clothe alternative: a quick trip to their pantry and a quick run to their white vinegar…
“What is in a jar 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, because it’s a bleach which 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 wash 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 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. Make certain to keep the oil on hand though, or it will get expensive!
A fast visit 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. As an example, rather than thinking only of black and white scrubs, consider getting a couple more pairs of white and black 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 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 want 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 update your color scheme. If you’re like most physicians, you have light skin and dark hair. If this describes you, then you need to pick 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 great in navy, grey, brown, or black.
Selecting the style of scrub is crucial as well, because you don’t want your scrubs to battle with everything you’re wearing. You want 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 that the pattern isn’t too busy so that it doesn’t stand out from your professional attire. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing that patterned scrub, then go with a plain color and simple design.
For a professional look, 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 hidden, making you look more professional. Since nurses spend as 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 white or beige shirt, and solid top will always be 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 types 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 little bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill wash pants, but they’re a lot more comfortable. Whichever kind of nursing uniform you choose, you’re sure to look amazing!