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 piece that was out of place, and that was the apron. Yes, scrub pants. It’s amazing how much difference a scrub 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 hasn’t changed: no matter where nurses go, they need white vinegar. A whole lot of it. Lay 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 good thing that hospitals and health care centers now have a quick wash-clothe alternative: 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 need for your quick visit to the laundry area. 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 clean your uniforms. Repeat the process as necessary until the stains are removed.
Medical staff also deal with a great deal of bodily fluids on a regular basis. From blood and plasma to stem cells, there are a lot of different bodily fluids that 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’s 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 visit to a local scrub store is all it takes to update your wardrobe. A visit 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 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 have been dying to get.
Before you actually clean your nursing scrubs, you need to take a minute to blot the stains out with a stain remover like rubbing alcohol. Some stains, such as blood or bodily fluids, will soak in and will leave a blot. 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’s 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 want to decide on a color scheme that will go well 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 clash 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 that the pattern is not too active so that it doesn’t 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 appearance, 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 concealed, making you look 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 nice scrub set with a pair of trousers, a beige or white shirt, and solid top will remain comfortable.
Of course, there are also some comfortable scrubs that are fantastic for the office. A wash set using 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 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 lot more comfortable. No matter which type of nursing uniform you choose, you are sure to look amazing!