Nursing scrubs have changed very little over the years. Yes, there were those sleek 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, which was the apron. Yes, scrub pants. It’s remarkable how much difference a wash top can create!
No, we’re not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden times. Nursing scrubs have progressed significantly over time, but one thing hasn’t changed: no matter where nurses go, they want white vinegar. A 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 by the detergent. So it’s a good thing that hospitals and health care facilities now have a quick wash-clothe solution: a quick trip to their pantry and a fast run to their white vinegar…
“What’s in a bottle you ask?” Well, besides white vinegar, there are a couple of other things you’ll want for your quick trip to the laundry area. White vinegar is great for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, because it is a bleach that won’t 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 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 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 every 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 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 scrub store changes your perspective about what’s available. For instance, rather than thinking only of white and black scrubs, think about 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 a lot of variations on nursing scrubs, and it is 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’re wearing clean scrubs uniforms, it’s 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 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 great 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 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 the pattern is not too active so that it doesn’t stand out in your professional attire. If you do not feel comfortable wearing that patterned wash, 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 wish to show will be concealed, 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 wash set using 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 cloth and smooth fit, so that 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 are a great deal more comfortable. No matter which kind of nursing uniform you choose, you are guaranteed to look amazing!