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 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’re 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 physicians go, they need white vinegar. A lot of it. Washing 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 good thing that hospitals and health care facilities now have a fast wash-clothe solution: a quick trip to their pantry and a fast run to their white vinegar…
“What is in a bottle you ask?” Well, besides white vinegar, there are a few other things you’ll want for your quick visit to the laundry room. White vinegar is great for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, because 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 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 plasma and blood to stem cells, there are a lot of different bodily fluids that 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 which often appear on medical staff uniforms. Make certain to keep the oil available though, or it will get expensive!
A quick visit to a local scrub store is all it takes to upgrade your wardrobe. A trip to a scrub store changes your perspective about what’s available. For instance, rather than thinking only of black and white scrubs, think about getting a few more pairs of black and white 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’s 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 have been dying to get.
Before you actually wash 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 decide on a color scheme that will go nicely with your light skin and dark hair. Nurses with lighter skin tend to look best in pink, white, light green, or aqua; nurses with dark skin look great in navy, grey, brown, or black.
Selecting the kind of scrub is crucial too, because you don’t need your scrubs to battle with everything you are wearing. You want to look both comfortable and fashionable. 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 is not too busy so that it doesn’t stand out in your professional attire. If you do not feel comfortable wearing that patterned wash, then go with a plain color and simple design.
For a professional look, you should definitely choose scrubs with a double layer. In this manner, any dirt or bodily fluids you don’t wish to show will be hidden, making 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 pants, a beige or white shirt, and solid top will always be comfortable.
Needless to say, 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 material and smooth fit, so you won’t have to worry about being uncomfortable. They are a tiny bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill scrub pants, but they’re a great deal more comfortable. Whichever type of nursing uniform you choose, you are guaranteed to look amazing!