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 piece that was out of place, and that was the apron. Yes, scrub pants. It’s remarkable how much difference a scrub top can create!
No, we are not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden days. Nursing scrubs have progressed significantly over time, but one thing hasn’t changed: regardless of where nurses go, they want white vinegar. A lot of it. Lay a white shirt by hand is not an easy task, and the fabric 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 for 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, since it is a bleach that will not leave a greasy residue on your clothing. 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 necessary until the stains are removed.
Medical staff also handle a great deal of bodily fluids on a regular basis. From plasma and blood to stem cells, there are a whole 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 which frequently appear on medical staff uniforms. Be sure to keep the oil on hand though, or it will get expensive!
A fast trip to a local wash shop is all it takes to upgrade your wardrobe. A trip to a wash shop changes your perspective about what is available. For instance, rather than thinking only of black and white scrubs, think about getting a few 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 is very likely that a wash shop has something to offer everyone. You don’t even need 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 the stains out with a stain remover like rubbing alcohol. Some stains, 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 is time to update your color scheme. If you are 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 tend to look best in white, pink, light green, or aqua; physicians with dark skin look good in navy, gray, brown, or black.
Choosing the kind of scrub is crucial too, because you don’t want your scrubs to clash 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 choose a solid color like green or blue, make sure the pattern is not too busy 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 look, you should definitely choose scrubs that have a double layer. This way, any dirt or bodily fluids you don’t want to show will be hidden, which makes you look even 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 wonderful wash pair with a pair of trousers, a beige or white shirt, and solid top will always be comfortable.
Needless to say, 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 need to worry about being uncomfortable. They are a little bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill scrub pants, but they are a great deal more comfortable. No matter which type of nursing uniform you choose, you’re guaranteed to look amazing!