Nursing scrubs have changed very little through the years. Yes, there were those sleek 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, 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 days. Nursing scrubs have improved significantly over time, but one thing has not changed: regardless of where physicians go, they need white vinegar. A whole lot of it. Washing a white shirt by hand is not an simple task, and the cloth can quickly become stained by the residue left behind from the detergent. So it’s a good thing that hospitals and medical care facilities now have a quick wash-clothe solution: a quick trip to their pantry and a quick 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 need for your quick trip to the laundry area. White vinegar is fantastic for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, because it’s a bleach that won’t 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 blood and plasma to stem cells, there are a lot of different bodily fluids which 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 update your wardrobe. A trip to a scrub store changes your perspective about what’s available. For instance, instead of thinking only of black and white scrubs, consider 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 a lot of variations on nursing scrubs, and it’s very likely that a scrub store has something to offer everyone. You don’t even need 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 need to take a minute to blot the stains out with a stain remover like rubbing alcohol. Some spots, like blood or bodily fluids, will soak in and will leave a stain behind. 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 upgrade your color scheme. If you are 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 well 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, gray, brown, or black.
Choosing the style of scrub is crucial too, because you don’t need 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, be sure that the pattern isn’t too busy so that it will not stand out in your professional attire. If you do not feel comfortable wearing that patterned scrub, then go with a plain color and simple design.
For a professional appearance, you should definitely choose scrubs that have a double layer. This way, any dirt or bodily fluids you do not want to show will be concealed, 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 nice scrub set with a pair of trousers, a white or beige shirt, and solid top will remain comfortable.
Of course, 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 perfect 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. No matter which type of nursing uniform you choose, you are guaranteed to look amazing!