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 shout. But there was always one bit 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 the decades, but one thing has not changed: regardless of where physicians go, they want white vinegar. A whole lot of it. Lay a white shirt by hand is no simple task, and the fabric can quickly become stained by the residue left behind by the detergent. So it’s a good thing that hospitals and health care centers now have a fast wash-clothe alternative: a quick trip to their pantry and a fast 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 want for your quick visit to the laundry area. White vinegar is great for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, since it is 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 solution to wash 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 whole 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 every time they are washed helps a lot. It’s a great cheap fix for stains that frequently appear on medical staff uniforms. Make certain to keep the oil on hand though, or it will get expensive!
A fast trip to a local scrub store 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 white and black 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 so many variations on nursing scrubs, and it’s 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’ve been dying to get.
Before you actually wash your nursing scrubs, you want to take a moment to blot the stains out with a stain remover like rubbing alcohol. Some spots, such as blood or bodily fluids, will soak in and will leave a stain behind. To remove these stains, try blotting with alcohol onto 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 nurses, you have light skin and dark hair. If this describes you, then you certainly want to pick 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; physicians with dark skin look great in navy, grey, brown, or black.
Choosing the style of scrub is crucial as well, as you don’t want your scrubs to battle 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 decide on a solid color like blue or green, make sure that 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 scrub, then proceed with a plain color and simple design.
For a professional look, you should definitely choose scrubs that have a double layer. In this manner, any dirt or bodily fluids you do not wish to show will be hidden, making you look even more professional. Since nurses spend so much time in a patient’s room, they need pants that can withstand frequent jumps and changes of direction. A wonderful scrub set 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 wash set using a thin cotton jersey and a flat top that are mid-calf length is perfect 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 tiny bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill scrub pants, but they are a lot more comfortable. No matter which type of nursing uniform you choose, you are guaranteed to look amazing!