Nursing scrubs have changed very little through the years. Yes, there were those sleek 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, and that was the apron. Yes, scrub pants. It’s amazing how much difference a scrub top can create!
No, we are not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden times. Nursing scrubs have improved significantly over the decades, but one thing has not changed: no matter where physicians go, they want white vinegar. A lot of it. Lay a white shirt by hand is not an simple job, and the cloth can easily become stained by the residue left behind by the detergent. So it’s a fantastic thing that hospitals and health care facilities now have a quick wash-clothe alternative: a quick trip to their pantry and a fast run for their white vinegar…
“What is 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 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 clothes. Combine 1 cup of white vinegar with two cups of warm water in a spray bottle, and use this option 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 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 each time they are washed helps a lot. It is a great cheap fix for stains that often 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 wash shop is all it takes to upgrade your wardrobe. A visit to a scrub store changes your perspective about what’s available. For instance, instead of thinking only of white and black scrubs, think about getting a few more pairs of black and white scrub pants, and possibly 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 wash your nursing scrubs, you need to take a minute to blot the stains out with a stain remover like rubbing alcohol. Some stains, such as 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 upgrade your color scheme. If you’re like most nurses, you have light skin and dark hair. If this describes you, then you need 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, gray, brown, or black.
Choosing the style of scrub is crucial too, because you don’t want your scrubs to clash with everything you’re 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 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 wash, then proceed with a plain color and simple design.
For a professional appearance, you should definitely choose scrubs with a double layer. This way, any dirt or bodily fluids you do not wish to show will be concealed, which makes you look even more professional. Since nurses spend so 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 pants, 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 lotions are made very comfortable by their reflective material and smooth fit, so 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 are a lot more comfortable. Whichever kind of nursing uniform you choose, you’re guaranteed to look amazing!