Nursing scrubs have changed very little through the years. Yes, there were those glossy gray factory uniforms with the spandex and cotton mixtures 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 scrub top can make!
No, we are not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden days. Nursing scrubs have improved significantly over the decades, but one thing has not changed: regardless of where nurses go, they want white vinegar. A whole lot of it. Washing a white shirt by hand is not an simple job, and the cloth can quickly become stained by the residue left behind from the detergent. So it’s a fantastic thing that hospitals and medical care facilities now have a quick wash-clothe alternative: a quick trip to their pantry and a quick run to their white vinegar…
“What is in a bottle you ask?” Well, besides white vinegar, there are a couple of other things you’ll want for your quick trip to the laundry area. White vinegar is fantastic for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, since it’s a bleach which will not 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 option to wash your uniforms. Repeat the process as needed 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 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 every time they are washed helps a lot. It is a great cheap fix for stains that frequently appear on medical staff uniforms. Be sure to keep the oil on hand though, or it will get expensive!
A quick visit to a local wash shop is all it takes to update your wardrobe. A trip to a wash shop changes your perspective about what is available. For instance, instead of thinking only of black and white scrubs, think about getting a couple 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 is likely that a wash shop has something to offer everyone. 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 moment to blot out the stains 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 onto a piece of cotton and then wiping it with cold water.
Now that you are 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 well with your light skin and dark hair. Nurses with lighter skin often look best in white, pink, light green, or aqua; nurses with dark skin look great in navy, gray, brown, or black.
Selecting the style of scrub is crucial too, because you don’t want your scrubs to battle with everything you’re wearing. You need 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 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 don’t want to show will be concealed, which makes you look 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 nice wash pair with a pair of trousers, a beige or white shirt, and solid top will remain comfortable.
Of course, there are also some comfortable scrubs that are fantastic 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 types of lotions are made very comfortable by their reflective cloth and smooth fit, so that you won’t need to worry about being uncomfortable. They are a tiny 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 sure to look amazing!