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 scream. 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 are not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden times. Nursing scrubs have improved significantly over time, but one thing has not changed: regardless of where nurses go, they want white vinegar. A whole lot of it. Lay a white shirt by hand is no simple job, and the cloth can quickly become stained by the residue left behind by the detergent. So it’s a good thing that hospitals and medical care centers now have a fast wash-clothe solution: a quick trip to their pantry and a fast run for 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 visit to the laundry area. White vinegar is fantastic for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, since it’s 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 solution 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 that find their way onto scrubs and uniforms. To prevent 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 which often appear on medical staff uniforms. Be sure to keep the oil available though, or it will get expensive!
A fast trip to a local wash shop is all it takes to update your wardrobe. A visit to a scrub store changes your perspective about what is available. As an example, instead of thinking only of black and white scrubs, consider getting a few 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 scrub store has something to offer everyone. You don’t even have 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 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 are wearing clean scrubs uniforms, it’s 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 need to decide on a color scheme that will go well with your light skin and dark hair. Nurses with lighter skin often look best in pink, white, light green, or aqua; nurses with dark skin look good in navy, gray, brown, or black.
Choosing the kind of scrub is crucial as well, as you don’t want your scrubs to clash with everything you are wearing. You want to look both fashionable and comfortable. 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 is not too active so that it will not stand out from your professional attire. If you do not 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. In this manner, any dirt or bodily fluids you do not want to show will be concealed, which makes you look 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 trousers, a beige or white shirt, and solid top will remain comfortable.
Needless to say, 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 lotions are made very comfortable by their reflective material and smooth fit, so you won’t need to worry about being uncomfortable. They’re a tiny bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill scrub pants, but they’re a lot more comfortable. No matter which type of nursing uniform you choose, you’re sure to look amazing!