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 shout. But there was always one bit that was out of place, which was the apron. Yes, scrub pants. It’s amazing how much difference a wash top can make!
No, we are not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden times. 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. Washing a white shirt by hand is not an simple task, and the fabric can easily become stained by the residue left behind by the detergent. So it’s a fantastic thing that hospitals and health care centers now have a fast wash-clothe alternative: a quick trip to their pantry and a quick run to their white vinegar…
“What’s in a jar you ask?” Well, besides white vinegar, there are a couple of other things you’ll need for your quick visit to the laundry room. White vinegar is fantastic for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, since it’s 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 option to clean your uniforms. Repeat the process as needed 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 lot of different bodily fluids which 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 on hand though, or it will get expensive!
A quick trip to a local scrub store is all it takes to upgrade your wardrobe. A trip to a scrub store changes your perspective about what is available. For instance, rather than thinking only of white and black scrubs, consider getting a couple 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 is likely that a scrub store has something to offer everybody. You don’t even need 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 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 upgrade your color scheme. If you’re like most physicians, 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; physicians with dark skin look great in navy, gray, brown, or black.
Choosing the kind of scrub is crucial too, because you don’t want your scrubs to battle 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 decide on a solid color like green or blue, be sure the pattern is not too busy so that it doesn’t stand out from your professional attire. If you don’t 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. In this manner, any dirt or bodily fluids you do not want to show will be hidden, which makes you look even more professional. Since nurses spend as much time in a patient’s room, they want 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 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 perfect for the office. These types of lotions are made very comfortable by their reflective material and smooth fit, so that you won’t have to worry about being uncomfortable. They are a tiny bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill wash pants, but they’re a great deal more comfortable. No matter which kind of nursing uniform you choose, you’re sure to look amazing!