Nursing scrubs have changed very little through 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 piece that was out of place, and that was the apron. Yes, scrub pants. It’s remarkable how much difference a wash top can create!
No, we’re 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: no matter where physicians go, they need white vinegar. A lot of it. Lay a white shirt by hand is not an simple job, and the fabric can quickly become stained by the residue left behind from the detergent. So it’s a fantastic thing that hospitals and medical care centers now have a quick wash-clothe solution: a quick trip to their pantry and a fast run to their white vinegar…
“What’s in a bottle you ask?” Well, besides white vinegar, there are a few other things you’ll want for your quick trip to the laundry room. White vinegar is great for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, because it’s a bleach that 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 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 which find their way onto scrubs and uniforms. To prevent them from staining your nursing scrubs, dabbing them with olive oil each 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 available 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 scrub store changes your perspective about what is available. As an example, rather than 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 so many variations on nursing scrubs, and it is 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 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, 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 decide on a color scheme that will go nicely with your light skin and dark hair. Nurses with lighter skin tend to 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 need your scrubs to clash with everything you are wearing. You need 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, be sure that the pattern is not too busy so that it doesn’t 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 wish to show will be concealed, making 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 wonderful wash pair with a pair of pants, a white or beige shirt, and solid top will remain comfortable.
Of course, 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 little bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill wash pants, but they’re a lot more comfortable. Whichever type of nursing uniform you choose, you are sure to look amazing!