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, and that 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 days. Nursing scrubs have improved significantly over time, but one thing has not changed: regardless of where physicians go, they need white vinegar. A lot of it. Lay a white shirt by hand is no easy 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 medical care facilities now have a fast wash-clothe alternative: a quick trip to their pantry and a quick run for their white vinegar…
“What’s in a bottle you ask?” Well, besides white vinegar, there are a few other things you’ll need for your quick visit to the laundry area. White vinegar is great for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, because it’s a bleach which won’t 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 solution to wash your uniforms. Repeat the process as needed 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 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. Be sure to keep the oil on hand though, or it will get expensive!
A quick trip to a local wash shop is all it takes to update your wardrobe. A trip to a wash shop changes your perspective about what’s available. As an example, instead of thinking only of black and white scrubs, think about 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’s likely that a wash shop has something to offer everybody. 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 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 blot. 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 is 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 need to pick a color scheme that will go nicely with your light skin and dark hair. Nurses with lighter skin tend to look best in pink, white, light green, or aqua; nurses with dark skin look good in navy, gray, brown, or black.
Selecting 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, 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 go with a plain color and simple design.
For a professional appearance, 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 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 nice wash pair with a pair of pants, a white or beige 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 types of scrubs are made very comfortable by their reflective material and smooth fit, so that you won’t need to worry about being uncomfortable. They are a little bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill scrub pants, but they’re a lot more comfortable. Whichever kind of nursing uniform you choose, you’re sure to look amazing!