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 scream. 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 make!
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 lot of it. Lay a white shirt by hand is no simple task, and the fabric can easily become stained by the residue left behind from the detergent. So it’s a good thing that hospitals and health care centers now have a fast wash-clothe solution: a quick trip to their pantry and a fast run to their white vinegar…
“What is in a jar you ask?” Well, besides white vinegar, there are a few other things you’ll need for your quick trip to the laundry area. White vinegar is great for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, because it’s a bleach that will not 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 option to clean your uniforms. Repeat the process as necessary until the stains are removed.
Medical staff also handle a lot of bodily fluids on a regular basis. From blood and plasma to stem cells, there are a whole 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 each time they are washed helps a lot. It is a great cheap fix for stains which often appear on medical staff uniforms. Make certain to keep the oil available though, or it will get expensive!
A quick visit to a local scrub store is all it takes to update your wardrobe. A trip to a wash shop changes your perspective about what is available. For instance, rather than thinking only of black and white scrubs, think about getting a few more pairs of white and black scrub pants, and possibly even a pair or two of white cotton drawstring pajamas. There are so many variations on nursing scrubs, and it’s very likely that a scrub store has something to offer everybody. 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 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 onto a piece of cotton and then wiping it with cold water.
Now that you’re 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 need to decide on a color scheme that will go well 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 great in navy, grey, brown, or black.
Choosing the style of scrub is crucial as well, because you don’t want your scrubs to clash with everything you’re wearing. You want to look both comfortable and fashionable. You can opt for either a solid color or patterned one, but if you decide on a solid color like green or blue, make sure that the pattern isn’t too busy so that it doesn’t stand out in your professional attire. If you do not feel comfortable wearing that patterned scrub, then proceed with a plain color and simple design.
For a professional appearance, you should definitely choose scrubs that have a double layer. This way, any dirt or bodily fluids you don’t want to show will be concealed, making you look more professional. Since nurses spend as 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 pants, a beige or white shirt, and solid top will remain comfortable.
Needless to say, 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 kinds of lotions are made very comfortable by their reflective cloth and smooth fit, so that you won’t have to worry about being uncomfortable. They’re a tiny bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill scrub pants, but they are a lot more comfortable. Whichever kind of nursing uniform you choose, you are sure to look amazing!