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 scream. 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 scrub top can create!
No, we’re not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden times. Nursing scrubs have progressed 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 not an simple job, and the fabric can easily become stained by the residue left behind by the detergent. So it’s a good thing that hospitals and health care centers now have a quick wash-clothe solution: a quick trip to their pantry and a quick run for 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 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 blood and plasma to stem cells, there are a whole 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 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 visit 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. For instance, instead of thinking only of black and white scrubs, consider getting a couple 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 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 update your color scheme. If you’re 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 tend to look best in pink, white, light green, or aqua; nurses with dark skin look great in navy, grey, brown, or black.
Selecting the style of scrub is crucial as well, as you don’t need 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 decide on a solid color like blue or green, make sure that the pattern is not too active so that it doesn’t stand out in your professional attire. If you do not feel comfortable wearing that patterned wash, then proceed with a plain color and simple design.
For a professional look, you should definitely choose scrubs with a double layer. This way, any dirt or bodily fluids you do not want to show will be concealed, making you look even 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 white or beige shirt, and solid top will always be comfortable.
Needless to say, 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 fantastic for the office. These kinds 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 little bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill wash pants, but they’re a great deal more comfortable. No matter which type of nursing uniform you choose, you are guaranteed to look amazing!