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, which was the apron. Yes, scrub pants. It’s amazing how much difference a scrub 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: no matter where physicians go, they need white vinegar. A lot of it. Washing a white shirt by hand is no 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 facilities now have a quick wash-clothe alternative: a quick trip to their pantry and a fast 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 trip to the laundry area. White vinegar is great for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, because it is a bleach which 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 solution to clean your uniforms. Repeat the process as necessary until the stains are removed.
Medical staff also deal with a lot of bodily fluids on a regular basis. From plasma and blood to stem cells, there are a whole 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 often appear on medical staff uniforms. Be sure to keep the oil available though, or it will get expensive!
A quick trip to a local wash shop is all it takes to upgrade your wardrobe. A visit to a wash shop changes your perspective about what is available. For instance, instead of 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 so many variations on nursing scrubs, and it is very 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 have been dying to get.
Before you actually wash your nursing scrubs, you want to take a minute to blot the stains out with a stain remover like rubbing alcohol. Some spots, such as blood or bodily fluids, will soak in and will leave a blot. 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’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, grey, brown, or black.
Selecting the kind of scrub is crucial as well, as you don’t need your scrubs to battle 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 blue or green, make sure the pattern isn’t too busy so that it doesn’t stand out from 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 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 nice scrub set with a pair of trousers, a white or beige shirt, and solid top will remain comfortable.
Needless to say, there are also some comfortable scrubs that are perfect 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 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 wash pants, but they’re a lot more comfortable. Whichever kind of nursing uniform you choose, you’re guaranteed to look amazing!