Nursing scrubs have changed very little over the years. Yes, there were those glossy gray factory uniforms with the spandex and cotton mixtures that made you want to scream. But there was always one bit 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 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: no matter where physicians go, they want white vinegar. A lot of it. Washing a white shirt by hand is not an easy task, and the fabric can quickly 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 quick wash-clothe alternative: a quick trip to their pantry and a fast run to their white vinegar…
“What is in a bottle 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, since 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 option to wash your uniforms. Repeat the process as needed until the stains are removed.
Medical staff also deal with 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 every time they are washed helps a lot. It’s a great cheap fix for stains which frequently appear on medical staff uniforms. Make certain 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 visit to a scrub store changes your perspective about what’s available. As an example, instead of thinking only of white and black 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 is very 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 clean 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 are wearing clean scrubs uniforms, it’s time to upgrade your color scheme. If you are like most physicians, you have light skin and dark hair. If this describes you, then you certainly 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 pink, white, light green, or aqua; physicians with dark skin look great in navy, gray, brown, or black.
Selecting the kind of scrub is crucial too, as you don’t need your scrubs to battle 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, be 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 wash, then go 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 do not wish to show will be hidden, 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 pants, a white or beige shirt, and solid top will always be comfortable.
Of course, 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 perfect for the office. These types of scrubs are made very comfortable by their reflective material and smooth fit, so that you won’t have 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 sure to look amazing!