Nursing scrubs have changed very little over 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 scrub top can create!
No, we’re not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden times. Nursing scrubs have progressed significantly over the decades, but one thing hasn’t changed: no matter 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 from the detergent. So it’s a fantastic thing that hospitals and medical care facilities now have a quick wash-clothe solution: a quick trip to their pantry and a fast run for their white vinegar…
“What is in a jar you ask?” Well, besides white vinegar, there are a couple of other things you’ll want for your quick trip to the laundry area. White vinegar is fantastic 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 option to wash your uniforms. Repeat the process as necessary until the stains are removed.
Medical staff also handle a great deal 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 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 available though, or it will get expensive!
A quick trip to a local scrub store is all it takes to update your wardrobe. A visit to a scrub store changes your perspective about what is available. For instance, instead of thinking only of white and black scrubs, consider getting a few 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’s likely that a scrub store has something to offer everybody. You don’t even need to take the day off of work to get the look you’ve been dying to get.
Before you actually clean your nursing scrubs, you want to take a moment 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 blot. To remove these stains, try blotting with alcohol on a piece of cotton and then wiping it with cold water.
Now that you’re wearing clean scrubs uniforms, it’s time to update your color scheme. If you are like most nurses, you have light skin and dark hair. If this describes you, then you want to decide on a color scheme that will go nicely 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 good in navy, gray, brown, or black.
Choosing the style of scrub is crucial too, as you don’t need 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 is not too active so that it doesn’t stand out from your professional attire. If you do not feel comfortable wearing that patterned scrub, 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 don’t want to show will be hidden, making you look 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 scrub set with a pair of pants, a beige or white shirt, and solid top will always be comfortable.
Of course, 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 perfect for the office. These types of lotions are made very comfortable by their reflective cloth and smooth fit, so you won’t have to worry about being uncomfortable. They’re a tiny bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill wash pants, but they are a lot more comfortable. No matter which kind of nursing uniform you choose, you’re guaranteed to look amazing!