Nursing scrubs have changed very little over the years. Yes, there were those glossy gray factory uniforms with the spandex and cotton combinations that made you want to shout. But there was always one piece that was out of place, and that was the apron. Yes, scrub pants. It’s amazing how much difference a wash top can create!
No, we’re not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden days. Nursing scrubs have improved significantly over time, but one thing hasn’t changed: regardless of where physicians go, they need white vinegar. A whole lot of it. Washing a white shirt by hand is no simple task, and the fabric can quickly become stained by the residue left behind by the detergent. So it’s a good thing that hospitals and health care facilities now have a fast wash-clothe alternative: a quick trip to their pantry and a quick run to their white vinegar…
“What’s 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 room. 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 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 blood and plasma to stem cells, there are a whole lot of different bodily fluids that find their way onto scrubs and uniforms. To keep 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. Make certain to keep the oil available though, or it will get expensive!
A fast 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’s available. As an example, instead of thinking only of black and white scrubs, think about 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 wash shop 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 wash your nursing scrubs, you need to take a moment to blot out the stains with a stain remover like rubbing alcohol. Some stains, such as blood or bodily fluids, will soak in and will leave a stain behind. 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 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 often look best in white, pink, light green, or aqua; nurses with dark skin look great in navy, gray, brown, or black.
Selecting the style of scrub is crucial too, as you don’t need your scrubs to clash with everything you are wearing. You need 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, be sure the pattern isn’t too active so that it will not 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 look, 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, which makes you look even 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 wonderful wash pair with a pair of pants, a white or beige 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 scrubs are made very comfortable by their reflective cloth 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 scrub pants, but they’re a great deal more comfortable. Whichever type of nursing uniform you choose, you’re sure to look amazing!