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, and that was the apron. Yes, scrub pants. It’s amazing how much difference a scrub top can create!
No, we are not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden times. Nursing scrubs have progressed significantly over time, but one thing has not changed: no matter where nurses go, they want white vinegar. A whole lot of it. Lay a white shirt by hand is not an simple task, and the cloth can easily become stained by the residue left behind by the detergent. So it’s a fantastic thing that hospitals and medical care centers now have a fast wash-clothe alternative: a quick trip to their pantry and a fast run to their white vinegar…
“What’s in a jar you ask?” Well, besides white vinegar, there are a few other things you’ll need 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 that will not 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 option to wash your uniforms. Repeat the process as necessary 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 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 is a great cheap fix for stains that frequently appear on medical staff uniforms. Be sure to keep the oil available though, or it will get expensive!
A fast trip to a local wash shop is all it takes to update your wardrobe. A trip to a scrub store changes your perspective about what’s available. As an example, rather than thinking only of white and black scrubs, think about 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 a lot of 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’ve 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 stains, such as 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 want to pick a color scheme that will go nicely with your light skin and dark hair. Nurses with lighter skin tend to look best in white, pink, light green, or aqua; physicians with dark skin look great in navy, gray, brown, or black.
Choosing the style of scrub is crucial as well, as you don’t want your scrubs to battle with everything you are wearing. You need 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 green or blue, make sure the pattern is not too busy so that it will not stand out from 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 wish to show will be concealed, which makes you look even more professional. Since nurses spend so much time in a patient’s room, they need pants that can withstand frequent jumps and changes of direction. A nice wash pair with a pair of trousers, a beige or white shirt, and solid top will always be comfortable.
Of course, 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 lotions are made very comfortable by their reflective cloth 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 scrub pants, but they are a great deal more comfortable. Whichever type of nursing uniform you choose, you are sure to look amazing!