Nursing scrubs have changed very little through 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 piece that was out of place, and that was the apron. Yes, scrub pants. It’s remarkable 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 improved significantly over time, but one thing has not changed: no matter where nurses go, they need white vinegar. A lot of it. Lay a white shirt by hand is no easy job, and the fabric can easily become stained by the residue left behind from the detergent. So it’s a good thing that hospitals and health care centers now have a fast wash-clothe alternative: a quick trip to their pantry and a fast run for their white vinegar…
“What is in a bottle 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’s a bleach which will not leave a greasy residue on your clothing. Combine one 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 great deal 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 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. Be sure to keep the oil on hand though, or it will get expensive!
A quick trip to a local scrub store is all it takes to upgrade your wardrobe. A visit to a wash shop changes your perspective about what’s available. For instance, rather than thinking only of black and white scrubs, think about getting a few 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 likely that a wash shop 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 wash 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’re wearing clean scrubs uniforms, it’s 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 certainly need 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 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 too, because you don’t need your scrubs to battle with everything you’re wearing. You need to look both fashionable and comfortable. You can opt for either a solid color or patterned one, but if you choose a solid color like green or blue, be sure that the pattern isn’t too busy so that it will not stand out from your professional attire. If you don’t 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 don’t wish to show will be hidden, making you look even more professional. Since nurses spend as 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 pants, a beige or white shirt, and solid top will always be 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 fantastic for the office. These types of lotions 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 are a great deal more comfortable. Whichever type of nursing uniform you choose, you’re guaranteed to look amazing!