Nursing scrubs have changed very little through the years. Yes, there were those sleek 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 amazing how much difference a scrub top can make!
No, we’re not talking about that nurse’s uniform from the olden times. Nursing scrubs have improved significantly over time, but one thing hasn’t changed: regardless of where physicians go, they need white vinegar. A lot of it. Lay a white shirt by hand is not an 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 medical care centers now have a fast wash-clothe alternative: a quick trip to their pantry and a quick run to 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 visit to the laundry area. White vinegar is fantastic for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, because it is a bleach that won’t 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 solution 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 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 is a great cheap fix for stains that 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 wash shop is all it takes to upgrade your wardrobe. A trip to a scrub store changes your perspective about what’s available. For instance, rather than thinking only of white and black scrubs, consider getting a few more pairs of black and white scrub pants, and possibly 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 everybody. You don’t even have 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 out the stains with a stain remover like rubbing alcohol. Some spots, 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 are 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 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 pink, white, light green, or aqua; physicians with dark skin look good in navy, grey, brown, or black.
Selecting the kind of scrub is crucial as well, as you don’t need your scrubs to battle with everything you are wearing. You want to look both comfortable and fashionable. You can opt for either a solid color or patterned one, but if you choose a solid color like green or blue, make sure the pattern is not too active so that it doesn’t stand out in 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 appearance, you should definitely choose scrubs that have a double layer. In this manner, any dirt or bodily fluids you do not want to show will be concealed, 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 wash pair 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 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 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 tiny bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill wash pants, but they are a lot more comfortable. Whichever kind of nursing uniform you choose, you are guaranteed to look amazing!