Nursing scrubs have changed very little over 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 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 improved significantly over time, but one thing hasn’t changed: no matter where nurses go, they need white vinegar. A whole lot of it. Washing a white shirt by hand is no easy task, and the cloth can quickly 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 quick wash-clothe alternative: a quick trip to their pantry and a quick 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 visit to the laundry room. White vinegar is great for staining those pesky stains on nursing scrubs, because it’s a bleach that 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 solution to clean your uniforms. Repeat the process as necessary until the stains are removed.
Medical staff also deal with 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 every time they are washed helps a lot. It’s 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 visit to a local wash shop is all it takes to update your wardrobe. A visit to a wash shop changes your perspective about what is available. As an example, instead of 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 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 have been dying to get.
Before you actually clean your nursing scrubs, you want to take a minute to blot out the stains with a stain remover like rubbing alcohol. Some stains, 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 are wearing clean scrubs uniforms, it’s time to upgrade your color scheme. If you’re like most physicians, 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 tend to look best in white, pink, light green, or aqua; nurses with dark skin look great in navy, grey, brown, or black.
Choosing the style of scrub is crucial as well, as you don’t want your scrubs to battle with everything you’re wearing. You need 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 blue or green, make 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 wash, 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 do not want to show will be hidden, which makes you look 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 wonderful scrub set with a pair of trousers, a white or beige shirt, and solid top will always be 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 fantastic for the office. These types of lotions are made very comfortable by their reflective material and smooth fit, so you won’t need to worry about being uncomfortable. They are a little bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill scrub pants, but they’re a lot more comfortable. Whichever kind of nursing uniform you choose, you are sure to look amazing!