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 remarkable how much difference a wash top can make!
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 nurses go, they need white vinegar. A whole lot of it. Lay a white shirt by hand is no easy task, and the fabric can quickly become stained by the residue left behind from the detergent. So it’s a good thing that hospitals and health care facilities now have a quick wash-clothe solution: a quick trip to their pantry and a fast 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’s 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 needed until the stains are removed.
Medical staff also handle a lot 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 every time they are washed helps a lot. It is a great cheap fix for stains which frequently appear on medical staff uniforms. Be sure to keep the oil available though, or it will get expensive!
A quick visit to a local wash shop is all it takes to update your wardrobe. A trip to a scrub store changes your perspective about what is available. As an example, rather than thinking only of black and white scrubs, consider getting a few more pairs of black and white 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’s very likely that a scrub store has something to offer everyone. You don’t even have 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 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 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 are wearing clean scrubs uniforms, it is time to update your color scheme. If you are like most nurses, you have light skin and dark hair. If this describes you, then you certainly want to pick a color scheme that will go well 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 great in navy, gray, brown, or black.
Choosing the style of scrub is crucial too, because 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 that the pattern is not too busy so that it doesn’t stand out from your professional attire. If you do not 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. This way, any dirt or bodily fluids you do not wish to show will be hidden, making 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 wonderful scrub set 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 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 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’re a little bit more dressy than your run-of-the-mill scrub pants, but they are a great deal more comfortable. Whichever kind of nursing uniform you choose, you are sure to look amazing!