The nursing profession is a very demanding one. You need to make sure that you take good care of your physical and mental health to have a sustainable career. There are a lot of health recommendations that nurses should follow to keep themselves healthy. These include getting appropriate vaccines before working with patients that abuse IVs or other high-risk populations, as well as managing stress to avoid long-term mental health problems. However, one issue that is seldom talked about is the problems nurses can develop after being on their feet for so long. If they buy the wrong shoes, then they can develop a number of health issues. These include:
- Knee pain
- Collapsed arches
- Spine misalignment
- Any number of issues that could arise if they slip and fall
These problems are greater risks for nurses than many other professions, because they are on their feet so much and have to move so fast. This is why buying the right shoes is critical for anyone in the nursing profession.
Tips for Nurses to Minimize the Risk of Injury by Purchasing the Right Shoes
Taking time to choose appropriate shoes to wear while carrying out your duties and responsibilities as a nurse can make a massive difference in your well-being, how your do your job, as well as your career. Comfortable shoes can reduce stress on the whole body and protect your health while you focus on protecting other people’s health. Here are 9 tips for nurses searching for practical, comfortable nursing shoes that look great too. Husson University has some great recommendations for nurses to choose shoes as well, but the following list is a good place to start.
- Check the Rules Before Embarking on Your Search
Healthcare employers typically have requirements or guidelines about shoes that nurses and other staff should wear in the workplace. They can include anything from the amount of the foot that should be covered and the color, to the shoe’s protective qualities. If you are not aware of what the rules are, take some time to enquire before spending time searching for the perfect shoe.
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- Don’t Allow Yourself to Be Weighed Down by Serious Shoes
Whenever you lift your foot, you are raising the weight of the shoe, which is why it should be as light as possible. However, light does not necessarily mean flimsy. The vast majority of shoes that are specifically designed for an active healthcare environment are usually made from modern, high-tech materials that are strong and lightweight.
- Select the Right Fit from the Beginning
Never compromise when it comes to choosing the perfect fit for your feet. All the hours you spend walking, standing, and running can quickly turn into agony if your shoes are either too tight or too loose, take a look at Propet Shoes. Getting the right fit is not just about choosing the right size; it is also about the right design, the materials used to make the shoe, as well as the quality of construction.
- Get the Right Grip to Avoid Slipping
The fact that nurses should wear shoes with a high slip resistance is rather obvious, but this has been included here since when you are presented with shoes that feel and look great, you can easily forget the basics. Always look out for shoes that have a TPU sole, which is a type of plastic typically used in footwear since it is durable, strong, and can be molded to ensure high slip resistance.
- Select Shoes Capable of Standing Up to Stains
Splashes and spills are almost always unavoidable in healthcare settings, which means that you should have washable footwear. Shoes designed with nurses in mind typically come with washing instructions to help you keep the shoes looking great while also addressing hygiene problems.
- Be Ready for a Few Shocks
Whenever your foot contacts the ground, a shock runs through the body. The firmer the contact and the harder the surface is, the higher the level of damage that shock may cause to your spine, knees, and other joints. As a nurse who’s on the feet throughout the day, it can be a good idea to look for shoes capable of cushioning against this impact. Try looking for shoes that are specifically designed to include shock absorbent technology, such as air cushioning.
- Look Out for the Inner Sole
You might still have to insert an inner sole no matter how good a shoe is. The inner sole is for providing additional comfort or for providing orthopedic support. Inner soles also absorb moisture and help in odor reduction. Some of the shoes even have replaceable inner soles.
- Interior and Exterior Protection
The environments that healthcare professionals work in expose them to all kinds of risks from sharp or heavy objects, it can be a good idea to consider shows with aluminum or steel toe caps. Modern safety shoes with this built-in shield might be functional and comply with the appropriate standards, but it does not mean that they should be either ugly or heavy.
- Good Looking and Hard Working
21st century footwear technology means that nurses looking for comfortable, hard-wearing shoes don’t have to compromise with regards to style. You can actually enjoy attractive shoes that also do an excellent job of protecting the feet as well as the whole body, against the wear and tear associated with working long shifts.
Purchase the Right Shoes to Prevent Injuries
Injuries are not uncommon in the nursing profession. You need to know what to wear to avoid them. This includes getting the right shoes.
